sep 2016€¦ · months enjoying reggae music and rastafari livity. last but definitely not least...
TRANSCRIPT
ROOTS / ROCK / REGGAE / RESPECTM A G A Z I N E
DUBTAFARIfeaturing
IRIEMAG.COM
#03.09
SEP 2016
IRIEMAG.COM
Nicholas ‘Nico’ Da SilvaFounder/Editor in Chief
ISSUE #03.09 / SEP 2016
“ If the music does not penetrate the heart, the soul, the mind, and the body... then you ain’t gon’ feel it.”
- Peter Tosh
ROOTS. ROCK. REGGAE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Ziggi MastahPioneering since 1991
Ziggi PapersEarthwide
Dubtafari SoundFood Inna Di Yaad
ROOTS. ROCK. REGGAE.
ROOTS.ZIGGI MASTAHPioneering since 1991
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Ziggi Mastah is a Slovenian-born reggae selector and entrepreneur, widely known not only for his
always irie reggae selections and positive vibes but also for his worldwide famous Ziggi Rolling
Papers which over the years has become a necessity for every true herb smoker.
It all started 25 years ago when Ziggi - smoking herb and working on his first package of filter tips
originally shaped in a small book which formed a neatly handmade key holder - first heard Peter
Tosh’s ‘Legalize it’! He dived into the exploration of reggae music and started his personal Rasta
journey. Reggae vinyl’s, irie riddims, custom made filter tips, rolling papers and spreading awareness
about cannabis became his life mission. And he is far from being done.
His DJ path began in 1992, playing reggae records at the hangout spots in his hometown Ljubljana’s.
Five years later he organized the first reggae bashment in Slovenia’s capital, which makes 1997 the
year DubTafari Sound was born. After that, it all came naturally; collaborations with various reggae
artists, hundreds of dub plates, hundreds of parties, and annual visits to Jamaica where he spends
months enjoying reggae music and Rastafari livity. Last but definitely not least – in 1998, he was
the first one in the world to put an idea of rolling papers and tips in one package into reality. That
was followed by an additional patented fold-out tray in 2009. Today, you almost can’t find a reggae
festival in the region that he and his Ziggi team would not support. He comes there fully armed with
his Ziggi rolling papers, high grade rolling equipment and a soundsystem full of reggae selections.
His latest collaboration was with Cali P as they joined forces at the Cannatrade Festival in Zurich.
Ziggi’s Rolling Papers & Smokers Excellence set up shop with Cali P where he promoted his new album
‘I thoughts’. The result of their collaboration is also a dub plate which you can exclusively get here.
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ZIGGI MASTAHPioneering Since 1991
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So what does the future hold for this rolling papers and tips pioneer? “My next step is music production.
I have many ideas and I want to put them out there. I feel reggae music is gonna cover the Earth, I feel
reggae music will be the talk of big men in town. And I wanna be there...”
This year is 25 years of Pioneering with Ziggi rolling papers and next year is 20 years of Dubtafari
sound and Ziggi Mastah ready to spread his rolling papers and Jah music message globally.. Looking
for distributors and available for bookings in 2017 world wide. Irie Magazine salutes you, breddah!
IRIE. Take us back to your childhood. What kind of music did you grow up with?
Ziggi Mastah. As a child I was experimenting with all styles of music. And as a teenager I listened to
a lot of rap and hip hop music. I liked the marijuana lyrics in the songs a lot. Smoking herbs lead I to
reggae music. When I first heard Peter Tosh’s ‘Legalize it’, I started getting crazy about reggae music.
IRIE. Do you remember when you were first introduced to reggae music?
Ziggi Mastah. I remember back in the days when cd’s and cd players arrived on the market. They
were very expensive. We were visiting my uncle, who was always ahead of the game, and he had a
cd player and a few cd’s. One of those cd’s was a Bob Marley cd which I chose to listen to.
IRIE. I have been immersing myself in your work. Where do you get your inspiration from?
Ziggi Mastah. I always give thaks to Jah for the inspiration that I get thru music and smoking herbs.
IRIE. Can you take us through a dub plate production?
