Taj Weekes: Combining Humanity with Music

By Deardra Shuler

St. Lucia born Reggae artist, band leader of Adowa, and CEO of Jatta Entertainment, Taj Weekes has introduced albums “Hope and Doubt” and “Deidem” to the world and is about to introduce his latest CD “Waterlogged Soul Kitchen” this summer. Presently, a New York resident, the independent island of St. Lucia where Weekes originates has been fought over 14 times. Seven times by the French and seven times by the British with the British ultimately winning out. Thus, the population speaks English primarily with a French patwa. Although there are harsh economic times throughout the world, St. Lucia remains financially stable despite a slight drop-off in tourism.

Taj Weekes' dedication to illuminating the plight of the voiceless and the oppressed is evident in the message of his music as well as through his efforts to give back to the Caribbean community. Mr. Weekes uses his talents to bring awareness to the issues of poverty, global warming, the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina through his song Louisiana, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS and diabetes. His programs (oftentimes supported via the revenues of his music) have aided skilled soccer playing youth via donating soccer balls and equipment as well as providing scholarships to Island kids who keep up their grades. Medical supplies were sent to Haiti after the earthquake through his TOCO charity and there are plans to take 5000 shoes to Haiti in future. Individuals desirous of donating shoes to Haiti can go to Taj's website www.theyoftencryoutreach.org to find out where to donate shoes or money. Taj helps women through the Clothesline Project that allows victims of abuse to unanimously express their angst concerning domestic violence via written messages on tee shirts.

Since St. Lucia has a high degree of diabetes, Taj and his band Adowa, brought the population 2700 diabetes testers and made the documentary “Bittersweet” to bring more awareness concerning the disease. He also wrote the song “Orphans Cry” to bring attention to the plight of orphans. In fact, due to his positive contributions to the Caribbean community, Mr. Weekes has been named a "Goodwill Ambassador" by the International Consortium of Caribbean Professionals (ICCP) in conjunction with WAFUNIF (World Association of Former U.N. Interns & Fellows), a division of the United Nations. And, there are discussions underway which hopefully will prompt UNICEF to consider Weekes as a special envoy to the Caribbean.

“It's great to receive these awards but when I am writing the music its not for reward,” said the humble Taj. In fact, when I write music, it feels sometimes like my songs are already written. It is just the level of consciousness I bring into it. Sometimes I write something and wonder did I really write this. I tap in on different levels and that is the vibe I get that allows the song to reveal itself,” said singer/song writer Taj Weekes who often writes his songs via his observations of the world and his sense of social consciousness.

Jamaica has been the mainstay of Reggae music but Weekes has helped expose and expand it to other territories and regions. “Reggae is actually the only Caribbean genre where we are so focused on one island. Calypso for example, started off in Trinidad but since branched off into other Caribbean islands so when people hear a calypso song they don't automatically think Trinidad, they only think calypso. Trying to limit music to one geographical location is like trying to keep water in a box. It will always find its way out” said the Rastafarian performer.

Statistics say that the Rastafarian Movement makes up 2 percent of St. Lucia's population. Rastafarians believe that an African King will be anointed the redeemer and most believe that Haile Selassie from the royal line of Judah was that King. “The Rastafarian Movement is a lot greater than people give it credit for despite the official statistics. I would say the Rastafarian Movement makes up half the population of St. Lucia. As Rastas, we say belief is uncertain, so we like to think of ourselves as “knowers” because we know what we know. I like to call it liberation theology. Haile Selassie was from the tribe of Judah. The line of King Solomon and King David. Selassie's true name is “Ras ta far i” so that is why Rastafarians took the name and where the Rastafarians came from” explained Taj.

Waterlogged Soul Kitchen, Taj's latest CD is filled with 13 songs about Hurricane Katrina. “So much has happened to the world since Katrina. There has been the oil spill, we are still engaged in 2 wars and people are still in FEMA trailers. I am doing an EP entitled “Betrayed and Reaction,” which I am giving away for free. The EP contains 5 songs about Katrina.

“I have fallen in love with “Waterlogged Soul Kitchen.” There will be a music video as well. Although we are performing reggae, I brought in a couple of acoustic guitars, cellos and violins in order to go in a little different direction, give flavor to the music and bring in some other vibes. I grew up with organic music and I want to try and keep playing that. From the message stand point, we want to continue to be the town criers of our time. In other words, be the ones to tell the people” said Taj whose CD “Deidem” won a Best Reggae Album Award in 2009 from the Independent Music Award Company Just Plain Folks who had over 55,000 entries. His cd “Hope and Doubt” won a few song awards in 2006 as well.

For additional information about Taj Weekes and his enterprises or if you wish to donate to his TOCO charity visit www.theyoftencryoutreach.org, www.TajWeekes.com and/or www.TajAndAdowa.com. To hear my radio interview with Taj go to “Topically Yours” on www.blogtalkradio.com via Blakeradio.