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Black Star Foundation out of Amsterdam is very active in the Dutch and international reggae scene. We knew them the most by releases with Leah Rosier, Brainpower (We played Dub en Dwars E.P. over and over and over again..) and Asher-E and we were in the jury together for the BeneluxXl Reggae Contest 2014. It is about time we get to know a likkle bit more about this inspiring foundation and their mission to promote reggae music anyway they can.
Please introduce yourselves and tell us a bit more about yourselves? Hi, my name is Michelle Boekhout van Solinge. I am the founder of Black Star Foundation, a non-profit organization, based in Amsterdam, which has been committed to promote reggae music in Holland for almost 12 years now. I started up Black Star Foundation after I have lived and worked in Ghana |
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(West Africa) for a year (2002). I actually worked there for an internet company, but in my spare time I met a lot of very talented singers and musicians. I wondered what would happen if you put those artists on stage in Holland and so I did. In 2003/2005 I organized a tour for Ghanaian reggae artist Black Prophet and invited him to come to Holland. In 2006/2007 we did the same thing for another Ghanaian reggae artist, called Osagyefo, including the release of his debut album. Around that time Den-Den had joined Black Star Foundation, and we also started up Black Star label. Our producer is riddim master and multi-instrumentalist Eelco Kastermans (also known as Producer Asher-E), who has his studio in Deventer (Holland). I started to do bookings for more artists and bands and from there, Black Star Foundation grew to be an all-round organization in reggae music.
My name is Dennis van Tetering, also known as Den-Den, selector for Black Star Sound. I've been a DJ (selector) since the 80-ties, in my high school years. I used to play on our school nights, mainly cause I had the most records, since my grandmother owned a record shop. When I finished high school, I became DJ in a local bar/club and played every style of music. After a view years I choose to play strictly reggae and I started to play with Jahva Sound in The Hague. After some time with them, I started to play by myself, as Den-Den. By that time I met Michelle and in 2005 we decided to start up Black Star Sound, a sound within Black Star Foundation, almost 10 years ago now!
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Black Star Foundation recently celebrated their 10th anniversary! Can u tell us what this Foundation is all about?
Black Star Foundation is all about reggae music! Actually we do so many different things, but it’s all reggae-related. We organize reggae events and concerts, manage and handle bookings for artists/bands, publish music on our label, we give musical lectures about reggae music, we support and develop new talent, etc. etc. Our 10-year Anniversary was a 10 hour party for 10 euro only! The event took place in Melkweg (Amsterdam) on March 22nd 2013. We wanted to show the audience the wide variety of our activities, so besides the music, we also had an exhibition of artist pictures and posters, a musical lecture about Jamaica and reggae music, two movies, Jamaican food and drinks, goodie bags and lots of Black Star merchandize. We had live music by both national and international artists, DJ’s and bands, like Spectacular (Jamaica), Vivian Jones (UK/Jamaica), Brainpower (Holland), Rebel Jam (Holland), Irie Ites (France), Asher E (Holland) and many more. |
10 year Anniversary Flyer - Black Star Foundation
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What do you want to achieve with this Foundation in the future?
The main goal of Black Star Foundation is to promote reggae music in any which way. In the future we hope to get a bigger audience for reggae music. There are so many good reggae artists, but reggae is hardly played on Dutch national radio. That’s why we also do cross-over projects, like the reggae album we did with Dutch rapper Brainpower (Dub & Dwars, 2010). We are now working on a Dub poetry project with Dutch author/poet Erik Jan Harmens. Besides that, we really want to bring quality and professionalism in reggae music. Not only in the music itself, but also in organising and running a proper business etc.
The main goal of Black Star Foundation is to promote reggae music in any which way. In the future we hope to get a bigger audience for reggae music. There are so many good reggae artists, but reggae is hardly played on Dutch national radio. That’s why we also do cross-over projects, like the reggae album we did with Dutch rapper Brainpower (Dub & Dwars, 2010). We are now working on a Dub poetry project with Dutch author/poet Erik Jan Harmens. Besides that, we really want to bring quality and professionalism in reggae music. Not only in the music itself, but also in organising and running a proper business etc.
