Mixing styles

Melbourne-based reggae musician Jake Savona performs with Bangalore-based dancehall artist King Jassim on Saturday

September 19, 2014 05:07 pm | Updated 05:07 pm IST - Bangalore:

ON A LEARNING MISSION: Savona

ON A LEARNING MISSION: Savona

Disregard all the news reports – when it comes to the world of music, Australians love India. Melbourne-based reggae musician Jake Savona, better known as Mista Savona, has previously incorporated samples of Bollywood songs in his material and is currently recording with local musicians on his first trip to the country as an artist.

Savona, along with Bangalore-based dancehall artist King Jassim (also a part of hip hop group Low Rhyderz), are performing together in two cities this month, including a show at Pebble, Palace Grounds on September 20.

Savona, who has worked with artists such as Sizzla Kalonji, says the reggae scene back in Australia is small but committed. The artist, who released his album Born A King in May this year, has been jet setting across the world promoting new material. After ticking UK’s Glastonbury Festival off his list, Savona has travelled to France, Portugal and is now in India. Savona and Jassim performed a set in Pune earlier this week, with Jassim providing vocals over Savona’s tunes. Says Savona about the Pune show, “I think they realised pretty quickly that I was there to make them dance, and they were open-minded when I dropped lots of new material and mixed up styles. I think it’s also pretty obvious to them that I’m an international DJ and very much understand the music I’m presenting to them, so they felt that confidence and were happy to be taken on the ride!” Jassim chips in and adds that the set mostly comprised reggae, roots, rub-a-dub and lots of dancehall. The Bengaluru artist says he heard Savona’s song ‘I Am Living Riddim’ and composed one of his own songs and wrote to Savona about performing in India. Jassim says he’s even recording with Savona for his solo dancehall material which is currently slated to include an EP as well as an album titled Inheritance, due next year. “I am learning a lot from him in the process. We have a little spare time between our show dates and we are hitting the studio for sure,” says Jassim.

Savona, on the other hand, is planning to get hands-on with Indian instruments and sounds. Says the artist, “Now that I'm in India for the first time, I really want to record a range of traditional instruments and meet as many local musicians as possible. I'm a keyboard player as well as a composer and producer - I'd also love to get some lessons on the harmonium!”

Savona is clearly the traveller, considering he claims to be the only Australian reggae artist who visits the genre’s hub in Jamaica and work with artists to promote reggae in both countries. Says Savona, “Reggae has a particularly special place in the world's music I feel - it has a universal message of peace and spirituality, frequently deals with issues of social justice, while at the same is incredibly infectious & really great music to dance to. This is a rare and precious thing! Music should push people to evolve and go deeper into themselves and the mystery of life.”

Jassim feels Mista Savona’s music is exactly the remedy Bangalore needs. Jassim says about the gig this weekend, “I am sure it’s going to be different. I haven't seen Bangalore as youthful and open-minded as Pune. It’s always a hard work to get them into the vibe. But we need such challenges. We are ready with some dubby electronic sounds since Bangalore is too used to EDM.” Mista Savona, King Jassim and the Low Rhyderz perform at Pebbles, Palace Grounds Road on September 20 from 9pm onwards. Call 9916695200 for more detail.

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