Ziggi Mastah. Well, first you have to know what you want. You listen and like a lot of reggae music,
The Ziggi Mastah InterviewFOLLOW
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and as a sound man you want to get dubplates. You customize/personalize the tune. You can put your
own message in it. And as Cocoa Tea says, “One thing is selector and one thing is an owner”. When
you know the artist and the tune you want, you link up with the artist, go to the studio and voice
a dubplate. Normally in the studio you get the raw split tracks. You mix them later to have proper
sound quality. Now you have it in digital. You can also press them on vinyl.
IRIE. Is there an artist that you haven’t worked with that you would like to produce a dub plate with?
Ziggi Mastah. I have worked with more than a hundred artists already and there are still hundreds
more that I would like to work with.
IRIE. What other genres of music do you listen to?
Ziggi Mastah. It’s all about reggae, everyday. Rarely do I find the time to listen to some rap, hip hop,
or anything else.
IRIE. What’s the next project planned for Dubtafari Sound?
Ziggi Mastah. Next year marks 20 years since Dubtafari Sound has been in business. To celebrate
the occasion, I plan to do a special dubplate mix and ready to tour the world.
IRIE. Raspect!
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ROCK.ZIGGI PAPERSEarthwide
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Ziggi Papers have been making filters and rolling papers for almost 25 years. And during that time,
they’ve made them to suit and serve the average smoker’s needs and demands. Their top priority is
using high-quality materials with a simple and effective product. Oh, and they have a thing for fresh
and hype designs. What makes Ziggi Papers truly unique is that their packs, which include filters and
king size papers, can be drawn up into a rolling tray which allows you to prepare the ingredients on a
clean surface wherever you are.
The Ziggi™ story started in the late ‘80s, when a youngster nicknamed Ziggi started to make filter
tips for himself. Soon afterwards, all of his friends wanted one and for a period of time, those filter
tips were given away for free. But it was impossible to keep up with the fast growing demand and
give everything away, so the idea of manufacturing and selling filter tips was born. At first they were
hand made in small quantity and wrapped in a leather case with a ring for a key chain. Those were an
instant hit and Ziggi™ got established as a quality brand. New ideas followed soon afterwards and at
the break of the century, the first ever rolling papers with added filter tips were born. This idea was so
simple yet revolutionary, it prompted overnight success for Ziggi. Ziggi took it a step further and the
first double papers with tips were introduced. The casings for these papers were attractive too. One
of their biggest hits was a multipack called Boys & Girls collection which combined four different
designs of single papers and two different designs of double papers with tips.
Ziggi has been making custom papers from the very start of their business and it has proven to be a
unique merchandise product. Their personalised papers with custom art designs can be a great eye
catcher that tells a story at the same time. Ziggi is proud to support artists, festivals, events and this
way give back to the community that we feel we are a part of. Ziggi custom papers are perfect as a
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ROCK.
ZIGGI PAPERSEarthwide
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merchandise product, giveaways or as business card for musicians, festivals, artists, sports events,
concerts, promo shows, bars, shops and clubs. Ziggi papers are perfect for anything longing for a
cool promotion.
Artists who we’ve worked with Ziggi include Raging Fyah, Kingston’s Dub Club, Jesse Royal, Jah 9,
Cali P, Lion D, Tairo, Petfect, Dub Treatment, Inna De Yard, Overjam Festival, Gramatik, Soma, Reggae
summer, Congo Natty, Uprising festival, Runing Irie, Riddim Box, Jah Army, Reggaeville, and IRIE
Magazine, to name a few. IRIE caught up with its founder to reason about... Ziggi Papers!
The Interview
IRIE. Can you tell us little about yourself? Who is Ziggi Man?
Ziggi Man. Ziggi is a man from the past, living in the present, going to the future. Dubplate specialist,
vinyl collector, entrepreneur, inventor, cannabis connoisseur, chef, ect.
IRIE. You started Ziggi Papers in 1991. How did idea come about?