Development is good, you can’t stop it. Just go along, go with the flow.
Can u tell us more about how you got to know reggae music?
Michelle: I got to know reggae music through my big brother Tim, who already listened to reggae in the 80-ties (artists like UB40, Burning Spear, Aswad, Yellowman). I used to borrow some of his cassettes, mostly ska and rocksteady. My brother wrote his thesis (1994) about the social backgrounds of Jamaican music and culture, and therefor he stayed in Kingston (Jamaica) for six months. I went to Jamaica to visit him and travelled the island for 3 weeks. We stayed at the house of ska-legend Justin Hinds and his family. At the house, his music was played all day long. The spiritual message in his lyrics, combined with the vibe of being at his house had a great impact on me. I think it really started from there.
Den-Den: I first 'met' reggae music through Aswad – Live & Direct. I knew nothing about reggae, but the stepfather of my best friend always played Aswad – Live & Direct when we smoked a little spliff. After listening to this record for so many times (actually we only played the b-side, cause the record was so beaten up, we couldn't play the a-side anymore) I got curious about other reggae artists and I bought Burning Spear - Reggae Greats. And after that I was hooked.
Michelle: I got to know reggae music through my big brother Tim, who already listened to reggae in the 80-ties (artists like UB40, Burning Spear, Aswad, Yellowman). I used to borrow some of his cassettes, mostly ska and rocksteady. My brother wrote his thesis (1994) about the social backgrounds of Jamaican music and culture, and therefor he stayed in Kingston (Jamaica) for six months. I went to Jamaica to visit him and travelled the island for 3 weeks. We stayed at the house of ska-legend Justin Hinds and his family. At the house, his music was played all day long. The spiritual message in his lyrics, combined with the vibe of being at his house had a great impact on me. I think it really started from there.
Den-Den: I first 'met' reggae music through Aswad – Live & Direct. I knew nothing about reggae, but the stepfather of my best friend always played Aswad – Live & Direct when we smoked a little spliff. After listening to this record for so many times (actually we only played the b-side, cause the record was so beaten up, we couldn't play the a-side anymore) I got curious about other reggae artists and I bought Burning Spear - Reggae Greats. And after that I was hooked.
What do you think about the development reggae music has made in the past 10 years? And what are your expectations for the coming decades?
Michelle: Development is good, you can’t stop it. Just go along, go with the flow. It’s there, development in technology etc. Nowadays you hear more and more reggae influences in e.g. EDM (Electronic Dance Music), which is a good thing. One way or the other, people will listen to reggae music! :o)
Den-Den: Like Michelle is saying development is good. It's like natural progression, it is there. For me personally, I like what is happening music-wise in Jamaica the last few years. I'm not into dancehall to much, but some great dancehall tunes have been made in the last ten years. But it is the 'new-roots' which really makes me happy. And about the next ten years.... People will always make and listen to reggae music. No matter what artist, from what country or what style of reggae. Reggae music is like a heartbeat and as long people are living, we need a heartbeat.
Michelle: Development is good, you can’t stop it. Just go along, go with the flow. It’s there, development in technology etc. Nowadays you hear more and more reggae influences in e.g. EDM (Electronic Dance Music), which is a good thing. One way or the other, people will listen to reggae music! :o)
Den-Den: Like Michelle is saying development is good. It's like natural progression, it is there. For me personally, I like what is happening music-wise in Jamaica the last few years. I'm not into dancehall to much, but some great dancehall tunes have been made in the last ten years. But it is the 'new-roots' which really makes me happy. And about the next ten years.... People will always make and listen to reggae music. No matter what artist, from what country or what style of reggae. Reggae music is like a heartbeat and as long people are living, we need a heartbeat.
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Reggae music comes in many different styles like Roots, Ska, Dancehall, Dub. Which styles are your favorites and why?
