This week we interview French reggae artist Hosny. He is the leader of the upcoming band French reggae band, Good Morning Babylones. Here is our conversation with Hosny.
Question: Can you tell us about the first time you heard reggae. What was that experience like? The first time I’ve heard Reggae Music I was 3 or 4 years old and it was Bob Marley’s song “Is this Love”. It was a very deep powerful impression inside of me, a feeling, a vibe.
Question: Was it then that you decided to be a reggae artist?
I was too young at 3 or 4 years old! After I became naturally a Rastaman. Jah decides
Question: What is life like for a reggae artist in your country (France)?
The life for a reggae Artist in France is hard. When you come from ghettos, from a tough life, like in Jamaica or everywhere in the world, it’s more difficult for us.Reggae Music makes feel the sufferings of people.
Do you do alot of concerts?
Not now because for the moment I just finished my 4th Album, I put tracks on my website to promote my new Album. I prepare the launch of this Album and after the release in September or October; I will make concerts of course.
Question: Have you performed outside your country?
Yes I’ve performed in England, Switzerland, Portugal, and Tunisia. I’ve never play in America, but I hope I will do it
Question: Tell us about your first reggae album?
I made my first Album naturally. I didn’t know I was an artist who makes powerful roots reggae music felt by lots of people.
Question: Is it in your native language, French?
It was in English, it’s called “Radical Fighters”. I make this Album with musicians like Tyrone Downie, keyboard player for Bob Marley, different musicians from London, Paris.
Question: When will your next album be released?
In September or October 2012.
Question: What first drew your attention to Reggae?
It’s music of fight, to spread Love all over the world. Its strength comes from Kingdom of JAH. Only the true Rastaman can feel it but everybody can feel the musical strength of Reggae. Reggae Music is for all the people.
Question: What was the first Reggae song you ever heard?
“Is this Love” Bob Marley
Question: Who and what are your influences?
I’ve listened lots of Reggae bands like Dennis Brown, Burning Spear, Israël Vibrations and others…. But for me Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Jacob Miller, Hugh Mundell represent truly the real roots of Reggae Music
Question: What style of reggae is played often in your country?
It’s “French” Reggae. Some artists distinguish themselves from the others.
Question: Was the fact that Reggae is English and Patois a barrier? Is there French Patois..lol?
Not at all, there are any barriers in Reggae Music. There is a French patois, in the country, but we don’t use it in Reggae!
Question: Is Reggae mainstream and is it played on the radio there?
Yes Reggae Music is played on radio.
Question: How is Reggae influencing your culture?
Reggae is a culture. It’s Rastafari Culture
Question: If someone traveled to visit your home and wanted to hear reggae music what would they have to do?
It’s easy, people can look in specialized magazines, newspapers, on internet, and find different Reggae events in Paris.
Question: How would you describe your country’s reggae sound and development?
Records companies and journalists are not very open on reggae music, But I think it’s gonna be better, it’s gonna be cool.
Question: Who is your favorite Reggae Artist?
Bob Marley by the strength of his musical technic and the power of his vibes.
Question: Where do you think Reggae will be in 10 years time in your country?
I think reggae Music will always be there in France and everywhere. It will be nice.
Reggae Music is a Culture, a way of life and the Rastamen will be there forever
Question: Do you think there is anything preventing Reggae from flourishing for you and your fellow artists in your country?
Yes in every countries because Reggae Music tell the true and Babylon don’t like it!
Reggae Music is a Music of Love
Question: In some countries you might see people wearing a Jamaican-style hat with fake dreadlocks attached when they attend reggae concerts and other events. Do you see anything that you see in your country?
Of course there are lots of Rastamen in France, lots of Reggae events.France has a musical Power, Paris is a city with lots of musicians.
Question: Have you ever been to Jamaica?
Yes I’ve been to Jamaica to record my second Album and my third Album in Kingston studio, Peter Black studio, with the Wailers such as Aston Familyman Barrett, Vin Gordon, Glen Da Costa, Bembow Creary (first drummer of Bob Marley)….
And I love Jamaica a lot!
Question: Do you have many/any Jamaican people living in your country?
Yes they are some Jamaicans living in France, especially in Paris.
Question: Do you eat Jamaican food? Can you get it in your country?
Yes I eat Jamaican food, African food and French food!
Yes we can find Jamaican food in Paris! Paris is a big city, very cosmopolitan, with lots of people from all the countries.
Question: Thanks for the interview. Do you have any final words?
Big hello to all the Rastaman and all the Jamaicans. I wish them a Good Life and Good Vibes God Bless You All and I Love Jamaica. Thanks to Jamaica I’m a Rastaman
I’m also Jamaican in my heart