by Zach Fleisher
The scene: Winnipeg, Manitoba; a town known as a cultural and geographic centre of Canada, in every sense of the word. A town more traditionally known for its folk music and hockey fans than its growing and vibrant…reggae scene? Enter Rastamils, one of the bright lights for a developing reggae culture in this dark and frozen prairie city.
Founded around the foundations of classic reggae music and a love and commitment for social justice, Rastamils have been laying down music in Winnipeg for over five years. Led by singer and frontman Franklin Fernando, Rastamils has played at several venues in the city during their various incarnations. Stylus was able to sit down with Franklin, over a delicious and delectably spicy Sri Lankan inspired meal prepared by his mom, and got to talk with him about the group’ds history and their ambitious plans for the future.
Franklin explained that Rastamils has evolved a lot over their five years together. He is keen to mention the band’s love for social justice and their passion for Tamil issues. Fernando, originally from Winnipeg, moved back to Sri Lanka when he was a young child and only returned to Winnipeg a few years back with his parents following a few years later.
Much like local creative force The Guerillas of Soul, Rastamils rarely hesitates to mix in politics with their music, preferring to be upfront with their views. The politics in their music also reflects upon Franklin’s words, as he opens up about much of his life story, explaining his experience working a variety of low wage jobs upon returning to Canada and the disregard that corporations had for the world and the workers that they employ.
In discussing the evolution of Rastamils, Franklin discussed barriers to the growth of a reggae scene in Winnipeg.
“There’s a huge rock, metal and punk scene but not much for reggae,” he stated enthusiastically. “At the moment it is not that successful, just because the musicians have gone for other places like Toronto, where it’s huge. There’s not much [in Winnipeg]. There’s like Rebel Force Crew; other than that…there is not a scene of bringing reggae music [to the city].”
Franklin explained the band’s plan to expand and bring reggae to the forefront of the Winnipeg musical scene. The band is throwing a live album/video recording, along with a reggae workshop, in late January at the WECC. Franklin says that the purpose of the evening is two fold; for one, he wants to use the evening to educate attendees about the history and basics of reggae. Secondly, the band is filming the evening to create a promotional video, to distribute to various venues and festivals across the continent.
“We have a plan to do festivals,” he explained between bites. “With the album and with the video we have the potential to play festivals and play for recognition. A lot of people say that Winnipeg is a shithole and you can’t go anywhere because Winnipeg has no opportunities. We say to that Winnipeg has so many opportunities. It’s the most artistic place and scene that I have ever seen”
Until then, Rastamils will continue playing shows (including the launch party for this issue of the rag you are holding right now) and record in preparation for their record release in April. Franklin, always the eternal optimist, ends our interview by sharing his love for both reggae and the city:
“We want to prove that Winnipeg is awesome and Manitoba has so many opportunities for everyone. Its just that creating that mentality. You’ve got the sunshine everyday.”
Catch Rastamils as they record their live album and video, along with their reggae workshop, at the West End Cultural Centre on January 24th, at 7:15pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.