“Music Is Mathematics” For Sizzla Kalonji
Veteran Dancehall and Reggae entertainer Sizzla Kalonji has described his body of music as one which uses a formula, similar to mathematics, to reach the listeners. The artist, who has remained one of the top names associated with conscious Dancehall, recently shared that he’s never lost his inspiration for creating a more positive type of music.
Speaking with the Gleaner, Sizzla revealed how he has kept up inspiration and focus on his message throughout his career.
“Music is mathematics. A very common saying in Jamaica is, ‘Do the maths’, so what we don’t know [is that] our first language is mathematics. While words can lead you astray, or people can lure you in a different pathway, with maths, you have to be precise; you have to do the formula to solve the equation to get the solution,” he said.
“That is what it is for me. I’m doing the work and keeping it simple so even young children can understand what is going on through the music,” he added.
His music is often inspired by women, and with International Women’s Day approaching the veteran declared that, for him, March is Women’s Month. Sizzla also shared that he has a profound respect for mothers.
“Without mothers, you wouldn’t have all the musicians and artistes that are around doing beautiful work. I can’t just choose one woman, all the women, they play a part, but me still have to call on mama Rita Marley. Then, from me say her name, me have to mention Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, Carlene Davis and Lady Saw, and so many others. So, all the ladies, please be blessed,” he continued.
Sizzla’s career has now spanned over three decades and he got his start during his musical apprenticeship with the Caveman Hi-Fi sound system. In 1995, he released his first single through the Zagalou label. Following that he teamed up with “Bobby Digital” Dixon for a series of hit singles.
His big break would come when Homer Harris, the same man who mentored Buju Banton got him an introduction with top Jamaican saxophonist Dean Fraser, the musical director for Philip “Fatis” Burrell’s Xterminator Family. Major success would soon follow as he released Praise Ye Jah followed by another mega-hit Black Woman & Child. From there Sizzla dominated the conscious dancehall scene with a string of hits including Like Mountain, and Kings of the Earth.
He would go on to produce over 50 solo albums in his career. Of those, 21 albums have made it onto the Billboard’s Reggae Albums music chart. The highest, Words of Truth, peaked at No. 5.
In 2019, Sizzla, an avid motorbike enthusiast, was involved in an accident on Mona Road in Jamaica and one of his ankles was shattered. He’s since recovered and last October 2020 released a new album called Million Times. The album is different from his usual work and features a blend of R&B, Soul, Dancehall, and Hip Hop.