Michelle: Personally, I am more into old school ska, rocksteady and roots reggae, not so much into dancehall. But for Black Star Foundation, we want to cover everything in reggae, so the first riddim we released was a dancehall riddim (Youtube: Bad Girls riddim, 2012). I also love the new roots, like Tarrus Riley, Romain Virgo, Chronixx, Jesse Royal, etc. Den-Den: I love the vocal harmonies from the early 70's, like the Heptones, Silvertones, Wailers, Melodians, etc. Happy music, with sad lyrics, telling the stories from the streets. |
But I also enjoy, early dancehall, like Volcano (Junjo Lawes) label. Or Jammy's, the first one to master the new digital instruments. And the bobo's from the 90's, like Sizzla and Anthony B. In short, I love all reggae music!
Reggae music is a message… What’s that message for you?
Michelle: A positive message. About peace, love and unity. Respecting one another and living a conscious life.
Den-Den: There are a lot of messages in reggae music. Hard to choose one message, but if I need to, I would say: keep your believes and stay positive and respectful to all living beings. I've still chosen 3.....
Michelle: A positive message. About peace, love and unity. Respecting one another and living a conscious life.
Den-Den: There are a lot of messages in reggae music. Hard to choose one message, but if I need to, I would say: keep your believes and stay positive and respectful to all living beings. I've still chosen 3.....
Next
to reggae, for example you are also giving musical lectures. Can you tell us a
bit more about these lectures?
Michelle: We want to tell the people more about the backgrounds of reggae music. That’s why we developed different musical lectures, like about Bob Marley, reggae and the development of Jamaican music.
We have done many lectures about Bob Marley and reggae music as pre-show for the concert of The Rootsriders (Tribute to Bob Marley band) during their theatre- and club tours (2008 - 2011). And we recently did a lecture about Bob Marley and peace, for the International Day of Peace, during the Peace weekend in The Hague (September 2014). We had 2 speakers, me (Michelle) and my brother Tim, who is a researcher/teacher at the University Utrecht and wrote his thesis about the development of Jamaican music. We had a presentation with photo’s and videos to support our story and live music by selector Den-Den.
Den-Den: This is a good example of how we are trying to get reggae to a bigger audience. People don't know much about reggae music/Jamaican culture and via these lectures we can teach the people. And since we did a lot of lectures in theatres, we were able to reach a different (non-reggae) audience. And maybe some people, who saw our lecture, started to listen to reggae...
Michelle: We want to tell the people more about the backgrounds of reggae music. That’s why we developed different musical lectures, like about Bob Marley, reggae and the development of Jamaican music.
We have done many lectures about Bob Marley and reggae music as pre-show for the concert of The Rootsriders (Tribute to Bob Marley band) during their theatre- and club tours (2008 - 2011). And we recently did a lecture about Bob Marley and peace, for the International Day of Peace, during the Peace weekend in The Hague (September 2014). We had 2 speakers, me (Michelle) and my brother Tim, who is a researcher/teacher at the University Utrecht and wrote his thesis about the development of Jamaican music. We had a presentation with photo’s and videos to support our story and live music by selector Den-Den.
Den-Den: This is a good example of how we are trying to get reggae to a bigger audience. People don't know much about reggae music/Jamaican culture and via these lectures we can teach the people. And since we did a lot of lectures in theatres, we were able to reach a different (non-reggae) audience. And maybe some people, who saw our lecture, started to listen to reggae...
Right now, October 20 2014, it feels really special to have met John Holt on many occasions.
Are there any other activities you want the people to know about?
Michelle: We promote and organize a lot of reggae concerts in Holland. In 2007 we organized Made in Jamaica Festival in Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam, Holland) with Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Third World, Bunny Wailer and Capleton. We also booked concerts for Ijahman & Mighty Diamonds (2006), Max Romeo (2006/2013), Anthony B (2006/2007/2008), Alpha Blondy (2007/2008), Jah Mason & Lutan Fyah (2008), Yellowman (2009), Mad Professor (2010), The Congos & The Abyssinians (2011), Turbulence (2012), U-Roy (2012), Spectacular (2013), Skarra Mucci (2013), Etana & Queen Omega (2014) and Bunny Wailer (2014).
Besides that, we also support and advise a lot of (Dutch) reggae artists about the rules and regulations in music business. For example, how to register your songs properly, how to work with riddims and release your music, etc.
Den-Den: And not many people know, we also produce our own riddims.
