Last Disciple, Meeka Nyota and Linval Thompson
Reggae and marijuana are two of the things that drew Last Disciple to Jamaican culture. He pays homage to both on ‘Smoking Kush’, a song he did with roots veteran Linval Thompson and dub poet Meeka Nyota.
The song, he insists, is a rallying cry for things he holds dear including racial and world peace. ‘Smoking Kush’ is about the positive effects of herb on the world and people throughout from ancient times until this day. It’s inspiring for artistes and knocks over the divides between the nations, even racism and spiritual wickedness in high and low places,” said Last Disciple, a native of Greenville, South Carolina who has been visiting Jamaica since 2008.
On those trips, he soaked up the country’s culture which includes an open embrace of marijuana, or ganja as it is commonly known there. Last Disciple supports decriminalization of the weed, which is used as a religious sacrament by many Jamaican Rastafarians.
Interestingly, one of his favorite ganja songs is ‘Marijuana’ by Thompson, a leading figure in 1970s/80s dancehall as a singer and producer. His hit songs include ‘Train to Zion’ and ‘Look How me Sexy’ while he produced numerous songs for Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano label.
Last Disciple has recorded two albums to date — ‘Babylon Fall’ and ‘Rise Up’. The latter was largely recorded in Jamaica with seasoned musicians such as guitarist Winston “Bo Pee” Bowen and keyboardist Franklyn “Bubbler” Waul.