Aruba Red is a solo artist based in the UK who performs a mixture of reggae, dub, acoustic, soul, hip hop, electronic and experimental styles. Aruba Red prides herself on being a rebellious artist who speaks out against issues including consumerism, war, globalization and traditional power structures; whilst pushing a message of hope and positivity. I managed to ask her some questions in between her rehearsals in east London:

Hi Aruba Red, hope I didn’t rush you into finishing your very tasty looking lunch?
Not at all! I’m quite a slow eater, so I always tend to leave what I can’t eat now for later - I’ll definitely come back for it so hope no one else eyes it up [laughs].

I’ll keep an eye on it for you.
Thanks

So, straight down to business; how important is it for you to have a message in your music?
Very important - it’s at the heart of everything I do.

Describe your music in three words...
Rebellious, Emotive, Fiery.

What music did you grow up listening to?
So many genres; soul, hip hop, reggae, the two Bob’s (Bob Marley and Bob Dylan) and plus my dad is a jazz/blues musician; so I got into a lot of different kinds of music from a young age.

How often do you perform live? Have any of your gigs been overseas?
I’d say I’ve probably performed live 100-200 times. Most of my tours have been around the UK supporting artists like Natty. I shot ‘Light Up Light Up’ (my next single which is coming this summer in Jamaica) and I’ll also be going back there to promote my album.

"When I visited Kingston in Jamaica... the division between the rich and poor was so blatant."

You're described as being a justice and social issue-conscious artist... In your opinion, what’s the best way to get young people involved in reducing poverty in developing countries?
Encouraging people to seek the truth. Don’t take everything at face value - yes there’s a lot of poverty, but we also need to see the positive things about poor countries and come together to make a difference.

Ever done any volunteering work of your own? What is your stance on 'charity'?
Charities play an important part as they bring attention to situations but they also have issues. In a way, they’re just businesses and are not necessarily solving problems, at times instead they're just taking the heat off of governments. Poverty needs to play more of an important part on government’s agendas here in the West and also in developing countries, because aid alone isn’t working.

What’s the worst type of corruption you have personally experienced?
Whilst in Jamaica where on the surface, it seems like paradise (which it is), but this paradise is not accessible to the majority of Jamaicans because most live in poverty. Cash normally tends to get people out of that situation. It’s just as corrupt here in the UK, but it's more hidden because of the kind of language our politicians use. The war in Iraq is definitely one of the biggest cases of corruption that exists at present.

 

What is the closest you’ve come to experiencing poverty?
Again, when I visited Kingston in Jamaica. It's such a beautiful part of the world, but the division between the rich and poor was so blatant.

What are your thoughts on climate change/global warming?
I grew up in Germany and recycling is quite big over there; so recycling has been part of my way of life from a young age. In terms of our current global climate situation, I’m a firm believer that the earth goes through phases and is constantly evolving, and what the world is facing now is the next natural stage (which has maybe been increased by the actions of humans over the past century). But I also think that certain big corporations are making a business out of it; as there is such a massive eco-friendly market which is worthwhile - and if some exploitive companies are making extortionate profits then it makes you think why does everything has to be about making money...? I mean, look at the recent volcano ash situation; I noticed that there was more of a calm, nice atmosphere and it was a good (though once-in-a-lifetime) experience - to see absolutely no aeroplanes in the sky for almost a week.

What single thing do you think would improve the world?
Banning or destroying capitalism in favour of a way of life that puts people over profit.

If you had a super power, what would it be?
To stop time and do all the things everyone wants to do before it’s too late.

What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
I’m over critical of everything and a natural-born worrier.

What is the trait you most dislike in others?
People who focus their energy and time on things that don’t really matter; those who tend to forget about the more important things in life.

What is your favourite word?
Music.

What's next for Aruba Red? Any current projects going on at the moment?
I’ve got an acoustic tour which starts on May 12 and I’ll be playing gigs around nine cities in the UK. I’m also currently promoting my acoustic EP, writing new material with lots of artists including Mad Professor, and I’ll be going to Jamaica to release and promote Light Up Light Up.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
To enjoy the journey - not ‘I’ll be happy when I reach the goal’, but to be happy now, in the present.

Words: Carissa Yeboah
Photos: Flickr user Vince Millett

For more info on Aruba Red and her upcoming tour please visit www.myspace.com/arubaredmusic