Luciano - Jah's MessenJah, has an aura that transcends him, sending out waves that speak volumes of his personality and character. These sound waves told YardFlex that he is humble, always pleasant and seems to be often on a tight schedule; as was evidenced with his fast paced moving about and seemingly incessant phone calls that rolled in as we spoke.
"Every great achievement has convinced me about my mission, Jah has blessed me, I can never be ungrateful." These are the words of the man we know as "Luc" Light, "ciano" bearer of the light; Luciano Jah's Messenjah, is a name given to him by his first manager Omar Harris.
Born Jepther McClymont October 20, 1964, he grew up in the Adventist Church. The seventh of nine children, Luciano was born to extremely spiritual and musical parents and grew up in Daveyton, a small district in the central parish of Manchester, Jamaica. He is often referred to as "The Messenjah" which Luciano says is a name that he took on after reading Malachi chapter 3 which speaks about the messenger coming.
Luciano says he is always conscious of what he eats and drinks, even about his roots and spirituality. "I always read mi bible which is my guideline and other books on Rastafari." When asked if he was affiliated to or works with any of the three mansions of Rastafari, Luciano says "I am a part of everyone, each represents a different function of Rastafari, I am born October which makes me Dan so I am Twelve Tribes and everyone who is born [on a month] is inevitably a part of Twelve Tribes, I love Nyabinghi because it is the first ancient order of worship and I am Bobo Shanti because of its priesthood order, Music has neutralized me."
Luciano recorded his debut single "Ebony & Ivory" on the Aquarius Record label and since then he has released fifty albums; his most recent release being "Jah is my Navigator," which Luciano says has been doing well. "It's number one in Florida and it entered the Reggae Billboard chart at number seven, it is probably at number six now." Although the success of this album seems inevitable Luciano says his most memorable album to date is his first album released on Chris Blackwell owned Island Records, entitled "Where There Is Life."
Regardless of all the success Luciano can remember a time when he felt like it was so hard and he says, "This was the time a ran off into the hills. Right after mi first album mi hold a sabbatical and is when I came back, I did the album Messenjah." Luciano has somewhat followed in his father's footsteps, having seven children of his own. His sons Menelik and Negus have both recently been in the news for their performance on Rebel Salute earlier this year. Luciano said, "Their performances brought tears to my eyes". He also mentioned another son Alpha, who he says wrote and recorded a song called Judgement. Luciano says, "We will soon be fixing it up and releasing it."
In discussing his children's names; Luciano said, "Once you give a child a name with a significant meaning he is going to try to work towards it." Luciano revealed that his children's zeal to do music stems from his tradition of taking them to most of his stage shows and even on tour. This he believes, builds their confidence and makes them acquainted with people of different races and creeds. He said, however that if any child decides not to do music, he has no problem because education comes first.
Luciano is currently scheduled to start his USA/European tour this end of March. With all his travels and accomplishments Luciano has managed to stick to his roots staying true to Rastafari and what the faith stands for. He says the message he wants to spread to people of the world is for them to "Realise the greatest gift of life, to nourish it and cherish, honour and worship the almighty."
"Every great achievement has convinced me about my mission, Jah has
blessed me, I can never be ungrateful." These are the words of the man we know as "Luc" Light, "ciano" bearer of the light; Luciano Jah's Messenjah, is a name given to him by his first manager Omar Harris.
Born Jepther McClymont October 20, 1964, he grew up in the Adventist Church. The seventh of nine children, Luciano was born to extremely spiritual and musical parents and grew up in Daveyton, a small district in the central parish of Manchester, Jamaica. He is often referred to as "The Messenjah" which Luciano says is a name that he took on after reading Malachi chapter 3 which speaks about the messenger coming.
Luciano says he is always conscious of what he eats and drinks, even about his roots and spirituality. "I always read mi bible which is my guideline and other books on Rastafari." When asked if he was affiliated to or works with any of the three mansions of Rastafari, Luciano says "I am a part of everyone, each represents a different function of Rastafari, I am born October which makes me Dan so I am Twelve Tribes and everyone who is born [on a month] is inevitably a part of Twelve Tribes, I love Nyabinghi because it is the first ancient order of worship and I am Bobo Shanti because of its priesthood order, Music has neutralized me."
Luciano recorded his debut single "Ebony & Ivory" on the Aquarius Record label and since then he has released fifty albums; his most recent release being "Jah is my Navigator," which Luciano says has been doing well. "It's number one in Florida and it entered the Reggae Billboard chart at number seven, it is probably at number six now." Although the success of this album seems inevitable Luciano says his most memorable album to date is his first album released on Chris Blackwell owned Island Records, entitled "Where There Is Life."
Regardless of all the success Luciano can remember a time when he felt like it was so hard and he says, "This was the time a ran off into the hills. Right after mi first album mi hold a sabbatical and is when I came back, I did the album Messenjah." Luciano has somewhat followed in his father's footsteps, having seven children of his own. His sons Menelik and Negus have both recently been in the news for their performance on Rebel Salute earlier this year. Luciano said, "Their performances brought tears to my eyes". He also mentioned another son Alpha, who he says wrote and recorded a song called Judgement. Luciano says, "We will soon be fixing it up and releasing it."
In discussing his children's names; Luciano said, "Once you give a child a name with a significant meaning he is going to try to work towards it." Luciano revealed that his children's zeal to do music stems from his tradition of taking them to most of his stage shows and even on tour. This he believes, builds their confidence and makes them acquainted with people of different races and creeds. He said, however that if any child decides not to do music, he has no problem because education comes first.
Luciano is currently scheduled to start his USA/European tour this end of March. With all his travels and accomplishments Luciano has managed to stick to his roots staying true to Rastafari and what the faith stands for. He says the message he wants to spread to people of the world is for them to "Realise the greatest gift of life, to nourish it and cherish, honour and worship the almighty."
Posted by yardFlex at March 19, 2008 10:49 AM