Michelle: We promote and organize a lot of reggae concerts in Holland. In 2007 we organized Made in Jamaica Festival in Heineken Music Hall (Amsterdam, Holland) with Mystic Revelation of Rastafari, Third World, Bunny Wailer and Capleton. We also booked concerts for Ijahman & Mighty Diamonds (2006), Max Romeo (2006/2013), Anthony B (2006/2007/2008), Alpha Blondy (2007/2008), Jah Mason & Lutan Fyah (2008), Yellowman (2009), Mad Professor (2010), The Congos & The Abyssinians (2011), Turbulence (2012), U-Roy (2012), Spectacular (2013), Skarra Mucci (2013), Etana & Queen Omega (2014) and Bunny Wailer (2014).
Besides that, we also support and advise a lot of (Dutch) reggae artists about the rules and regulations in music business. For example, how to register your songs properly, how to work with riddims and release your music, etc.
Den-Den: And not many people know, we also produce our own riddims.
During the years Black Star Foundation linked up with loads of artists, what were your most memorable meetings/experiences with these artists?
Den-Den: For me all experiences with all artists we had, were memorable. For example, Jah9. We met her, not so long ago and although I was not really into her music (yet), we had a great night and right now, I'm her biggest fan :-) With Anthony B we can always reason about everything and it always amazes me how much knowledge he has about many things. But I also enjoy every evening with Brainpower, Leah Rosier, Rapha Pico or other artists. And of course meeting legends like Yellowman, Bunny Wailer, Ken Boothe, etc. makes me feel small and humble. Right now, October 20 2014, it feels really special to have met John Holt on many occasions.
Den-Den: For me all experiences with all artists we had, were memorable. For example, Jah9. We met her, not so long ago and although I was not really into her music (yet), we had a great night and right now, I'm her biggest fan :-) With Anthony B we can always reason about everything and it always amazes me how much knowledge he has about many things. But I also enjoy every evening with Brainpower, Leah Rosier, Rapha Pico or other artists. And of course meeting legends like Yellowman, Bunny Wailer, Ken Boothe, etc. makes me feel small and humble. Right now, October 20 2014, it feels really special to have met John Holt on many occasions.
Den-Den
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Den-Den & Yellowman
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Den-Den & Osagyefo
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Den-Den & Asher-E
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Michelle: I got to know ska-legend Justin Hinds. Unfortunately he passed away in 2005. Through him and the Jamaican All Stars, I got to know some other foundation reggae artists, like Johnny Moore from The Skatelites (passed away in 2008).
We also met Bob Andy in 2012. He had been sick for a few months and was just recovering. We met him in a studio in Kingston to record a dubplate with him. I also had an interview with him in the kitchen.
A very memorable meeting was last trip to Jamaica (January 2014) when we went along with radio DJ Steve James and reggae artist Vivian Jones to hang out at the office of Berres Hammond. The artist was among good friends, but since he was sitting behind his desk with everyone gathered around, it seemed a bit formal, like a business meeting. Vivian Jones introduced me to Berres Hammond and told him he made me cry at Rebel Salute Festival the year before. Then he sang me a song, so sweet!
We also met Bob Andy in 2012. He had been sick for a few months and was just recovering. We met him in a studio in Kingston to record a dubplate with him. I also had an interview with him in the kitchen.
A very memorable meeting was last trip to Jamaica (January 2014) when we went along with radio DJ Steve James and reggae artist Vivian Jones to hang out at the office of Berres Hammond. The artist was among good friends, but since he was sitting behind his desk with everyone gathered around, it seemed a bit formal, like a business meeting. Vivian Jones introduced me to Berres Hammond and told him he made me cry at Rebel Salute Festival the year before. Then he sang me a song, so sweet!
Michelle & Johnny Moore
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Michelle & Ken Boothe
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Michelle & Bob Andy
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Michelle & John Holt
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Black Star Foundation is also active in Jamaica. What is your opinion on Reggae music in Jamaica these days?
Den-Den: It's like the question about development in the music. They still make a lot of good reggae music in Jamaica, besides the dancehall music. But I love the vibe around Jamaican music in Jamaica. Everybody on that Island loves music and knows a lot about music. They are proud of 'their' artists. Something we could learn from over there!
