THE STORY
Homophobia is still a huge problem around the world, but some of its most rampant areas are the reggae and Rastafarian communities. After experiencing this firsthand for too long, internationally renowned singer-songwriter, poet, and humanitarian Taj Weekes decided to write a song addressing the issue.
In “Here I Stand,” Weekes preaches a message of love and acceptance for people of all orientations, expressing his own tolerance and encouraging everyone — not just reggae artists and Rastafarians, but the people of Earth — to follow suit. And now, after teaming up with award-winning filmmaker Sachin Dharwadker, Weekes would like to give “Here I Stand” a video that enforces that same message.
“Here I Stand” is the first single from Weekes’s critically acclaimed fifth album, Love Herb & Reggae.
Listen to “Here I Stand” below:
THE VIDEO
The video for “Here I Stand” will be both traditional and progressive, reflecting the ideas at play in the song. There will be both black-and-white and color cinematography. There will be masks and choreographed movement and representation of every possible sexual orientation. At the center of it all, Taj and his band, Adowa, will perform.
THE PEOPLE
Taj Weekes
One basic but incomplete answer is that Taj Weekes is a dreadlocked Rastafarian musician, bred in the Caribbean but shaped by intercontinental life experience. A more significant answer would be that he is a creative, poetic singer-songwriter who fronts a dynamic reggae band named Adowa. And there’s an additional, highly significant answer, just as true as the first two. Taj is an unwavering, energetic humanitarian whose dedication extends beyond his song lyrics into his social activism, an activism that has culminated in his official role with the United Nations as “UNICEF Champion for Children” and his children’s charity, They Often Cry Outreach (TOCO).
Aside from brains, a heart, and a great smile, he has four acclaimed albums of musically adventurous reggae. A fifth, Love Herb & Reggae, arrived in 2016, to be supported by a year-long tour. Taj is remarkable too in that, although a formidable idealist, he nonetheless maintains an unblinking and sophisticated view of the world. This balance between seeing what is and seeking what should be clearly powers his social activism. It also imbues his songs with a pragmatic, non-judgmental optimism that is not merely unusual in reggae, but almost unique. So what makes Taj Weekes special can be summarized in three words: Musician. Poet. Humanitarian. What makes him remarkable is the easy and unforced harmony among all these facets of his existence.
Adowa
Adowa is a disciplined team of talented musicians from differing cultures and with broad musical influences that backs Taj Weekes live and on recordings. The name salutes the battle of Adowa in 1896, which ensured sovereignty for Ethiopia and proved crucial in the advancement of African independence and pride. Adowa’s specific line-up alternates from time to time, but at a typical gig you might see a bassist from Dominica steeped in soca, a classically trained keyboardist with roots in Barbados, a Jamaican reggae stalwart on drums, a Trinidadian guitarist, and backup singers from yet another island. What’s consistent is that the eclectic styles and tastes of its members ensure a freshness and inventiveness to Adowa’s arrangements. The faces may change, but the excellent musicianship, and the vibe, remain.
Sachin Dharwadker
Sachin is an Indian-American filmmaker from Madison, Wisconsin who’s currently based in New York City. The primary goal of Sachin’s work is to marry narrative substance with technical mastery in a manner that evokes a genuine emotional response from the audience. His most recent short film, Breathe In Breathe Out, will play at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and the 2016 National Film Festival for Talented Youth. After the “Here I Stand” video, Sachin will direct The Alternative, a short dramedy.
Check out Sachin’s work on his website at sachinfilms.com, and view his directing reel below:
THE MONEY
The funds raised through this campaign will go towards renting and transporting equipment, reserving studio space, obtaining insurance, and feeding the talented cast and crew. The shoot will take place over one day on April 17, 2016.
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Please help us take this step towards a better and more tolerant world. Thank you for your support!
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