A Bright Future In Zane Rodulfo: Interview by Les-tor Manchestor

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Tell me in a nutshell, what is going on in Trinidad as we speak

Jahari Gamba says:
In what sense? Well... There is a lot of good going on in Trinidad right now, which unfortunately is over shadowed by the negative. There are many positive-minded youths who seek the upliftment of others, mainly using Hiphop, Poetry, Dance, Art etc. , when I say "Youth" I speak of mainly between the ages of say..15 to 26.The unfortunate things happening here right now is some very serious gang and drug-related... (how the news say it)..warfare.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
So who are you man? What do you do?

Jahari Gamba says:
Hmm... I'm a spirit having a human experience!
Seriously though... my name is Zane Rodulfo. I'm a 17 year old "Afro-Trinidadian" male. I'm currently in school doing a certificate in Business and Computer Technology. That aside, I'm a drummer for approx. 6 years now. Been playing in a few shows and gigs here in Trinidad, mainly Jazz. I also do the art of Capoeira and am a member of the Emancipation Support Committee Youth Arm here as well... Mainly seeking the upliftment and empowerment of youth.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Sounds good to me. So can you tell us about any progress that you've seen being made where you are?

Jahari Gamba says:
Progress... where what is concerned?

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Change in any facet, to the conditions in your area. Or at least the mind states of individuals that face these issues daily.

Jahari Gamba says:
The conditions in my area... haven't really changed that much, beside some bourgeois people digging into the mountains to build their houses....The mind state of people here... hmm...personally I haven't really seen much change. If I use the Civil Rights Movement as a benchmark...there has been some negative change. But the minds of Trinidadians right now are in Corporate America and Europe. The majority tend to follow whatever mainstream trends exist on whatever media source. A lot of people tend to embrace foreign culture than our own homegrown heritage. I interact with a lot of youths on a day to day basis. The majority of them are mostly concerned with drinking and really showing a lack of respect for their selves... in my eyes. BUT...there is the minority.. These are the ones you'll see at the poetry joints, embracing the arts & culture... who are speaking out on all the wrongs that are occurring in our communities.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Alright, then. Let's talk a bit about your music. What's going on with your production currently. How long have you be playing and what's you goal in terms of you personal musical contribution to the world?

Jahari Gamba says:
Okay. Currently, I'm into some minor music production, if it's good enough to have some real nice artistes on it... all that'll be cool. But where drumming is concerned, I've been playing for 6 years now... Been taking classes for about 5..which I finished early this year. My goals... I plan on majoring in Music Therapy and doing a minor in Professional Music/Theory at University level. In terms of my personal musical contribution, I can see myself maybe coming up with a new therapeutic method using music...'Cause music definitely has the power to heal... Mind Body & Soul. I also am determined to become... if I'm permitted to say, "the new Max Roach"...Being an excellent musician… not just a drummer, but a musician who plays the drums and can contribute in anyway possible toward the positive development of Music.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Yeah man Max Roach is surely a serious dude. Leading an orchestra is next level. Would you ultimately move in that direction as well?

Jahari Gamba says:
Absolutely...once I've reached the personal and musical level... maybe an 'Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers' type thing..

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
You catch any flicks out there in Trinidad as of late?

Jahari Gamba says:
Not lately, last one I saw was War Of The Worlds... I really wanna go check out Crash and The Hills Have Eyes though.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
I heard you did some music for a video coming up on BET Uncut...

Jahari Gamba says:
o.O ....

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Have you seen M-1's latest video I actually caught it yesterday. I thought it was alright. I saw Ness from the A Alikes in there. Big ups to The A Alikes.

Jahari Gamba says:
Haven't seen it yet..Heard about it though. I'll like to check out Stic's-The Art Of Emcee-ing though... but for real.. Big up to the RBG Family and People's Army!... Uhuru!

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Funny my next question actually is. What is your take on The Peoples Army

Jahari Gamba says:
Well... there're a bit of People's Armies out there... New People's Army, People's Liberation Army etc.. But I do support that with A-Alikes and DPz… I really like the message they're spreading, but... I personally think there should be more of an 'Army Of The Oppressed People' than a 'People's Army'... But I guess before there's an army of such, The People first need to destroy the little things within them that distract them from their real goal in life… As I said I really support them (I wear an RBG wristband... almost all the time)... I support any genuine organization that are solely looking towards the empowerment and freedom (whether social or psychological) of Black people.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
I hear you're planning a trip to NYC. What's that all about?

Jahari Gamba says:
Okay..This Summer, I'll be attending a Jazz Workshop for High School & College Students in William Patterson Univ. in New Jersey in which the students get to spend an evening at The New York City Jazz Club Iridium.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Any spots in particular you look forward to breezing thru in the city that never sleeps?

Jahari Gamba says:
Well...I'll be in Queens after..so maybe I can go roaming about..Don't really have any where in particular that I'll like to go...anywhere with nice people, nice vibes and nice food will be nice..

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
Fooooooooooood. What is your favorite dish from the yard bred?

Jahari Gamba says:
Haha..let's see.Trust me...you'll get hungry. Macaroni Pie, Corn Rice, Calaloo, Stewed Soya (Fish on some occasions), Fresh green salad and potato salad. Then there's corn soup and dumplings.

lestormanchestor.blogspot.com says:
You're a young man with a long productive future ahead of you. I appreciate your time. Do you have any links our readers may visit to hear some of your creations Perhaps an email address you'd like to share with those that may be interested in learning more about the youth organization that you are part of?

Jahari Gamba says:
No problem. It was nice chatting with you. I'm currently working on a SoundClick page for my work so as soon as that is up, I'll tell you about it. If you'll like to know about the organization you can go on the Emancipation Support Committee’s webpage: www.emancipationtt.org where you can get all the information regarding them. FREEHIPHOPNOW!

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=482476 Listen to some tracks...