BIOGRAPHY

Rupert -Ojiji- Harvey's new release Once a Lion is a dymanic and rich return to roots influenced reggae. The albaum is a musical landscape including many different influences and moods to please all. The songs were spoken from the heart. Once a Lion marks Rupert Harvey's return after a long absence from the music industry. Recently I managed to interview him after his return from touring in Hawaii.

“Once a Lion” was mostly recorded in Hawaii. Did you find that Hawaiian music influenced you at all?

Reggae is really appreciated in Hawaii. They have their own music now, a mixture of Jamaican and Hawaiian that they call Jawaiin, and that’s the popular music down there. The Hawaiian reggae bands are very melodic, they have great harmonies, and although I did incorporate a few things, like Hawaiian steel on the song “Aloha Hawaii”, I brought my own influences with me.

What was it like working solo after being part of a group for so long?

Working solo, you get to express all that you want to without having to get permission from a group. You’re your own boss, it’s a great freedom. My fear when I went solo is that I didn’t want it to sound like a Messenjah project. As it turned out, the album has it's own sound.

It’s a much more traditional form of reggae.

Messenjah, especially towards the end, was moving to a combination of HipHop and Reggae. I wanted to do a tribute to root with some worldbeat influence too. An example would be the song “Jackal”, which has a Afro-Celtic vibe. But it’s all roots music.

Are you going to continue in the roots direction from now on?

If I do another album I will definitely stick with the roots format, but with a "branching off" also. I’ll experiment. I don’t have anything written in stone.

I think you have really come into your own returning to roots reggae.

Yeah. It’s very comfortable for me. It seems natural. Working in Messenjah, well, when you’re in the commercial arena, you have to listen to what’s going on out there. You can’t help but be influenced. You know? I want everything I do to come directly from my heart and inspired by the big man, you know?

So you see yourself as a prophet of sorts.

No, I see myself as a messenger, a socially conscious messenger.

Would you say that your spirituality guides your music, then?

I can’t really create other than what comes into me from the universe. I am a conduit. These things come through me, but they’re not from me. I just have to open up myself and allow it to flow.

I know you are also very involved with Kung Fu. Does that affect your music at all?

One discipline carries over to the other, they kind of complement each other, especially the ability to totally focus. On a stage I can use Kung Fu moves, moves that break down inhibitions, free motion. When you study Martial Arts you are not afraid to move. On stage I can do whatever my body tells me to do, just a free flow of energy, nothing planned.

You have had a very long career in the music industry. What do you think has allowed you such longevity in a difficult business?

Working from the heart and a good work ethic. You must believe in what you are doing. You have to believe in it when everyone is telling you, "You can’t do it". The ability to stay focused and not to let the negative waves get in, that’s important. What’s also kept me going is fan mail! Or meeting people that shake your hand and tell you they’ve grown up on your music, it makes me feel good.

How important is it to be successful now you are solo?

Success is measured in many different ways. Right now, at this point in my life, success is to be able to listen to my work and really appreciate it, and to have the appreciation of people who are close too me.

If you could go back in time with the knowledge you have now, what would you do differently?

I would have learned more about the business and the music industry. You’ve got to go out and do your own research or you’ll be used. Today, because of the Internet, there’s so much access to info. It’s not enough to just be an artist anymore; you’ve got to be a business artist!

Do you have any messages for young musicians?

I’d say, don’t forget the art. Because of technology and big money people overlook the art. Music should be real and from the heart.

What do you think about all the dancehall reggae that’s hitting the mainstream?

Everything has its place, and if people can make success and sell c.d.’s that’s fine. But for me, I’m more driven in an artistic sense; I feel a social responsibility in my music. I have to give thanks for the way my life has gone, and I want my music to influence youth in a very positive manner, you know? A couple of dancehall guys have really tried to keep a good message in their music, people like Tony Rebel, Luciano, and you know, it’s reality music. I respect all the artists who realize that soul is not for sale!

Pick a song from the album and tell me why it’s important to you.

There’s a song on the c.d. called “Glory Land” about child soldiers. That’s one of the things that rips my heart out, seeing little kids in places like Africa and Asia. Ten year-olds carrying AK47’s, machine guns. They drag kids out of the villages and force them to kill. I think it has to stop. Why drag children into men’s wars?

The cover calls this album one of “heartfelt messages”. Tell me the message of the album in one sentence.

I’d say it’s a line from the song “The Jackal”: “I’m a fool, but through diligence, wisdom found me.”

And finally, now that you’re working solo, are you still going to be working with Messenjah?

Messenjah hasn’t stopped, it’s just a break with no deadlines! Everyone is doing their own stuff, and living all over the place , but we’re still in touch and still have plans for a new recording and tour dates.

“Once a Lion” has been released in the Hawaii Islands, Guam, Japan, and Tahiti. Alternately, you can order it from this website.

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