Den-Den: It's like the question about development in the music. They still make a lot of good reggae music in Jamaica, besides the dancehall music. But I love the vibe around Jamaican music in Jamaica. Everybody on that Island loves music and knows a lot about music. They are proud of 'their' artists. Something we could learn from over there!
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Can you tell us more about what you have been working on in Jamaica?
Den-Den: Most of our activities in Jamaica could be classified as networking. For a reggae organization you should have some knowledge about Jamaica and the culture, so it is good to visit the island. We have recorded some riddims with the Fire House Crew and we have voiced a lot of tunes and dubplates in Jamaica. Michelle: I love to be a ‘tour guide’ for artists who want to go to Jamaica! In September 2012, BNN broadcasted a TV- programme 'Hit the Road' on Dutch national TV. Earlier that year, I went to Kingston (Jamaica) with a Dutch filmcrew, Chris Zegers (Dutch presenter) and Tim Knol (Dutch singer/song writer) to record and perform Tim Knol’s hitsong ‘Sam’ with a Jamaican reggae band. |
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Click here to see the episode with Tim Knol in Jamaica on NPO >>
We also took other artists to Jamaica, like Lady K-Wida (2009), Brainpower (2010) and Leah Rosier (coming January 2015). Brainpower made a very nice mini-documentary when he was in Jamaica with us:
We also took other artists to Jamaica, like Lady K-Wida (2009), Brainpower (2010) and Leah Rosier (coming January 2015). Brainpower made a very nice mini-documentary when he was in Jamaica with us:
You have collected an impressive collection of Dub Plates over the years. Name 5 of your most beloved Dub plates and please tell us why you love these tunes.
Michelle: For us, collecting dubplates is not a business (since we don’t clash). We mostly have dubplates as a souvenir for artists we have worked with (like Anthony B, Capleton, Yellowman, King Kong, Marlon Asher, Vivian Jones, Etana, Bunny Wailer) and/or artists we really like (John Holt, Bob Andy, Johnny Osbourne)! Most of the times, we are there in the studio when the dubplate is recorded.
Den-Den:
1. Bunny Wailer - Dreamland special (Lee Perry version)
What can I say, he even did harmonies!! Almost a tune.
2. John Holt - Police in Helicopter special (original riddim)
Classic tune! I needed to have this one on dub and we have a great version!
3. Johnny Osbourne - Truths & Rights special (original Studio 1 riddim)
So tight, great dub! And a nice time with Mr. Osbourne while voicing!
4. Anthony B - Warrior special (Love Girl riddim)
Our first Black Star Sound dubplate and it is on one of our own riddims.
5. Capleton - Acres special (I don't want you riddim)
One take recording and it’s 4 minutes long! He didn't even stop singing when the riddim stopped. And again on one of our own riddims.
Can I please add:
Mighty Diamonds – Right Time (Black Star Time)
I love this dubplate, because it is actually better than the original. The harmonies are really sweet and perfect! We also have a second version with U-Roy on top of the Mighty Diamonds, really nice!
What artists in The Netherlands you think the massive should keep an extra eye out for? and please tell us why you believe in these artists:
· Leah Rosier – A hard working girl, with a lot of potential. Many people don't really understand Leah's music, but for us it is refreshing and she has a cross-over potential. And she learns! Every next show is better than the previous one. Same for her tunes. And she released over 30 singles in less than 4 years... She is coming to Jamaica with us in January 2015 and we will do some work with her over there. I think many people will be blown away when they hear Leah on Jamaican productions!
· Rapha Pico – A Dutch 'New Roots' singer! Much respect for his first EP (made in Tuff Gong studio in Jamaica). Good live performances. Lots of a talent.
· Maikal X – According to us, he might be the best reggae singer of the Netherlands?! Although he's been around for a long time, always keep an extra eye on this man! He can sing!!!!!
Michelle: For us, collecting dubplates is not a business (since we don’t clash). We mostly have dubplates as a souvenir for artists we have worked with (like Anthony B, Capleton, Yellowman, King Kong, Marlon Asher, Vivian Jones, Etana, Bunny Wailer) and/or artists we really like (John Holt, Bob Andy, Johnny Osbourne)! Most of the times, we are there in the studio when the dubplate is recorded.
