Reggae | Khalilah Rose

The Interview

IRIE. You first appeared in IRIE magazine (July 2013) in our RESPECT section. Since then, you’ve been extremely busy representing Roots Reggae. Can you share with us your journey?

Khalilah Rose: Blessed! The journey has been wonderful. I thank Jah that I have life to experience these things. The road is rough and sometimes smooth, yet every step along the way, I am grateful that I walk with Jah.

IRIE. You consider yourself a soldier in the army of Jah. What does this mean to you?

Khalilah Rose: This world is crazy! It is a war outside. Literally. For many years of my life I’ve watched bullets of hate flying by, destroying so many among us. I pray often that Jah uses me as a weapon to fight the evil powers that exist.

IRIE. In 2013, you launched KREATE Jamaica, an education initiative that grants scholarships to assist students ages 6-16 in Jamaica who are in need of financial assistance. Much Respect to you for thinking of and supporting the youths who are our future. How did this come about?

Khalilah Rose: What would be the purpose of sacrificing my privacy, my time, my emotions, my safety, family relationships and not helping those who are being oppressed by the system. I would
be a waste of an artist. All the opportunity I get, just like this, is not for me, but for the greater good of the children of the Most high.

IRIE. Your debut album, Zion’s Lullaby, had over 60,000 downloads from July 2012 to December 2012. You consider it your mission statement. Tell us more about your mission?

Khalilah Rose: Yes, it is my mission to spread my music beyond the four corners of the Earth. Human kind must be unified. For the saving of our soul we must embrace love for all of God’s creations. One of the missions in achieving this is the upliftment of the black race. This is a global issue. In every nation melanin is under attack. I attribute a great deal of that to the efforts of England, Constantine and the Vatican. We as humans need to embrace the indigenous African. We as Africans need to liberate ourselves and shew forth love and respect for the way Jah created us.

IRIE. You were born to a Jamaican Christian family but were chosen by Jah in 2001 to be his messenger. Can you share with us this story of transition in your life?

Khalilah Rose: I was exposed to Rastafari from my uncle, Daddy Stone. Which is the father of Nadine Sutherland. Just watching how he and Ras Vernon behaved was so uplifting for me. These Rastas were very militant in their own right. Their soul illuminated a beauty that outshined many adults around me at the time. They personified righteousness. Their humility was exemplary.

By the time I was 12, my uncles and the music of Capleton helped me realize that I too am Rasta. My mother told me that I would be removed from my home if I natty up mi head. I waited until I was older. 2001, I just took it to the next level and fully embraced my destiny.

IRIE. You are a mother and a rasta woman who juggles raising a child and producing positive roots reggae music for the masses. How do you manage to balance a full schedule?

Khalilah Rose: This is something that I am still learning how to manage. Many sacrifices were made all around. Of course, It is not easy but fortunately I work with individuals that have faith in the movement like Jay, Trevino Cole, Cyber-Leaf Entertainment, Empress Nadifa, Leeia Music, Zigz, radio disc jokeys and all sound systems across the world. Just to name a few.

This is the reason why I embrace all who want to assist along the way. It is very important to ‘Unite and Be Strong’ to develop consciousness among the lost souls.

IRIE. In July 2013, the track, ‘Your Eyes’, was featured in an episode of Law & Order. How did this opportunity come about?

Mad Professor: Oh yes! I forgot about that. But an insider within the American music industry who actually loved that song got it placed in the show. His name is Chewali Shannon. I am grateful for that opportunity.

IRIE. You are a living example of someone who practices what they preach. You preach peace, love and unity through your music which is pure conscious roots reggae. You not only sing and talk about Africa, but you also perform free of charge in Africa. Why is this so important to you?

Khalilah Rose: With all honesty music has not earned me wages that provide food and shelter. I can recall times I have done shows and was not even offered a bottle of water. This is quite humorous to me but it is all a part of the game. I am not mad about that. This helps me not to lose focus of my ultimate intention, which is fi bun down terrible bobby!

IRIE. Tell us about the a cappella track, Blackliner. I get a hint of John Denver’s Leaving on a Jet Plane. Is it an anthem for Marcus Garvey’s legacy?

Khalilah Rose: Between you and me, Irie, in my heart I often feel like roots reggae is here to pick up from where Marcus Garvey left off. My love for Marcus Garvey’s movement is profound. I would love to make that similar impact on the world.

IRIE. I concur, Khalilah! You kicked off 2015 with the release of ‘New World,’ produced by PushA Yute Records. I’ve heard that this track is very personal. Can you explain?

Khalilah Rose: I had to take some time away from music. I had to stand still and spend some valuable time with Jah. There were many forces around me trying to bring me down. The battle
became very hot. The only way of preparing myself for what was yet to come was to stop and focus on Jah.

The holy sacrament was vital in my spiritual development as well. ‘New World’ was my opportunity to blaze out “di crab inna barrel ” dem before I proceed to the next level in the fulfillment of my destiny.

IRIE. If you could change one thing about the perception of Roots Reggae music to outsiders, what would that be?

Khalilah Rose: Today, I’ve received a long Facebook message from an individual who was adamant about the perception of my images on Facebook. They believe that my management was not selling a glamorous image. Some people failed to realize that Roots Reggae is a movement and not a fashion show. Yes, I may be the Cover Girl for Irie Magazine this month and that is because I am a face of a real revolution, not some superficial media plot to brainwash the youth’s perception of beauty. For this reason I have chosen to include pictures of me in my real life movements. Not a modeling session.

IRIE. Word! What’s in store for Khalilah Rose in 2015?

Khalilah Rose: Great things, movements I have never experienced but have visioned. The next step is the release of a single in April entitled “Journey” produced by Calibud outta yaad. This is a powerful tune.

IRIE. Is there anything you would like to share with our IRIE audience?

Khalilah Rose: I would like to urge the audience to share the link for Irie Magazine today with at least three people. I will do the same. Let this be your contribution to the endurance of Roots Reggae, Rasta culture and most importantly the emancipation of the conscious mind. We have the power within us to change the world. Eternal Love!

IRIE. Give thanks, Khalilah Rose. We are with you in your journey! Much Love and Respect!