Ziggi Man. The idea was born while smoking my first spliff. We had herb and we had papers, but we
didn’t have filters/tips/roaches. One of my brethrens who was rolling it, picked up an empty match
box from the ground and made a filter from it. I didn’t like the fact that we put something dirty from
the ground to our mouths. So the next day, I had some cardboards already cutup and gave it to every-
body who was rolling. Than one day I made a nice looking little booklet with tips and start selling
dem. Soon after that came the idea and invention of rolling papers and filter tips in one package.
IRIE. As an artist, I truly dig the design collaborations Ziggi Papers showcases with reggae artists. How did this all begin? Who was the first artists you worked with?
Ziggi Man. It’s automatic... or I should say Ziggimatic. Me, as a lover of reggae music, always wanted
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to cooperate with reggae artists. I was going to a lot of summer festivals and promoting and present-
ing Ziggi papers and meeting with a lot of reggae artists that liked my works. First colaboration I did
with Perfect Giddimani. Than nuff works followed. To mention a few: Jah9, Jesse Royal, Tuff Like Iron,
Micah Shemaiah, Exile Di Brave, Inna de yard. Give Thanks to Idren Kevin and I-Tall from Jamaica.
IRIE. What are the Cannabis laws like in Slovenia?
Ziggi Man. Smoking a spliff in a public place when caught can get you a 130 euro ($140 US) fine.
The laws are way behind and the law makers have been pushing the synthetical marijuana. They are
against the natural herb.
IRIE. Why do you think Cannabis gets such a bad rap?
Ziggi Man. It’s a babylon conspiracy. The system sees the threat in cannabis for its farmaceutical, oil
and tobacco industries. But the people are opening their eyes and the change is coming. The herb will
be free and Cannabis will have its proper respect and reputation as it should have been.
IRIE. Do you consider yourself an advocate/voice for the legalization of Cannabis worldwide?
Ziggi Man. Yes, I am a part of it.
IRIE. Where do you see Ziggi Papers headed in the future?
Ziggi Man. I see Ziggi branches going around the world. We’re still gonna be pioneering, focusing on
originality, highest quality and will be spreading reggae music and its message even more.
IRIE. Raspect!
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REGGAE.DUBTAFARI SOUNDFood Inna Di Yard
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DubTafari Sound... In His Words
The thing with brethren Cali P is one of pure Jah Connection. We first met each other in Kingston,
Jamaica, where we had already voiced a few dubplates. During that time, I had made rolling papers
for his album ‘Healing of the nation’.
In Zurich, we have a mutual friend, Marko aka Dr. Marihuanović, who also
distributes Ziggi papers in Switzerland with his Smokers Excellence company.
We joined forces and set up shop, a booth at Cannatrade - the international
cannabis expo in Zurich. Cali P was promoting his upcoming album ‘i Thoughts’
while offering signed copies of his past CDs and LPs along with his new Ziggi
papers. We also had a reggae session, kind a private party for the exhibitors
of the Cannatrade where he sang few songs soundsystem style and I played
for few hours. And Cali P said to me at the expo that he loved how we bring
reggae to the ganja massive that are not reggae audience. That’s a good thing
for reggae music, I love that!
We listen to his new upcoming album and voice few dubplates that one of them ‘Food inna di yard’
you can hear now exclusive as Dubtafari dubplate on Irie magazine two weeks before official release.
Cali P... i Thoughts
Our family, Cali P, is back with a phenomenal new album, ‘i Thoughts’. Cali P first appeared in IRIE
Magazine as the featured cover artist for our January 2015 World Reggae edition. And just like the
prodigal son, he’s return with a thrilling new album, one that is deep-rooted, powerful and conscious
REGGAE.
DUBTAFARI SOUNDFood Inna Di Yaad
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i ThoughtsOctober 7, 2016
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throughout, truly captivating the Lyrical Faya’s
profound and ever-growing talents.
Each track is immensely thought provoking
and therefore undoubtedly manifesting the al-
bums title ‘i Thoughts’ as a remarkable and true
representation. The album has presented itself
in the Reggae Industry at a much needed time,
echoing truth, rights and justice.