Den-Den:
1. Bunny Wailer - Dreamland special (Lee Perry version)
What can I say, he even did harmonies!! Almost a tune.
2. John Holt - Police in Helicopter special (original riddim)
Classic tune! I needed to have this one on dub and we have a great version!
3. Johnny Osbourne - Truths & Rights special (original Studio 1 riddim)
So tight, great dub! And a nice time with Mr. Osbourne while voicing!
4. Anthony B - Warrior special (Love Girl riddim)
Our first Black Star Sound dubplate and it is on one of our own riddims.
5. Capleton - Acres special (I don't want you riddim)
One take recording and it’s 4 minutes long! He didn't even stop singing when the riddim stopped. And again on one of our own riddims.
Can I please add:
Mighty Diamonds – Right Time (Black Star Time)
I love this dubplate, because it is actually better than the original. The harmonies are really sweet and perfect! We also have a second version with U-Roy on top of the Mighty Diamonds, really nice!
What artists in The Netherlands you think the massive should keep an extra eye out for? and please tell us why you believe in these artists:
· Leah Rosier – A hard working girl, with a lot of potential. Many people don't really understand Leah's music, but for us it is refreshing and she has a cross-over potential. And she learns! Every next show is better than the previous one. Same for her tunes. And she released over 30 singles in less than 4 years... She is coming to Jamaica with us in January 2015 and we will do some work with her over there. I think many people will be blown away when they hear Leah on Jamaican productions!
· Rapha Pico – A Dutch 'New Roots' singer! Much respect for his first EP (made in Tuff Gong studio in Jamaica). Good live performances. Lots of a talent.
· Maikal X – According to us, he might be the best reggae singer of the Netherlands?! Although he's been around for a long time, always keep an extra eye on this man! He can sing!!!!!
I would prefer to say I'm a man, trying to make the right(ious) choices and acknowledge we are just a part of a greater being. If this is Jah, Selassie, Allah or Mother Nature, for me it's all One.
The European Reggae festival scene is ever growing. Which festival do you think the people should visit next summer? Have you been there yourself? If so please tell us more about your visit.
Rototom Sunsplash Festival in Benicassim (Spain) for sure!!! We went there last summer (August 2014) because Black Star Sound was invited to play on the Dancehall stage. It was great, we played on a 40.000 watts soundsystem! The next day, we were asked if we wanted to play again, in the showcase area. That was really nice! Anyway, the festival itself is so nice, we have never been on such a festival before. It’s a very big festival , but you don’t notice it. Everything was arranged properly, the decorations are beautiful and everybody was so nice. A lot of different things to do, besides the music and a very good ambiance.
Also don't forget Reggae Geel (Belgium). One of the best! Also a 'must go to'.
Rototom Sunsplash Festival in Benicassim (Spain) for sure!!! We went there last summer (August 2014) because Black Star Sound was invited to play on the Dancehall stage. It was great, we played on a 40.000 watts soundsystem! The next day, we were asked if we wanted to play again, in the showcase area. That was really nice! Anyway, the festival itself is so nice, we have never been on such a festival before. It’s a very big festival , but you don’t notice it. Everything was arranged properly, the decorations are beautiful and everybody was so nice. A lot of different things to do, besides the music and a very good ambiance.
Also don't forget Reggae Geel (Belgium). One of the best! Also a 'must go to'.
Are
you into RastafarI or just reggae music?
Michelle: At first just reggae music. We are not deeply into Rastafari and Haile Selassie but actually we do live like Rasta’s. We just live a simple life in a positive and conscious way, with love and respect for all living creatures. Michelle is really into nature, healthy food, etc. We don’t drink, Den-Den is a vegetarian for more than 20 years…
Den-Den: If you listen to reggae music a lot, like we do, you hear the lyrics and you start to think about things. This inspires. I know my bible, I give thanks, I live in a conscious way, I have respect for all living beings. So if that makes me a Rasta, I'm a Rasta. I would prefer to say I'm a man, trying to make the right(ious) choices and acknowledge we are just a part of a greater being. If this is Jah, Selassie, Allah or Mother Nature, for me it's all One.
