Sah Ghee, musician, CKNU
Always stay positive. Life is too short to be negative ...
Clancestry is gearing up to start at QPAC at the end of November, celebrating the artistic prowess and cultural importance of the world’s First Nations Peoples. Mixing traditional and contemporary performance, art and film, Clancestry 2015 boasts a comprehensive program of activities. On Saturday December 5, Clancestry will host a concert day on the Playhouse Green, where some of the most exciting Indigenous artists in Australia will perform. Headlining the performance will be CKNU, a hip-hop and reggae outfit known for putting on an amazing show. In the lead up to the event we caught up with lead vocalist Sah Ghee to talk about music and performing at Clancestry.
First of all, I’d love to know what some of your early influences when it came to music were?
Growing up we all had similar influences. Just at different time in our lives! They range from Earth Wind and Fire, George Benson, Micheal Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Boyz to Men…that just to name a few.
Can you remember the first time you performed for anybody, perhaps a school concert or family gathering?
My first memory of performing would be playing the drums for a Carols by Candlelight when I was 10years old. We basically grew up around bands and choirs so I caught on pretty fast.
Tell us a bit about how CKNU formed! What was it that drew you all together?
I met my former band member/ friend (Swilo) when I went to study at SAE college in Brisbane. We did a few music projects together and we just connected musically. I suggested that my brother (Tito Ghee – guitar and vocals) should join in and we worked on a few more songs. I think from that point we realised we were on to something good and everything just fell into place. George Alfred (vocals and keyboard) came into the band when Swilo left last year. We have known George since we were kids so I guess you could say we are a family band.
Your songs boast elements of hip-hop, jazz, reggae and funk – how do you go about weaving musical styles together in such a sublime way?
Because of our musical upbringing the songs and styles we play come naturally. I guess it comes down to what we have been listening to and also the mood we are in at the time.
CKNU will be performing at QPAC as part of Clancestry in December. What are your thoughts on being selected to perform such an important event?
It’s always an honour playing and representing our culture and traditions and sharing it with other people.
What are some other emerging Indigenous artists that you think people should get their ears around?
To name a few I would say Benjamin Mazza, Marcus Corowa, and Chris Tammoy – all are awesome, talented indigenous artists.
You’ve already released one EP through Impossible Odds, and we’ve heard that you are already hard at work on another. What can fans expect from CKNU in 2016?
CKNUians are going to get a whole new level of energy. We have defined our sound and our 5 track EP crosses a range of genres.
What has been your biggest career highlight to date?
One of our biggest career highlights this year would have to be the Pacific Tides Festival. We played along side Fatia, Swiss, Mark Lowndes, and Jsqze. It was a good venue and all of the performers were crazy talented.
What do you consider your life motto?
Always stay positive. Life is too short to be negative.
What’s your personal definition of ‘success’?
My definition of success is having our music played around the world.
What are some of your favourite weekend spots to:
Perk up … Any great cafe with strong tasty coffee
Relax … By the beach. Preferably up the Sunshine Coast
Dine … A good steak restaurant in the city
Indulge … Max Brenner’s
Shop … Online!
Catch-up … In the city or valley or at my local
Be inspired … Any live gigs around Brisbane. Always inspired by other artist performing a great show.