WOMAD NZ: The Skatalites - Doreen Shaffer
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Cathy Aronson talks to Doreen Shaffer from The Skatalites (Jamaica) at WOMAD NZ 2010.
"It’s nice when you can go from one country to another and we all can interact on the same level, we know what we are about, it’s music. Music is the international sound and breaks the barriers of language."
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Cathy Aronson talks to Doreen Shaffer from The Skatalites (Jamaica) at WOMAD NZ 2010.
"It’s nice when you can go from one country to another and we all can interact on the same level, we know what we are about, it’s music. Music is the international sound and breaks the barriers of language."
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In the 1950s American Jazz and rhythm and blues ruled the roost in Jamaica but by the early 1960s a new indigenous style which mixed jazz, jump up R&B, rasta drumming and Cuban rhythms started to make an impression. It was called 'ska'.
Although no-one can really claim to have invented this indestructible beat, the Skatalites were THE seminal ska group from beginning, making the music what it was and laying the foundations for everything that followed; rocksteady, reggae, dub, dancehall and ragga.
- WOMAD.org
Doreen Shaffer @ WOMAD NZ 2010
WOMAD: It’s nice when you can go from one country to another and we all can interact on the same level, we know what we are about, it’s music. And if we can use our music to make peace in the world, that’s a statement, music is the international sound and breaks the barriers of language.
The more you go out and meet different people from all over the world, from different cultures, you know you are not alone on the planet. So all we’ve got to do is respect each other, that’s the most important thing.
Female Artists: It hasn’t been smooth sailing for women in that time, because it was mostly men doing the recording. So to be there amongst them was a struggle. But I’ve come a long way, I’m very happy to know I’m still here giving thanks for being here to play my part.
I’m so happy and so proud when I see a female artist because I’ve been there and I know we’ve come a long way in a man’s world.
Young musicians: Take it one step at a time, you have to persevere, it’s not an overnight ride. So you have to be very devoted also. Some musicians, some artists, will get up at 2 in the morning to go somewhere, some people don’t want to, so that’s a first step. You have to make sacrifices but as long as the person is determined and will persevere they can achieve.
The Future: I make no plans. One day at a time.
What I observe is the planet is changing and disasters are happening here and there. We can just hope and pray that everybody get on the right track. I’m not here to judge anyone, we all observe the changes all over the world, its best for us to unite, be more loving, be more caring, these are the things that should be happening but sometimes it’s the opposite.
Like the song 'Give me the simple life', the simple things of life is more important than making a life of plans, you don’t know where it’s going to end. One day at a time for me.
Powhiri: We got a warm welcome and we give that in return in our music and our expression, but whatever we do comes from inside, from the heart. Everybody feel welcome, it makes you feel nice, you are not a stranger, we become one big family, and that’s the way it should be, because we are all on the planet.
More information
WOMAD New Zealand 2010 took place at New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl on 12-14 March. The programme included more than 250 performers from 19 countries.