The music of Bob Marley was once a craze. Reggae music has come a long way since then. India has its own sound of Reggae with a huge part of the credit is due to the Reggae Rajahs We had an opportunity to talk to the Delhi based band to know on their journey, about the emerging reggae and dancehall scene in India and how reggae became part of their musical landscape. Here’s the exclusive interview documenting their progress to date on a mission to reggae-fy the sub-continent.

Can you tell us a bit about the Reggae Rajahs - where are you from, how did you start out and what are you all about?

We formed in 2009 as a group of reggae promoters in New Delhi. Six years later, we are a high energy collective of DJs and MCs that have entertained crowds across India and all over the world.

Can you tell us something about The Indian reggae scene, where is it all happening, who are some of the main artists?

The Indian reggae scene is still in its infancy but the movement is growing. Delhi Sultanate and his BassFoundation Roots Sound system are definitely worth watching out for while Dakta Dub (Hyderabad), King Jassim (Banaglore), Bombay Bassment (Mumbai) and Rudy Roots (Goa) are all championing reggae music across the country in their own styles.

Who are some of your favourite international artists that have influenced you?

There are too many reggae artists to name. But in terms of what we do specifically, I think Major Lazer have been a big inspiration and so too have some European sound systems like Herbalize It, Sentinel and Pow Pow.

Are there any people in the reggae music industry whom you have been working with?

We recently put out a single called “Far Away” in collaboration with Greenyard Records from France. We will be working with many more international producers and artists in the near future.

Have you guys released any albums down the years?

Thus far we have only released a few singles but watch out for an EP from us in 2015!

What is your style of Reggae music?

We play all styles of reggae music from dub and roots to dancehall and even soca.

What is your selling point when it comes to differentiating you from other reggae artists?

I think the energy we bring on stage is important. We realize that this music is new to a lot of people here in India so we always try and involve the crowd as much as we can.

Do you use any Indian artists / musical instruments in your music?

We are in the process of collaborating with some Indian producers and artists so hopefully the results of that should be out for all to see quite soon!

Interviewed By Verus Ferreira