Interview: Cojie from Mighty Crown
By Morgan Short, Sep 10th, 2009 | In Nightlife
The first name in Reggae soundsystems worldwide is Japanese crew Mighty Crown. After forming back in the early '90s, Mighty Crown rose to national prominence, playing shows, doing mix tapes, and sound clashing with other Japanese-based soundsystems.
[Ed's note: For the uninitiated, a sound clash is a competition wherein opposing reggae soundsystems pit their skills against each other. A combination of DJs, selectors and MCs compete for audience approval, "killing" their opponents with their performance. The "system" aspect of the term comes from the group dynamic, and the fact that traditionally, crews would use their own equipment instead of the club's stock gear.]
Mighty Crown aka The Far East Rulaz became the undisputed Japanese national champs back in 1998 and won the World Clash in Brooklyn in 1999. They were competing against Jamaican and American soundsystems, and the feat thrust them onto the international stage along side the world's finest. The first from Japan to ever take the world title, since then, Mighty Crown have added more championships to their resume, and they've been in demand all over the world as a representation of both the pinnacle of the art form and of the internationalism of reggae, dub, and dancehall music.
And as you can see, they have their own Nike sneaker.
Cojie from the Mighty Mighty Mighty Crown is playing at The Shelter this Friday. SmartShanghai hooked up with Cojie for a little email Q&A action. If you like positive reggae vibes don't miss out on his show tomorrow night.
***
First of all, for those that don't know, please give us a brief introduction of Mighty Crown. How did you start? Who is in the crew?
Cojie: Mighty Crown was founded in 1991 In Yokohama City in Japan by Simon and Sami. After building our Soundsystem in 1994, we started clashing with other Japanese Sounds and became the world champ in '99 at Irish and Chin's World Clash in New York.
We now run an annual reggae festival in Yokohama, our own clothing range called Nine Rulaz, and also our own record label. Members are Simon (Owner/MC), Sami (Main Selector/MC), Cojie (Selector), Super G (Selector/MC), and Ninja (Selector/MC).
Reggae and dancehall seems to be very popular in Japan at the moment. When did Reggae come to Japan? Why do you think it has taken off so much?
Cojie:I don't exactly know when Reggae come to Japan, but I guess in the early '80s. Even though Japanese people don't understand the language, we can catch the vibes! Feel it! Reggae is international sound!!
How did you personally get into Jamaican music?
Cojie: When I was in high school, I got a cassette from my friend and then I started listen to man like Yellow Man, Ninja Man and Admiral Bailey, etc.
What is your opinion of current music from Jamaica?
Cojie: Dancehall has changed a lot. It seems like now they promoting negative things like guns and violence.
Your annual reggae festival in Yokohama was last weekend. How did it go? Did you have any special guests?
Cojie: This year's festival was the best ever! We had over 35,000 people! This year we invited special guests Barrington Levy, Half Pint, and Da'Ville!!
Where does Mighty Crown source its music from? Are there many reggae record shops in Japan or do you travel to Jamaica often?
Cojie:There used to be a lot of record store in Japan but now, like everywhere they are all closing down. Most shops are just online now.
Mighty Crown have won many sound clash titles, including the "Death Before Dishonor" World Title in Jamaica. How was the attitude in Jamaica when a Japanese Soundsystem took the title?
Cojie: At first they underestimate us as we are Japanese and not Jamaicans, but after 1999 when we won the world title in New York they noticed us as one of the top sounds in the business.
You recently played a dance with Pete Holdsworth from Pressure Sounds (who also played at The Shelter a couple of months ago). How was the dance?
Cojie: The dance was really good! Nice vibes! He played some great tunes!
What sort of set do you have planned for the Shanghai dance at The Shelter?
Cojie: I'm planning on playing roots music. Steppers! Pure roots and culture. No guns and violence!
***
Shanghai By Bus pres. Cojie from Mighty Crown this Friday at The Shelter. In support is the Uprooted Crew: Deville, Drunk Monk, dji, Boombadil, Yas, Killer Bob, MC Didje, ChaCha, MC Esia, MC Arminda.
Hassle free ticket purchasing and delivery for Shanghai's cultural and concert events:
No comments yet
Please sign in or register to comment