Bestowing the finest quality of authentic Reggae
Music with a modern touch, each track simul-
taneously captivates the true essence of Roots
Rock Reggae. CALI P takes his audience upon a
mind awaking journey, blasting through all un-
righteous barriers and bringing forth affirma-
tive and positive solutions to worldly issues.
‘i Thoughts’ is CALI P’s 4th official project
which evidently will have loyal fans remarkably
astounded and will surely mesmerise new fans
alike. The immense sound of each track is
utterly mind blowing and lyrics truly heart-felt.
An accomplished and well travelled artist, Cali P’s
worldly musical influences have emerged within
this album. From the indigenous African Drum,
an inspiration from his father to fascinating
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new Jamaican sounds from where he now resides, are entrenched within the vibrate spirit of
this album.
The artistic water painted cover of the anticipated album, was first released in May 2016, and the
official release date of this charismatic 12 track album has been set for October 7, 2016.
Recorded at Equiknoxx Studio & Ghetto Lynxx Studio in Jamaica, Fans will hear exclusive unreleased
tracks produced and composed by Alex Dupuis & ManuDigital (Flash Hit Records).
The Lyrical Faya conveys his immense musical world-wide connections throughout this album which
is demonstrated by first-class diverse sounds and outstanding International collaborations.
‘Dem Ago Burn Up’ featuring the King Of Fire, Capleton, is produced by UK production team
Seani B (BBC 1XTRA) & Don Chandler (upon their new riddim ‘Strictly Roots’ from the title track
of the Morgan Heritage’s Grammy award winning album). This Bass Skanking, Regal track with
it’s Rasta Chanting Lyrics, truly cements this album as Powerful and Righteous.
Fans are also blown away by the pre-released favourite ‘Coconut Jelly Man’ featuring the smooth
Jazz Neo Reggae vocalist Shanique Marie (Produced by Equiknoxx Music). This enhanced track
provides Beautiful Scenery to the album and is a perfect vocal partnership.
Yung Jr, the greatly talented son of the legend Junior Reid also features on the album with a
Conscious Vibe and Roots Rock Sound. This track, ‘Want No War’, produced by Flash Hit Records,
has already been released upon Yung Jr’s spectacular album last year and is receiving immense ra-
dio airplay.
The track ‘Guiding Shield’ (produced by Teka from Rootdown Music) is currently making head ways
within the International Reggae Arena. Its conveys Cali P’s true dedication to the Rastafarian Faith.
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With its Warrior trodding lyrical upliftment and powerful sound, the track has been complimented
by its sovereign official video released in May 2016.
With the Spiritual Lovers Rock track ‘Do You Love Me’, CALI P captivates the hearts of every female
fan. Within this enchanting track, the Lyrical Faya
expresses his most inner feelings upon love, a deep
complex connection to a beautiful soul and the
mysteries of the heart. His devotion is echoed by
the elegant piano and his affection by the angelic
female alluring harmonies.
This magnificent and exceptional album could not have been complete without the UK’s leading
Reggae Star Randy Valentine. With the ultimate expression of lyrical and vocal talent, co written is
the track ‘On My Way Home’. This song will undoubtably and unequivocal be a Reggae Anthem for
many years to come. His past 3 releases ‘Like A Lion’ (2010), ‘Unstoppable’ (2011) & ‘Healing of The Nation’ (2014) all went No. 1 on the iTunes Reggae Charts in numerous territories, and this next
release is without doubt going to be another chart topper.
‘i Thoughts’ is the true essence of the preservation of Authentic Roots Reggae
Music purely exemplifying the absolute meaning of Word, Power and Sound
from the Heart. A true experience never before embarked upon, CALI P has
successfully created a timeless classic of Reggae excellence. Each instrument
sensationally infused with thrilling and exquisite lyrical content which is a
majestic and exclusive journey into the mind of the one and only Lyrical Faya,
Cali P.... this is ‘i Thoughts’.
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IRIE would like to thank the following people who helped make this issue a successful one. Without their efforts, this magazine would not be possible.
Giovanna Guimarães, Michelle Monreal, Ziggi Mastah, Anze, Cali P, Gary ‘Riga’ Hemp Higher, Hemp Higher Productions & Flash Hit Records!
Nuff Respect!