Kalonji recording artiste, Junie Platinum (left), Sizzla and publicist Ollie share a moment after the interview. (Photos: Marlon Reid)

Just mention the name Sizzla in a mixed group of persons and there is sure to be a volley of responses - ranging from hatred to adoration, to the many nuances in between.

A dancehall artiste who has made an indelible mark - musically and otherwise - Sizzla Kalonji remains something of an enigma. Blamed for some of the in-fightings in his August Town community, there is nothing 'bad-man' looking about this pro-Black, spread-Jah-love, Boboshanti whose Judgement Yard followers hail him as 'Dadda'.

In fact, the best word to describe the soft-spoken Ras who visited the Observer for an interview is 'calm'. Who can forget that classic on-stage fight at Capleton's St Mary Mi Come From show last year? It has gone down in history as the Sizzla/Norris Man clash. But if truth be told, although poor Norris Man was given a fine thrashing, Sizzla never threw even one blow. To Norris Man's suggestions that Sizzla should do what with his mother, all said - almost in amazement - was, "Yeah . a that you say?" For this Mama's boy, it was bad enough to dis him, but it was the ultimate dis to involve his mother. (She's the only person who calls me at all times of the morning . always wanting to know if I'm all right, he had told Observer.) However, when Judgement Yard rained down 'judgement' on Norris Man in fact, it was Sizzla who told them to "behave oonuself nuh".

Accused of having a 'Jesus complex', the singjay declares that he simply lives by the Ethiopian African Creed of HIM Haile Selassie: May the hungry be fed, naked be clothed, sick nourished, aged protected and infants be cared for.

"I have set up my own studio and am in the business of helping other artistes to fulfill their dream of being something. Sizzla wants to help these people to be something. My music started in the ghetto among poor people, they were the first instruments of listening to Sizzla," he said soberly.

"Kalonji Records is a family - all the people there are entrepreneurs for Kalonji music," he explained, adding that the two artistes now getting the push are Junie Platinum and Bobo Duke.

Declaring without apology, that he is a perfectionist and likes to see things done the right way, the deejay noted that. "We are perfect and it's just for us to acknowledge this aspect of us, be conscious in our thoughts and use mind power to bring forth the betterment of the nation."

Come April 17, he will host his birthday bash, Rise to the Occasion, the name of one of his songs that rose to anthemic status in the dancehall. "This is the seventh year. We did three before in August Town then one in Caymanas Estate, Maketplace, Windward Road and now we are taking the show to Temple Hall Estate," he said

Interestingly, unlike the shows promoted by those self-proclaimed 'conscious Ras', the line-up for Occasion cuts across all conscious, sub-conscious and socio-conscious boundaries. "That's because we are all artistes and we all have something to say," he defended. "Just like how people get really excited when them see Sizzla perform, it's the same way I get happy about seeing other artistes perform. I'm not prejudiced when it comes to artistes, I just love all artistes and I admire them," he said with a characteristic holding up of his palms.

Among the artistes scheduled to appear on Rise to the Occasion, which is being sponsored by Freedom Wireless, are Stephen Marley, Jr Gong, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Coco T, Determine, Ele, Lady Saw, Fantan, Junie Platinum, Vybz, Assassin, Lady G, Lutan Fyah, Louie Culture, Richie Spice, Marcia Griffiths, Ninjaman, Sugar Minott, Gyptian, Chuck Fenda, Tarrus Riley, Sanchez

Backing band is the Firehouse Crew and performing emcee duties will be Elise Kelly, Richie B and Nuffy.

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