Interview with ‘S. Sponji Living’
The new King of Reggae with a non-rasta new vision and a revolutionary music adapted to all genres. He is on the way for a Reggae Grammy this year 2020 with his track Salsa Reggae.
Where are you from?
I’m from Ivory Coast in West Africa, that is the country of Didier Drogba the international great soccer player.
Are you OK with those who say that you are the new King of Reggae ?
I am the King of a new non-rasta Reggae, not of Reggae.
How long have you been making music?
Since my childhood but my real career started in 2006 with a maxi single THE ONE ever distributed by label EUROPA in Switzerland. Then after I did 4 full albums with several americans labels and now since 2018, I work with MUSIK AND FILM Records based in Jacksonville FL with President Stephen WRENCH my dad in music.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
All my 5 albums are 12 tracks albums like the 12 tribes of Israël in the Bible or the 12 Apostles of Jesus. My 2020 album is called Imperial Day released last 2 January 2020 and in the race for a Reggae Grammy.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
I’m specialized in mixing Reggae to any genre. So in 1996, as a young man, I wrote my right now promo track Salsa Reggae in such matter. I have the ability to speak many languages including English, Spanish and French. So I take profit of that advantage.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
As a wise man, I need to keep my integrity and also my liberty of thought. So I prefer to work with independent labels and this option is very suitable for me, for I do not want to become slave of this showbiz system full of illusion and with regrets at the end.
What do you think of the music industry in 2020?
I think indie artists have now opportunities to join major TV now, and thousands of radios including magazines like you and I rejoice for that. I’m not one of those who criticise only the system without proposing solutions. Gonna ahead.
Who do you think the most influential artist?
Oh, so many artists and not especially in my genre. U ROY is my best guy but I love also FELA KUTI, Kenny G, Koffi Olomide, Bob Marley of course and so on.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
With Grainne Hambly from Ireland. She is one of the greatest harpist worlwide.
How do you think you differ from other artists?
I’m a reggaeman but not a rastaman. My philosophy is different. I do not smoke ganja and I’m a meat eater.(laughter).Ok, more seriouly, as you see I do not wear fashion dreadlocks and I think Reggae revival depends on a change of vision and a new music adapted to our time.
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Daddy U ROY
What was the first album you bought?
Survival by Bob Marley bought in 1993 if my memory is right
What’s your favourite song at the moment?
Gainako by Sona JOBARTEH. I love her for she is serious, respectable and never naked on stage.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
No one. They are all my babies and a good father, never forsake a child even bandit.
What is your favourite saying?
Imperial
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
As a 10 books’ author, I also love readIng books and listening to music
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
Never for a spiritual man
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
First I intend to win the first African Reggae Grammy. So help me Lord. And I prepare 3 concerts from November to December. For more information about, please see my facebook page or my website.
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
An American tour with my dad in music President Stephen WRENCH for my U S label MUSIK AND FILM records.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Lots of Love
