DJ Ras Tariq: Bridging Cultures Through the Jah Mission Sound Africa Tour
DJ Ras Tariq, a vibrant selector from Amsterdam, is on a mission to connect cultures through the power of reggae music. The Jah Mission Sound Africa Tour kicked off in Banjul, The Gambia, on August 27, and the excitement is palpable. “We have been touring and meeting with ones and ones. They love reggae music; the reception has been incredible so far. It’s been a great vibe,” he shared, his enthusiasm shining through.
A Musical Journey Begins
The tour is not just a series of concerts; it’s a cultural exchange. After starting in The Gambia, the Jah Mission sound system will travel through several cities, including Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Accra, Ghana. On August 30, they lit up the stage at Selassi on the House and Takai Lounge, bringing the infectious rhythms of reggae to eager audiences. The journey will continue through Kenya and Ethiopia, culminating in South Africa on September 13.
Roots and Revolution
Jah Mission Sound has made a name for itself in Amsterdam, known for its unique blend of roots reggae, conscious dancehall, and revolutionary messages. DJ Ras Tariq, whose real name is Tariq Khan, emphasizes that this tour is about more than just music. “The tour aims to use the power of sound system culture to uplift reggae, promote Rastafari, and cultural unity across the African continent,” he explained. For him, it’s a return to the roots, a tribute to the source of so much musical and spiritual inspiration.
Building Bridges
DJ Ras Tariq is passionate about collaboration. He aims to work with local artists to strengthen cultural ties between Africa, Jamaica, and Europe. “We are creating linkages, building communities through sound system culture and reggae music,” he said. He recognizes the immense love for reggae across Africa and wants to create a bridge by sharing Jamaican music with those who cherish it.
A Personal Perspective
Coming from a mixed heritage—his father is a Muslim Pakistani and his mother a white Christian Dutch—DJ Ras Tariq understands the power of music to transcend differences. “Reggae music has the unique ability to break down language barriers and build unity between cultures that are often vastly different in religion, history, and political ideology,” he noted. His perspective is especially relevant in today’s world, where division often overshadows connection.
The Call for Unity
In a time when right-wing rhetoric is on the rise, DJ Ras Tariq believes that love and unity are essential. “If we don’t have love for one another, we can’t have peace and unity,” he mused. He sees Africa as the future and emphasizes the importance of building connections for a better quality of life in both Europe and Africa.
A Vision for Tomorrow
As the Jah Mission Sound Africa Tour unfolds, DJ Ras Tariq is not just sharing music; he’s fostering a movement. “There are massive communities that love reggae music in Africa, so we want to create a bridge,” he said. His vision is clear: through music, we can connect, learn, and grow together.
What will the next chapter of this cultural journey hold? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the rhythms of reggae will continue to resonate across borders, uniting hearts and minds.