Award winning song writer King Mas ‘The Musical Obeah Man’ recently released his third studio album “Crown”, then shortly after he embarked on a #100daysinafrica expedition which will see him traveling across Africa.
King Mas music is heavenly influenced by African spirituality. He Acknowledges His Divine Purpose for Living, Also Known As Nkrabea and Crafts Distinctive Words and Sound to Release Life-Altering Energy, Aiding Mankind in Realizing Itself. King Mas, who is also the Ancenstral Voices advocate, Chooses To Heal Rather Than Simply Entertain. It Is Through This Calling That He Has Earned The Moniker “Musical Obeah Man”, Paying Homage To His Afro-Caribbean Roots.
It comes as no surprise that he would embark on a journey like this which has seen him touch down in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It was a spiritual journey which He documented daily and gave us snippets via his Instagram Page. We could not get enough and we wanted to find out more about what made him decide on 100 Days in Africa and he shares it here with Soul Sista.
100 DAYS IN AFRICA.
You embarked on a 100 days in Africa mission, please tell us about the idea behind it.
#100DaysInAfrica is a movement that came about through a mystical revelation. In the diaspora we see so much in the media and hear so many false narratives about Africa that I felt it was incumbent upon me to return to the continent after 5 years and spend some time documenting the reality on the ground. The day to day livity in Africa is still a mystery to many of my peers and I was inspired during a moment of meditation to provide a lens through which Bantu people abroad can experience the wide range of vibrations that Africa has to offer.
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And what went into planning such a massive task?
Not too much to be honest. Initially, I planned to spend less than a month in the continent to visit family and I encountered some resistance to even spend a few weeks due to work obligations. One day while meditating on my dilemma, the ancestors spoke and the message was clear. If I am receiving push back for wanting to spend a short time in Africa, why not extend to 100 days and fully immerse myself? The rest has unfolded and manifested naturally.
Your 1st stop was in South Africa, how was your stay and what did manage to do whilst here.
South Africa is very special to me as it is the point of entry through which I first experienced Africa 8 years ago. This is my 4th time in Mzansi and many of my experiences were more of a homecoming than anything else. I managed to pass through Yeoville and reconnect with General and the family at the House of Tandoor. I spent many moments exchanging vibes with king Mutapa who is better known as Don Franco. I was escorted to elder Grey’s studio and took in a wonderful rehearsal session with Jeremiah Fyah Ises. I reasoned with the unrivalled intellect that is Ras Muto. I linked up with Mad Koolia at Rasta house and I also got a chance to perform in Cape Town for the very first time alongside Teban Cee & Trevor Dongo. Last but not least, I actually got to reconnect with my long time friend and musical collaborator, Faya Uman.
Then you touch down in Zimbabwe how was the experience there?
Zim is literally like home. There are so many parallels between Zim and Jamaica that it’s uncanny. I’ve connected deeply with the Rastafari community in Zim and they have really embraced my presence as a global Reggae ambassador in a major way. I even managed to shoot a music video in Gutu for my recent single “Age of Knowledge” that is sure to raise eyebrows across the globe. Last but not least, as a foodie, I really enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables as well as the delicious cuisine that Zim has to offer.
Which other countries are you planning to visit And what are you mostly looking forward to?
Aside from Zim and SA, Kenya is on the agenda and Uganda is another possibility. I’m really looking forward to touching down in those regions as I’ve yet to trod east Africa but I receive a lot of love from the east African Reggae community. Being physically present to reciprocate those vibes in the flesh will be a memory that I will always cherish.
Any scheduled performances in countries that you’ll be visiting? Or is this strictly about you experience the different cultures that Africa has to offer?
Both! Gathering direct experience and receiving cultural education has been extremely enriching but touching different platforms and connecting with the Reggae community in the region has also been a focal point. Studio work is also a major part of this journey as I’m planning to link up with various artists like Binti Afrika in Kenya and Trevor Dongo in Zimbabwe. I’ve been producing a handful of new works with the prolific Kongo Ayo (formerly known as Bereket Tafari) as well. The sights and sounds of Africa are so vibrant and musical in and of themselves that all of these things have congealed into this beautiful tapestry of moments from seeking matamba in the village marketplace to performing on a sound system blasting roots rhythms from the remote mountains of Zimbabwe. The exchange of energies enriches us all from the continent to the diaspora.
What has been the most challenging thing during your travels?
I think it’s been particularly difficult observing some of the hardships that keep people grounded and stagnant on this side. Ease of movement and access to information isn’t as easy for some on this side as it is in the USA where I reside and the effect of that deficit is palpable. The structures that have been set in place limit the breadth and scope of the paradigm of thought that people operate under when they lack the means to get around those structures. The elders who wield institutional power are largely asleep at the wheel, our generation can only be partially salvaged, but giving the rising generation access to the tools necessary to liberate themselves is the biggest challenge that lies ahead of us.
When it’s all done what are you hoping to gain out of this experience?
The benefit that I’m looking to reap from trodding for #100DaysInAfrica is a better sense of what it is I can do from abroad to improve conditions at home. The issues of the continent are the issues of the African diaspora and there is much to be gained by us exchanging ideas and supporting each other whether we are at home or abroad.
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