Michelle: At first just reggae music. We are not deeply into Rastafari and Haile Selassie but actually we do live like Rasta’s. We just live a simple life in a positive and conscious way, with love and respect for all living creatures. Michelle is really into nature, healthy food, etc. We don’t drink, Den-Den is a vegetarian for more than 20 years…
Den-Den: If you listen to reggae music a lot, like we do, you hear the lyrics and you start to think about things. This inspires. I know my bible, I give thanks, I live in a conscious way, I have respect for all living beings. So if that makes me a Rasta, I'm a Rasta. I would prefer to say I'm a man, trying to make the right(ious) choices and acknowledge we are just a part of a greater being. If this is Jah, Selassie, Allah or Mother Nature, for me it's all One.
What can we expect from Black Star Foundation in the near future?
Michelle: The first years of Black Star Foundation, we focussed a lot on the promotion of reggae music and – artists in Holland. Now we want to widen our horizon and work more abroad. Since 2012 we are working with/for the Benelux Reggae Contest, in 2013 we played at Reggae Geel Festival and last summer (2014) Black Star Sound played at Rototom Sunsplash Festival in Spain. So Black Star goes Outernational!
A few projects we are working on:
- Mixtape release 'From Amsterdam to Kingston - Leah Rosier' (Oktober 2014)
- Album release ‘Black Star presents Vivian Jones’ (November 2014)
- Trip to Jamaica with Dutch reggae artist Leah Rosier (January 2015)
- Dubpoetry project with Dutch author Erik Jan Harmens (2015)
- Release Lovely Girl riddim with artists Osagyefo (Ghana), Lutan Fyah / Spectacular / Vivian Jones (Jamaica), Jr Yellam / Mr. Aya (France), K-Wida / Joggo / Bredda Marcus and Leah Rosier (Holland) (2015)
- We are working with students from Utrecht School of the arts ( HKU) to release different movies to show the wide variety of our activities. We have tons of video material from more than 11 years of concerts, trips to Ghana and Jamaica, etc.
- Our website www.blackstarfoundation.nl will be re-designed soon!
What do you think of www.reggae-agenda.nl ?
Nice website, great online reggae agenda. Interesting and up to date information about reggae music and what is happening in the scene.
Any last words for your listeners and our visitors?
Thanks for supporting reggae music! Stay positive and healthy, give good and receive good. Check us on: www.blackstarfoundation.nl
Michelle: The first years of Black Star Foundation, we focussed a lot on the promotion of reggae music and – artists in Holland. Now we want to widen our horizon and work more abroad. Since 2012 we are working with/for the Benelux Reggae Contest, in 2013 we played at Reggae Geel Festival and last summer (2014) Black Star Sound played at Rototom Sunsplash Festival in Spain. So Black Star goes Outernational!
A few projects we are working on:
- Mixtape release 'From Amsterdam to Kingston - Leah Rosier' (Oktober 2014)
- Album release ‘Black Star presents Vivian Jones’ (November 2014)
- Trip to Jamaica with Dutch reggae artist Leah Rosier (January 2015)
- Dubpoetry project with Dutch author Erik Jan Harmens (2015)
- Release Lovely Girl riddim with artists Osagyefo (Ghana), Lutan Fyah / Spectacular / Vivian Jones (Jamaica), Jr Yellam / Mr. Aya (France), K-Wida / Joggo / Bredda Marcus and Leah Rosier (Holland) (2015)
- We are working with students from Utrecht School of the arts ( HKU) to release different movies to show the wide variety of our activities. We have tons of video material from more than 11 years of concerts, trips to Ghana and Jamaica, etc.
- Our website www.blackstarfoundation.nl will be re-designed soon!
What do you think of www.reggae-agenda.nl ?
Nice website, great online reggae agenda. Interesting and up to date information about reggae music and what is happening in the scene.
Any last words for your listeners and our visitors?
Thanks for supporting reggae music! Stay positive and healthy, give good and receive good. Check us on: www.blackstarfoundation.nl
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