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[ Majek Fashek ] [ Amandla Poets ] |
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Majek Fashek The year is 1987 and drought plagues Lagos and surrounding areas of Nigeria. Majek Fashek, performing at an outdoor theater, observes the thirsty crowd and the dry land, yearning for just a few drops of water. He sings that the "sky looks misty and cloudy, it looks like the rain's gonna fall today." No one can fathom the idea of a downpour when the land has been dry and barren for days; however, as Majek proceeds to sing "Send Down the Rain", clouds gather in the sky, thunder cracks, and rain pours from the sky, bringing relief to the arid land. Instantly, his fans label him a prophet. They hail him as the master reggae artist that delivers God's message through music. And it is this prophetic quality that Majek demonstrates on his new, full-length album, "Rainmaker". |
| Eugene, OR |
Date: Wednesday, November 26th Venue: Wild Duck Phone: 541-485-3825 |
| Seattle, WA |
Date: Friday, November 28th Venue: The Fenix Phone: 206-467-1111 |
After all, one would expect nothing less from one of Nigeria's biggest solo artists. Majek was born in Benin, Nigeria, where he began to first develop his promising musical career. As a newborn, his mother noted that Majek was "born with rhythm". Whether playing maracas and congas as a child at religious events or singing and playing guitar on prophetic songs as a reggae superstar, he has always been "on a mission" to deliver God's message through his music. Shortly after graduating from the New Era College's arts program, he formed his first band, Jah Stix, touring extensively -- playing at universities, Lagos nightclubs, and even prisons. Jah Stix performed with great success, but it was for Majek that the crowds cheered. And thus in 1988, he began his solo career and released a series of full-length records, culminating with the powerful, new TUFF GONG release, "Rainmaker".
In Majek's music, one can hear influences by greats like Bob Marley, Fela, and Jimi Hendrix, as he meshes numerous styles to form his own, unique sound. On "Rainmaker", Majek pushes the music to its fullest potential, fusing reggae, rock, afrobeat, Juju, Kpangolo, and Olokun rhythms into an album so powerful that it will "bring down the holy spirit". He masterfully combines so many types of music because, as he says, "when the styles are blended together, music can free the world". "Rainmaker" not only produces hard-hitting rhythms and a classic reggae vibe, but also delivers the forceful criticisms of social and political issues that we have come to expect from Majek Fashek. The lyrics are insightful and powerful, as he says that "It's a war, and I'm fighting a battle". And thus Majek Fashek's acid togue, sharp wit, and fresh reggae grooves combine to make the slammin' album, "Rainmaker", his finest work to date.
