Reggae star Tafari records latest single in Kempton
The song has been well received and has received airplay both locally and internationally
DON Franco Tafari, real name Lucas Franco Dumhi, has released a single titled Call On Jah.
A music video for the song will be released on December 2.
Call on Jah was released on September 19.
The song has been well received by listeners and has been rotating on the playlists of various radio stations locally and abroad, including YFM, Bush Radio in Cape Town, Tshwane FM, UJ and The Voice of Tembisa. In America the song was premiered on six radio stations including WRIU 90.3 FM and Rhode Island community radio station.
“The song is about the problems of this world: the wars, natural disasters, false prophets, churches mushrooming every day and about how our only hope is the creator, whom we need to call on during this time,” explained Dumhi.
“The song was produced in Germany by Culture Rock Records and was recorded at Legion 16 Records in Kempton Park, by Rebel Shumba,” Dumhi added.
The reggae dance hall artist is signed to Very Important Records (VIS), an American/Jamaican record company that’s responsible for most of his international marketing.
“Call on Jah is inspired by life itself and what has been seen and heard on the news; and everyone saying this is the right way or that is the right way – the best is to call on Jah.”
His music video was shot in Tembisa, Birchleigh and Sandton and received over a thousand views when the trailer was released three weeks ago.
Dumhi’s stage name has evolved from being just Don Franco, to calling himself Don Franco Tafari.
“My father’s name was Franco and so was his father’s, my grandfather. I come from a line of Francos. I added Don to state I was the last Franco in my line. Tafari means head creator and came about with my awakening as a Rastafarian. I changed my name to show I would be sending a new message through my music,” he explained.
He defines his sound as reggae dance hall, which he says is a combination of slow and upbeat reggae. In his music, Dumhi talks about spirituality and social commentary.
“The new message I’m now sending is that whether black or white, be who you are; be proud of who you are, even spiritually – do it your way, not the next man’s way. Don’t try and be American when you’re African; stay true to yourself.”
Dumhi grew up in Zimbabwe but now stays in Kempton Park. Although both his parents have passed on, Dumhi’s older sister and younger brother are very supportive of his music career – that applies to all his other family members.
Next year, he’ll be doing a European and American tour.
“In the next five years, I see myself having influence in every household,” he said.
The reggae artist wants to work with artists such as the likes of AKA and Cassper. He’s also trying to collaborate with Zahara and Oliver Mtukudzi – artists from various genres – in sending out a positive message.
“Musically I look up to Salif Keita, a great icon. He was big when we were growing up and is still big – also Oliver Mtukudzi, Ringo, Sizzla and Turbulence.”
He plans to release his album late next year, which he wants to record in Jamaica.
