It’s only been a little over 5 years since the eclectic, world-fusion funk of Asheville’s Toubab Krewe initially got together. In that short time, the expansive instrumental unit has managed to meld many global styles and earthly tempos into the mix. It could easily teeter into the laziness of the ‘world’ category, but their craft as a whole – it’s safe to say that during that half-decade, they’ve tirelessly solidified themselves as the only ones who truly do what they do. With a new album out and a busy summer ahead, we pulled the busy troop aside for a quick 10 question session.
What is one thing you look forward to when coming back to Vermont?
EVERYTHING! The drive, even in the snow, its beautiful. 6yrs ago when we first started touring Vermont was one of the first places we started spending a lot of time this has become like a second home, whenever we come here we are always surrounded by friends and family.
In September of 2010 you released your 2nd studio album TK2. What are you most proud of with this album?
The whole of it, I feel its a cohesive piece of work, it was a serendipitous moment in time. We went into the studio and right off the bat our creative energy was in a good place. Its really interesting how the creative process works, sometimes its like rolling the dice! It was a blessing to have a full six weeks in the studio, all the same its still a given amount of time that you have to work on something. We were in a good spot, for example the last song on the album was made on the very first day with out any planning, we just said "lets go make some noises" and that song is literally the first notes of the first day. We also got a chance to start branching out, and incorporate some instruments we have not had included before. It feels really good, I am so excited to get it out!
Your shows really take the crowd on a musical journey, what important role do the instruments Kora and Kamel N Goni play in this journey?
They are the voice of our west african influences and roots of inspiration. We have been listening to west african music since we were young and working on jam band ensemble type of music but as we grew up we got more into the melodic side of playing. It was in 2001 we went to Guinea and we started studying Kora and Justin just dove right into it after playing percussion all his life, which is amazing! Its the voice of our teachers, it connects us to our teachers, to our travels and our friends over seas. Its just the spirit of the instruments and there connection with the instruments we grew up with, it brings it all full circle.
Newsweek recognized you as one of the leading bands connecting African music and Western pop music. Although the term "afro-pop" can be traced back to the 1920’s why do you think its most prominent now(if you think that)?
I do think that. I think that part of the reason its prominent or even exploding right now is because its amazing music. However when we were younger there were only a handful of record companies that were releasing popular music from all over Africa and the entire rest of the world and put them all under one genre "world music" There is sort of a paradigm shift there as far as the language of music and sort of idiosyncratic styles from different places. Also with You Tube and the
internet and that aspect of globalization I feel like its so much more accessible. With these technologies its also easier for people to get their hands on all different kinds of music and they can make their own decision about it, rather than go by what a handful of people are listening to.
You guys do so much traveling what are some things you do to stay grounded in a life style so chaotic?
We drink lots of tea and coffee, get sleep, take naps and get rest whenever we can find it. It is very difficult to stay grounded and not get lost on an emotional and physical level. Its sort of a gypsy life-style. We say hello and goodbye to people in the same day. When its all said and done the one thing that keeps us grounded is the music, its the one thing that is familiar and keeps us centered, its the most important thing.
What is one thing you learned about America from your travels through different parts of Africa?
The American Dream is a beautiful thing, and opportunity is real here. We have realized that is healthy to be thankful for the good stuff we have. I don’t mean in the term of objects, but things like roads that are safe and the ability to get from end of the country to the other pretty safely. On the flip side of it I also realize that as a culture we live in a fortress sort of life-style. We get home from work and go inside and lock the door behind us, it is sort of a lonely culture where in Africa community and the strength of family is the most important part of their life.
Can you tell us what is unique and special about your own festival Manifestivus?
Its a great family run, celebratory event. We put so much energy into providing the best environment, experience and music to the festival. We make memories that the crowd and bands will remember. The site is set in beautiful Vermont.
What is one of the earliest music business mistakes that you will never make again?
There are so many to choose from! In any business, as in life, mistakes are made. I am really do not regret any mistakes we made. I just hope we are learning from them all. Sometimes mistakes can seem larger then others to certain people but they have all been lessons to be learned and some of them took longer to learn, but we are still here and still playing music. I think sometimes we can be indecisive about things, some are smaller decisions like our routing or other times more
serious decisions need to be made.
If you could ask any musician any question, who would it be and what you would ask them?
I would show up in Rome and ask Django Reinhardt (or anybody that I am thinking about for this question) I would want to ask "what their favorite child hood memory is?"
The best part about being in Toubab Krewe is…..
The blessing of being able to follow your passion and to be able to creatively work and play everyday and to experience the days, months and years with anticipation of music making and celebration. Music is medicine. Creative arts has been my life passion. I am very lucky.
