We at Chat 'Bout Cleveland had the fortune to talk to one of Cleveland's hottest promoters, Makka B as he prepares to bring Tony "Mentally Ill" Matterhorn to Cleveland this month. Bashybloggette has a chance to get a few words from Makka as he talks about music, Cleveland's dancehall scene and more...
Bashy: How did your interest in building a soundsystem begin?
Makka B: I started out by playing with The Mighty Jah Rock and discovered how much I loved music! I decided I wanted to become not only a DJ, but a promoter as well. I started out in back in 1992, when my partner and I came up with the name, Megga Force and began to play a few clubs in the area.
Bashy: What do you think makes a great sound?
Makka B: It's really not about a great sound.it's all about the music...the size doesn't really matter either...a great sound, as you call it, plays music for the people. From R&B to Crunk to Rap to Calypso, the sound plays for the people, not for themselves..
Bashy: Many Sounds like to Bless the dance with roots and cultures, is there something that you like to do as well? Or does Megga Force have another tradition?
Makka B: Of course, we pray before we do anything... Then we bless the dance with culture first. Some people use Sanchez or some sort of gospel. But we definitely bless the dance with some sort of Culture or Roots tune.
Bashy: How difficult is it to build the vibes through each dance?
Makka B: Building and keeping the vibes at the dance can be easy, but it is sometimes a little more difficult, depending on the crowd. We have to watch the crowd to keep them involved. For example, if I am playing some good tunes from Buju, and the crowd is moving, it's okay, but if I switch the tune and they stop, I know the crowd does not like it!
Bashy: What do you think about the Dancehall scene here in Cleveland?
Makka B: Cleveland is okay. We have been getting better the last few years. I think I bust back Dailey's a few years ago and became one of the biggest promoters in Cleveland! (Note: Makka B DID win promoter of the Year in 2001!)
Bashy: Do you feel Cleveland's Dancehall scene is as up to date as other cities such as Detroit, Chicago, or even New York?
Makka B: As long as we keep the violence out, we definitely have Chicago and Detroit beat. But then there is Miami and New York, they will be tough to beat since they get all the pre-released rhythms.
Bashy: Are there anything in the works for another Cleveland Sound Clash?
Makka B: I just had one with Black Chiney, New Horizon and Starcade. I have some big plans coming up for a few things soon..
Bashy: Over the years, who are some of the people that you still enjoy seeing coming out to support you?
Makka B: I just enjoy seeing EVERYBODY from Cleveland coming out to support me and it sell off if everybody comes!
Yes, yes, is it me or is Makka B really on the move these days? It's a good thing we had a moment to chat with Makka B, before all the hype surrounding this HUGE event in a few weeks. In addition to all the support from the Cleveland masses in all the years, Makka B wants everyone to know everything is okay with Makka B and Megga Force is okay and he hopes to see everyone come out to support on October 26th.
Like most people, I can remember the exact moment of hearing of Makka B's death. I was sitting at work and the text came through my phone regarding the news. I read the text several times to make sure I read the words correctly and then the shock wore in.
Hoping it was a horrible mix up, I called few people to confirm the news: Yes, it was true. Makka B was dead. It was extremely hard to process since I just saw him the night before at Caribbean Flavor and Cleveland was all abuzz about his upcoming sure to sell off bash.....
Wow.
Anyone who met of even knew of Makka B has is sure to have a positive story.
Makka B was considered a good guy, someone who wanted Cleveland's reggae/dancehall community to work together. Makka was often on the scene to support many dances and the masses came to support him each and every time.
Truly, Makka was not one to let ego get in the way of working together and recognizing that MANY people contribute to the success of Cleveland's dancehall scene. He also realized that his events were a success; due to the support he showed others events.
He was willing to lend a hand to support everyone, including Chat 'Bout Cleveland as Makka B was one of the first promoters to actually send CBC 'big ups' on his flyers...giving us a little lift to this new venture and his stamp of approval meant volumes.
Makka B had such a presence about himself - whether he was at a dance doing his thing on the dance floor (cuffed jeans, socks and all), laying back in cut chillin' in the back of Dailey's, passing out snow cones to kids at the park or just being Makka B - always on the scene willing to help and uplift...
Most people can agree that the success in life can be measured by how you effect others during your time here. Even 1 year later as we reflect on his loss, we asked a few people in Cleveland to share with Chat Bout Cleveland their thoughts as we ask:
"How has the loss of Makka B had an effect on Cleveland's reggae/dancehall community?"
To share your response, send email to: chat_bout_cleveland@hotmail.com. Please include your name (first is fine). You comment will be added to the responses listed on www.chatboutcleveland.com.
Reflecting,
Bashy B
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