Brownie-man revival

Let me be honest: I detest reggae — and agree with Morrissey’s famous quip that it is "vile." In fact, I think the only reggae worth listening to is by white people (i.e. The Clash, Led Zep, 311…). Although, like Mozzer’s comments, this has to be qualified as mainly referring to reggae as it stands today. Although one of the last century’s most important musical figures, Bob Marley has had a disastrous influence on the genre he helped popularize around the world, the weight of his legacy stunting any further compelling developments within its confines. The revolution is over — they won. Round these parts, Marley’s music and name are only invoked at beach resorts as an excuse for kids to get wasted. Them brownies are overrated anyway.

But then again, I ain’t a fan. So, to be fair and balanced, we sent out NU 107.5 DJ, TV host and rogue correspondent Dylan to interview Ziggy Marley, eldest progeny of Bob and recent visitor to our shores. She quite liked him…

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He doesn’t eat meat. Considering he was born on an island nation surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, it’s reassuring, though, to know that assorted flanks of seafood do make their way to his plate every so often. He loves trees, calls every living inhabitant in the planet his family and does not watch too much television. No, I wasn’t referring to your friendly neighborhood ascetic but Trenchtown’s own, Ziggy Marley, in town recently for MTV’s Reggae By The Bay concert, which was co-presented by Petron Treats with participation by NOKIA 5300 Xpress Music. He’s also around to promote his second album "Love is My Religion" as well as to teach us befuddled, angry Pinoys a thing or two about love.

DYLAN: Ziggy, what’s the plan?
ZIGGY: I’m here to spread the message of love to my family here in Manila.
DYLAN: Blood brothers?
ZIGGY: I mean family. It’s not some kind of concept. It is something that is real. Not a cliché. No, it’s real. That’s what everybody needs to understand.
DYLAN: What tradition are you most proud of?
ZIGGY: Love and being friendly.
DYLAN: What do you think of people who sport dreadlocks purely for fashion?
ZIGGY: I don’t judge people. Everybody’s free.
DYLAN: What sort of animal do you want to be reincarnated as?
ZIGGY: Human animal. Like now. I like this body.
DYLAN: What is the world’s biggest problem?
ZIGGY: Lack of love.
DYLAN: There’s a lot of loving going on right now. (Columnist’s note: At this point, Dylan is doing her doe-eyed, love vibe projection.)
ZIGGY: That’s all I have.
DYLAN: What is the essence of being a Marley? (Columnist’s note: Groan.)
ZIGGY: Love.
DYLAN: What are your thoughts about downloading?
ZIGGY: I don’t care. I just want to make music. (Laughs.) I just want to sing.
DYLAN: But do you use the Internet?
ZIGGY: Yeah, e-mail.
DYLAN: Do you watch TV?
ZIGGY: (Long silence.) No. I watch a lot of movies.
DYLAN: What was the last one you watched?
ZIGGY: The Prestige.
DYLAN: Do you do magic?
ZIGGY: Yeah. Real magic. Music magic. (Smiles.)
DYLAN: What was the last time you got angry?
ZIGGY: (Very long silence.) Even when I’m angry, I’m laughing.
DYLAN: You have kids. How do you want them to describe you?
ZIGGY: I want them to describe me as someone who lived what he taught. I live by example. I treat people with respect and they should learn to treat others with respect. No matter who you are or who the other person is, everybody’s equal.

DYLAN: What’s something you love?

ZIGGY: I love trees.

DYLAN: Any last message?

ZIGGY: Love. What more can I say?

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What’d I tell you? A real a-hole, right? Dylan reports that she’s smitten. Of course, spewing New Age epithets about "love" in ganja breath does have its effects. Of course, my friendly correspondent frowns at this retort but manages to whistle the melody of Jammin’ instead.

If she starts to do Buffalo Soldier, I will never speak to her again.