Still Blazing - Afroman

Originally posted on Barrietoday.com as part of the Scene Setter series (#44 - May 21, 2023). 

Is there a song that, the second you hear it start, transports you back to a particular moment?

New music is released every day and while it can be catchy, even inspire feelings of nostalgia,

nothing quite hits the same as jams from the past. One such song that made an indelible mark on music history is Afroman’s 2000 global hit ‘Because I Got High’. The song made its way around the globe and quickly became a staple of great night playlists and sing-a-longs. But dig under the mellow beat and smooth flow, you’ll find genuine substance. Not an easy task for any artist but Afroman has consistently recorded and released an incredible 18 studio albums, laden with such gems, and he shows no signs of stopping. 

‘Because I Got High’ is an open invitation to listeners to dig just a little deeper and experience the variety and eclectic elements that Afroman brings to the stage.  

Afroman will be making his first-ever stop in Barrie on June 15th and I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions about music, politics, and more.  

Richard: You’ve been making music since the 8th grade and have released 18 studio albums to date. Your music has been the soundtrack to countless great nights. But I can’t help but wonder, what artists and songs appear on your soundtrack for a good night?

Afroman: I'd be here all day lol. I'll give you 10 songs on my playlist for a good Afroman night .

1) Lovely Day – Bill Withers

2) Get Down On It - Kool & The Gang

3) I don't know the guy's name but the song is called Give Me The Night.

4) Mr Groove - One Way

5) Genius of Love - The Tom Tom Club

6) Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cindi Lauper

7) Get Into The Groove - Madonna

8) Lovesong - The Cure

9) I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder

10) We Are The World - Michael Jackson

Richard: It seems like nothing can slow down your recording prowess. Even in the midst of a pandemic and then a lawsuit, you released new material with distinct tones and subject matter. What is your process to create new music at such a fast rate?

Afroman: Think about what has transpired, try to find humour in it in some way possible, then I sing about the right side of the horrible situation.

Richard: The first track on one of your latest EPs, Famous Player, feels like an anthem, encouraging people to ‘live it up’ and ‘grow’. What advice can you give anyone struggling to live it up and grow?

Afroman:  Enjoy their life in the process of making it better. Don't hold your breath, try to throw first downs, think positive, smile and enjoy it every step of the way.

Richard: For folks who have never been to an Afroman show, what can they expect? 

Afroman: To be entertained and spiritually uplifted. A music blunt so to speak! 

Richard: Your 2020 blues album Grown Folks Music includes covers of songs from such iconic artists as Bobby “Blue” Bland, Z.Z Hill, and a personal favourite of mine, Albert King. What made you want to add your own brand to these classics?

Afroman: I am a soul brother. Part of my foundation is blues, soul, gossip, rock n roll , funk, rap. I connect to all of those. These were my favorite blues songs, and I'm not a blues singer but I wanted to sing my favorite songs and I wanted people to associate me with my favorite blues songs. 

Richard: You announced your bid to run in the 2024 Presidential election as an independent. You’ve stated your platform includes the legalization of marijuana nationally, reforms to the criminal justice system and law enforcement, reparations, and other hot-topics. What can people expect from your campaign and will you elaborate on other key issues you want to address?  

Afroman: Well people can expect my campaign to be uplifting, informative and problem solving. People can expect my campaign to legalize cannabis in all 50 states, The decriminalization and federal decriminalization of cannabis, law enforcement to have to wear non edited body cameras on at all times that will be monitored and stored for a period of time. No more assets forfeiture aka legal government robbery. My campaign is going to be run for the people by the people. My campaign slogan will be "We Are The American Dream."

Richard: Apart from music and politics, are there any other fields you would like to take on? 

Afroman: I really want to do Film & comedy & some farming.