5 Minutes With MoCity (Reggae Rajahs)

Five years sounds like a long time but retrospectively, it is but a mere blink. It seems like we only truly reflect on our achievements or contemplate our position in the present at landmark dates or the turning of the year.

The last five years has seen 3 Delhi based friends, MoCity, Diggy Dang and Mr Herbalist, turn their infectious passion for reggae music into a national sensation. Their enthusiasm, hard work and determination has seen them create strong international bonds placing India firmly on this curious reggae map. Their achievements to date are a result of pure old fashioned hard graft and creating a very real relationship with their dedicated fan base. Five years has even seen the clan grow from three into five with new recruits Ziggy B and BeLights.

Aptly coinciding with Bob Marley’s 69th birthday, the Rajah’s will be celebrating five years - tonight (6 February) at Raasta in their hometown; New Delhi. This will be followed by a national tour with Irish reggae sensation Cian Finn around India stopping off at Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune and Goa.

We decided to catch up with founding member MoCity who’s absence from the troup has left a gaping hole, not just for the Rajah’s but for friends and fans across the board. The obstacles seem relentless but as we found out, he is - as always - in good spirits.

How’s it going?
Pretty interesting.

Where are you right now?
datdatdat's living room.

What’s in your pockets?
Rolling tobacco, papers, filters, iphone, a bunch of coins, some hand made stickers and the keys to my new appartment for the next two weeks.

What’s the last song you listened to?
Unlikley Futures - Secrets

Last thing you ate?
Boiled cabbage and potatoes.

Last good gig you went to?
Baba Zula 31st January.

Last bad gig you went to?
Felix da Housecat 1st February.

Artist you currently have on repeat?
Kid Atlaas

If you weren’t making music what do you think you’d be doing?
Dying in Iraq.

What’s the thing that you love most about your job?
Making people happy.

What do you hate most about working in this industry?
Chasing payments.

If you could teleport yourself to any place and time where would that be and when?
17th august 2012, IGI airport not boarding that flight to Oslo.

Which colour do you identify with most?
Purple.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received from a fan?
A shot of whiskey.

Describe the last five years of the Reggae Rajah’s in three words…
Inspiring & life changing.

The Same 3 Questions:

3 most inspirational artists:
J Dilla
Jay-Z
Diplo

3 favourite albums of all time:
The Score - Fugees
Welcome to Jamrock - Damian Marley
Life After Death - Biggie Smalls

Favourite 3 artists of the moment:
Kabaka Pyramid
Dalt Wisney
Esta

**Reggae Rajah's 5th Anniversary Tour Details**

Thu 6th Feb : Raasta, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi (w/ Cian Finn)

Fri 7th Feb: The Humming Tree, Bangalore (w/ Cian Finn)

Sat 8th Feb: D’Bell, Mumbai (w/ Johnny B & Laxmi Bomb)

Sun 9th Feb: High Spirits, Pune
Tue 11th Feb: Coco Loco, Arambol, Goa (w/ Cian Finn & NZ Selector)
Thu 13th Feb: Opinhal, Arambol, Goa (w/ Cian Finn & Rudy Roots)

Image Credit:

Thumbnail: Zacharie Rabehi
Main: Rootz Island