Respect | Dub Akom

Irie Magazine presents Dub Akom
Respect | Dub Akom 1

IRIE. Who are some of your musical influences?

Dub Akom: Our musical influences in reggae music started with listening to artists like Barrington Levy, Johnny Osbourne, Black Uhuru, Sly & Robbie, Roots Radics, Scientist … 80’s style. We then enjoyed the new roots scene with artists like Capleton, Jah Mason and Pressure. On the dancehall side, we enjoyed artists like Mr. Vegas, Konshens, Mavado… and big producers like Di Genius, Chimney Records, Rvssian and more.

IRIE. Can you share with us what the reggae scene is like in Marseille, France?

Dub Akom: Today, the reggae scene in Marseille is not as active as it used to be. There are still some bands & sound system but its hard to gather the reggae massive, except if it’s a big event. It’s really a problem in this city. A lot of reggae artists tour don’t stop by Marseille because promoters know that it’s too difficult to pack a full venue.

IRIE. How did the name Dub Akom come about?

Dub Akom: We was searching for a word to go with ‘Dub’ since we started out as a Dub band. We discover the African word ‘Akom’ which, when translated, meant ‘to be possessed’.

The word ‘Akom’ is derived from when they are dancing the ‘Kumina’, an ecstatic dance, to enter into communion with their ancestors. We felt that these two word combined were perfect… Dub Akom.

IRIE. The evolution of Dub Akom continued with the addition of Claude (Keyboard), Titi, Stef and Laurent. How did these additions to the band come about?

Dub Akom: We already knew each other since we all played locally in different reggae bands. First, we worked with others musicians from our city and when we started to perform as backing band for artists, we first linked up with Claude (Keyboard), then Titi (Guitar), and later on, Stef (keyboard) to build the perfect team. Laurent is the sound engineer that we use to work with from our beginnings.

IRIE. When writing/producing a riddim from idea, is it a band effort or do you and Faby handle the duties?

Dub Akom: Faby and I compose and produce all the riddims. We usually make all the vibes in our studio. We then record the real drums in a bigger place and add others instruments. Once we have vocals ready, Faby edits and mixes the final riddim.< ?p>

IRIE. Dub Akom has played all over Europe and Africa at such notable festivals like Rototom Sunsplash, Garance Reggae Festival, Summerjam and even Carnivore in Keyna. Do you have a favorite venue?

Dub Akom: Yes! Garance Festival is one of our favorite festivals to play and not because it is in the south of France. The location is beautiful and the weather is perfect. It’s a great place to meet artists, radio stations and the massives. The vibe is irie! We also really enjoy playing Summerjam which is Germany’s big reggae festival. Of course, playing in front of the crowds in Kenya as well as in the beautiful Mauritius Island are a big treat for us!

IRIE. In 2007, you formed Akom Records to focus on producing riddims. Can you share with us the feeling you get when listening to artists such as Pressure, Lutan Fyah, Konshens and Turbulence (to name a few) sing over your riddims? It must be an IRIE feeling, mon!

Dub Akom: Yeah, it’s a real pleasure to hear these artists singing over our riddims. We always try to link with artists whose music we appreciate and whose styles matches our style of production.

IRIE. What does 2015 hold for Dub Akom?

Dub Akom: We are focusing on creating new riddims for 2015. We don’t have anything produced yet however we will definitely be releasing a big dancehall riddim in the new year featuring Jah Mason and Queen Omega.

IRIE. Is there anything you would like to say to the IRIE family?

Dub Akom: Big up to all the team; thanks for the support and BIGGGGG RESPECT to Nico and the IRIE MAG Family!!! Big thanks to all the massive who follow us! Stay tuned for new productions & live shows! Irie Magazine Icon


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