| "Entertainment and enlightenment" might be Iwango Jahfire's catchphrase. He repeats it often enough. It is clear that he is a deeply spiritual man. Part of it might be him trying to live up to his name. Iwango, he says, means "to move forward progressively" while Jahfire signifies a "servant of God." The lead singer of Strugglah certainly self-identifies as a musical servant of God and of people.
Iwango is effusive, still buzzing from the musical vibes of a rehearsal for an upcoming concert at SAIT on February 3, when we talk about the show. It's called "Reggae for the Homeless" and is meant to benefit the Mustard Seed Ministry. Half of all proceeds from the show will be donated to the charity, says Jahfire. This is in keeping with his beliefs as a Rastafarian. It is his philosophy that "one way to help myself is to help others."
"Reggae music is a strong defender of humanity and it is in that tradition that we show respect for human life and serve each other in one way or another," says Jahfire. "We belong to nature and when duty calls we must obey. That is the way it is supposed to go."
Jahfire is pumped about this concert and has good reason to be. Strugglah is celebrating its 12th anniversary as a band on February 5 and are about to embark on a tour. As he says, "I have a band and am blessed with a voice." Others are not so fortunate. "This is my way of saying thank you to life" for everything I have.
"Reggae for the Homeless" is based upon the idea that you can use music as a tool for social change. Strugglah, according to Jahfire, is a humanitarian and people's band. The group's participation in previous social projects sponsored by the Arusha Centre and other organizations bears witness to this. His words ring true when he says that "we find that people spend too much time trying to survive and losing touch with living." He also says that "we need to recognize that some people are disadvantaged. We have to respect people living on the street just like we have to respect people all over the world." It is Jahfire's belief that reggae music and Rastafarianism are all about raising consciousness and breaking down negative barriers between people that seems to motivate him. "We are an extension of each other," he notes. We want to raise some consciousness about the homeless and give people a beautiful concert.
Tickets for the Strugglah concert are available at several outlets including The Gateway Bar (SAIT). For more information about the concert call 204-1136 or e-mail Iwango@hotmail.com. |
Copyright ©2007 FFWD. All rights reserved.