Jewish Reggae with Matisyahu
June 15th 2006 09:07
Matisyahu is apparently a superstar within the Jewish community. His “uncanny, electrifying fusion of orthodox Judaism and classic reggae” (http://www.matismusic.com) is aimed at a huge market worldwide and the USA where he resides considering the number of Jews.
The reggae sounds are actually that bad, but I will be honest I find it strange to have this Hebrew reggae connection. I’ve always found it difficult to get into any type of conscious reggae, I am not religious, but I’ve made allowances for Rastafarianism because of its connection to reggae tradition. Lyrical content and spiritual influence aside, Matisyahu is quite talented and has a good sound, but I do think his main appeal (for those who do like him) lies in the fact he is Jewish writing about his faith and I find that somewhat disturbing.
On a similar note, other New Yorker King Django released Roots and Culture in 1999, a ska and reggae record with a Yiddish touch, but that was in a context of a wider career and gigs to a wider ska and reggae audience. And I like his music better, so there.
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Comment by Anonymous
Django's roots and culture on the other hand is an interesting one; re-recording Specials & Madness songs in Yiddish is arguably a lot more of a stunt than anything Matisyahu does. But the album argues a valid point with the whole klezmer/ska fusion thing.. the offbeats, prominent horns, and some of the cross-rhythms are very similar. I think it was an album Django recorded more for himself than anything else, but very worth a listen.
Somewhat tenuous final point, check out Yidcore- Jewish punk band from Melbourne that have some ska-influenced tracks, especially on their "Fiddlin' on ya Roof" recording.
- Oy Vegas
www.regicide.com.au
Comment by rhys
Two things that probably just should never go together.
Comment by Glen
Reggae
Comment by Shani
Matisyahu = ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!