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His parents christened him Miguel Orlando Collins, but the minstrel would later take on the name Sizzla Kalonji as he journeyed through hills and valleys blazing a musical trail. A critically acclaimed reggae artiste, Sizzla has released more than 70 albums during an illustrious career spanning three decades. On Sunday, August 3, he will receive special recognition at an event marking Jamaica’s 63rd Independence at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center. The city of Lauderhill, Florida, will present Sizzla with the Keys to the City and a US Congressional Honour. The ‘Solid As A Rock’ concert, headlined by Sizzla, will also feature Lady G, Admiral Tibet, Etana, Hal Anthony and Roy Rayon, backed by the Code Red Band.
Sizzla, who was raised in August Town, Kingston, honed his skills on the Caveman Hi-Fi sound system before joining producer Philip ‘Fatis’ Burrell’s Xterminator Family, which included Luciano. According to his bio, after signing his first deal in the mid-90s, he obtained a visa and began touring overseas, opening for both Luciano and Beres Hammond. A personal decision to grow his locks translated into a thought-provoking message of Rastafari in his music.
Sizzla is said to have arrived on the scene at “a pivotal time”, as the energy of a fascinating roots revival led by the late Garnet Silk and Luciano permeated reggae music and sought to purge the slackness inherent in dancehall.
The release of songs such as No White God and the now-anthemic Praise Ye Jah for Xterminator set Sizzla on a path of righteousness that resonated with fans. He later joined forces with legendary producer Bobby Digital for Black Woman and Child, a classic credited with “catapulting Sizzla into the reggae stratosphere.”
Known for his unpredictability, Sizzla has long been an artiste fans and critics “can’t study.” In the late ‘90s, he ventured into a more provocative style that challenged listeners’ expectations, but by 2003, the conscious Sizzla of Black Woman and Child returned to the spotlight with Da Real Thing, a Bobby Digital-produced roots and lovers rock album powered by the hit single Thank You Mama, which dominated local and international charts.
Sizzla will be performing today at the Quao Native Festival at the Scott’s Hall Primary School in St Mary. Despite a hectic schedule, he made time to participate in this week’s 5 Questions With ... feature.
1. What does Independence mean to you as a Jamaican?
All people are born free and should have the right to live as free people, not subjected to the laws and jurisdiction of another country. Being rid of the colonial powers and having the right to live as independent people in an independent nation is a part of divinity.
2. Do you have any special memories of Independence while growing up in August Town?
Growing up in August Town summertime was about enjoyment – swimming in the Hope River, playing with the other kids from the community. We didn’t focus too much on Independence and what it meant, we were just happy to be on a long break.
3. How do you feel about being honoured in Florida on Sunday? Were you surprised when you were told?
Being given any honour and recognition is always a great feeling. As artistes, we put in the work, not to be recognised, but to spread the message and help heal the nation through our music. If and when the recognition comes, we accept it and embrace it; but either way, the music and the journey must continue.
4. Name two freedom fighters whom you respect most – one Jamaican and the other of any other nationality, whether living or not.
I respect all freedom fighters. They paid the price for the freedoms we now enjoy. But Marcus Garvey and his teachings will always stand out. And I’d say Martin Luther King Jr as he championed the movement for civil rights, equality and justice.
5. Since recording your first album 30 years ago, has your inspiration changed in any way?
The inspiration is still the same. Music is mathematics. ‘Do the maths’ is a popular saying ... our first language is mathematics. While words can lead you astray, or people can lure you in a different pathway, with maths, you have to be precise ... you have to do the formula to solve the equation to get the solution. I’m doing the work and keeping it simple.
English (US) ·