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Interview: Ziggi Recado
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Interview: Ziggi Recado
"It remains difficult for black music in Holland and it's hard to get attention"
Sampler
Dutch singjay Ziggi Recado has recently put out his third full length album in Holland, and on June 6 it drops worldwide. United Reggae has spoken to a reggae star that has travelled new paths and is now also acknowledged as a producer.
Ziggi Recado – formerly only Ziggi – rose to prominence in 2006 when he put out his Rock N Vibes produced debut album 'So Much Reasons'. Since then a lot has changed for this 30 year old singer.
He has now three albums and one EP on his list of merits. On top of this he can now also label himself as a producer. On 'Ziggi Recado' – his new self-titled album – he is recognized for the major part of the production. And this is something that seems to have had great impact on his sound.
New sound, instant success
Because 'Ziggi Recado' is not an ordinary reggae album. It is a fusion of reggae, soul, pop, funk and rock. Surprisingly no dancehall. 
If you have heard the Cody Chesnutt & The Roots inspired first single Get Out you probably get the feeling.
“I’m happy about it. It’s the best Ziggi album ever. It’s different from my previous albums. I produced a lot of it and I think I turned it into a great reggae album,” says Ziggi Recado over the phone.
The album have been an instant success in his home country, hitting number 1 in the iTunes Reggae Charts, number 41 in the general iTunes charts and also debuted as number 51 in the Dutch album top 100 charts. Not bad for a reggae album. And Ziggi seems pleased.
“I’m very happy that the album has become a success in Holland. It remains difficult for black music in Holland and it’s hard to get attention,” he says, and continues:
“In Holland people know me as a reggae artist and many have looked forward to this album. It was anticipated,” he concludes.
Important not to be boring
Ziggi Recado certainly is a diverse effort, and Ziggi himself believes that it can attract more people. Important for him is also to show something new and to be interesting.
“For me it’s important not to be boring. No traditional way, no traditional sound. The last CD was more traditional. I needed to do something different and I think it really stands out. I have created something new,” he believes.
The new album was a natural progression according to Ziggi.
“When I did my first album I had just started doing music. I now know what I want to do. It is a progression for me,” he says, and adds:
“This is me right now, but I want to keep evolving and developing.”
Influenced by life
When I ask Ziggi about his influences I thought that I would get a bunch of artists or groups. I for instance thought of some hip-hoppers or soul outfits. But no.
“What influenced me is probably my family. The clock was ticking and I was having my second child. He was one month old when I started to record the album. It motivated me to get something done. Life was my motivation I guess,” he suggests.
The album was recorded with The Renaissance Band and they worked very close.
“It was a pure feeling. I’d get an idea for a song and then create it and get the picture together with my band. I’m lucky to have done the production with my band. They know what I want. I was free. We work very well together.”
Wants to work with Wyclef
Ziggi reveals that he would like to produce other artists as well.
“I’ve done a few productions in the past, but this is the first time that I’ve done a whole project. Now people can acknowledge me as a producer,” he says, and continues:
“I’d like the opportunity to work with Wyclef. I’m a huge fan. And Shabba [Ranks], the legacy, the great.”
No expectations
Even though the album already has done well in his home ground, he is very down to earth with his expectations on the international release.
“I try to except the least. I Hope for the best and expect the worse. But people should like it. I’ve got positive reactions so far. But nowadays with music it’s hard to tell. The most important is to take my music to a higher stage, and then I’ve reached my main goal.”
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Read comments (2)
| Posted by john on 05.12.2011 | |
| Thank you for supporting our Dutch pride of reggae. | |
| Posted by Smokingherbsman on 05.13.2011 | |
| First of I want to congratulate Ziggi with his new album! It’s good to see fresh home grown reggae in the Netherlands, gotta love home grown :P! So peace and love to Ziggi. However, I am offended by the comment that ‘It remains difficult for black music..’. I read it in the paper and now I see the same quote popping up. Reggae is NOT black music! Reggae music is for all of mankind indifferent to race, religion or eye-color. By using the terminology of black and white Ziggi is strengthening the false philosophy of racial divides , while in fact we are all human beings united under the same sun. I question the motives of Ziggi and fear he will become a sellout. He is blaming others for not liking his music, presumably because he is black. He should take a good look in the mirror because the problem is his own music. It is oke to make fusion reggae but don’t expect that to succeed as roots reggae can. Roots reggae, given to us by the prophet Bob Marley, is the only reggae that can unite the world! The words of wisdom within the music of e.g. Groundation or Clinton Fearon continue the roots reggae mission for peace, love and unity for all of mankind. So, Ziggi stop blaming others for your own failures. Get some weed and return to the roots to find all the answers you seek. |
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