Programme Makers

Show: Jah Sistafari

Time: Fri 7pm, Tues 12pm [R]

Jah Sistafari - Roots Bar and Takaka Organic Gardens.

Galanjah , born Alan James de Boeck, in Bonheiden, Belgium, started troddin the reggae track when he discovered Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Babylon by bBus’ and ‘Uprising’ albums amongst his Dad’s record collection. Reggae is inter-generational. Reggaeneration, time and time again. With Peetah (Pieter Bert) and Benjah (Ben de Coninck) he started a reggae programme; ‘open di gate’, on radio plus, in gent. As the ‘vibes forward’ they also organised some reggae nights in the ‘democrazy’. Around this time, Alan’s d.j. name fluctuated from ‘Rastalan’, to ‘Italan’ Kris van Daele, who was also studying african history and language, introduced Alan to Jan Frans, a.k.a ‘jah funkey’. With Chris Lybeert and Christophe van den Hende they formed ‘oortcloud’, a name suggested by their good friend Matthew Watkins. Oortcloud was later joined by David van Belleghem. Fifi, Jens and Natasha also played their part. Oortcloud gigged throughout the nineties. By 1996, Alan moved to Eire, Ireland. He was part of the 1996 and 1997 ‘tree walk’ and the 2003 ‘tree peace walk’, walking the emerald island, planting trees and chanting peace. One of his walking companions was Brian Gilligan , a.k.a. ‘Smiley Spud’, who later went to Scotland,to form a band called ‘Paddyrasta’ In Corcaigh(Cork), Alan met Benjamin and Jeremiah, who were at that time amplifying reggae as ‘jah love sound’. They later became known as ‘Rebel County Sound’, and settled for ‘Revelation sound’. Over the years, Alan supported the revelation sound, through steppin’ up mostly, bringing springwater or blackcurrent syrup from the hills and, occasionaly, drumming, chanting or selecting. They also connected with other Corcaigh collectives, such as ‘Beatroots’, and ‘Wiggle’. Alan also organised reggae nights at Future Forests, often as’ i’n’ i ching ching’. As a live musician, Alan played in a band called ‘Solar Charge’, and another called ‘Moontan’. Before leaving ireland, Alan was given the name of ‘Galanjah’. Within weeks of arriving in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Galanjah was broadcasting reggae on FreshFM, reviving ‘open di gate’. Names of other programmes, produced and presented by Galanjah, over the years,through FreshFM include ‘Jah Sistafari’, ‘Worldwide’, ‘Inna di Airea’, ‘Peace and Love’ and ‘Friday Reggae’. Galanjah also linked up with ‘Little Dread’, who organised many a ‘reggae fever’ session, across the top of the south and around the South Island. As a live musician (heartbeat,percussion and backing vocals) Galanjah formed ‘Lakelaroha’ with Helen Guerero, Dana Bananatree and Sista Sun Saan. Galanjah and Saan (a.k.a.’Chickie’) also back up Cool Vibes and Matua, with percussion and backing vocals together, they are ‘Ahi Kaa’, keeping the embers alive. Galanjah also features on the Tree Walk fundraising double c.d , as well as planting some trees and walking in peace. Throughout the years, Galanjah has been keen to share music and fun in schools, the community hospital, Motu Idea and Woodlands Resthome. From these, regular though informal sessions, has grown a ‘band’ called ‘the Treatles’ (originally, ‘the Cheatles’, then, ‘the Treetles’) featuring Dana as Paul, Ian as George, Julian as Ringo, and Galanjah as John (for his cheekiness). galanjah is very keen to play live music, in many combinations. a very proud moment was playing a support gig for cornerstone roots, one night in takaka, and another in riwaka, with john, a.j.,dave and more musicians, billed as ‘resurgence’ for the occasion. another highlight must be opening the 2006 kaikoura roots festival, with little dread’s ‘Reggae Fever’. The selection was enhanced by live drumming and chanting. aAs well as co-selecting at ‘Reggae Fever’ Reggae Nights , d.j. Galanjah has hosted many a family-friendly Sunday afternoon reggae event, at Hot Mama’s, Motueka, as ‘The Universe-iti of reggae’. reggaeneration… You can check out d.j. Galanjah’s weekly reggae shows on the radio through www.freshfm.net You can acces Galanjah’s album, ‘Belljam An’ Irielan’ ‘for free at his blogspot. jahlove