Azato and Jonah Jaxon Unite for “When We Gonna Start?”: A Call for Change

Azato, the well-known Roots Reggae Band, is releasing their latest single “When We Gonna Start?” featuring Jonah Jaxon. This song combines Azato’s signature island vibes with Jaxon’s powerful vocals and is expected to become a new anthem for reggae lovers.

“When We Gonna Start?” is a call to action, urging listeners to embrace change and unity. The band’s deep roots in Hawaiian culture are reflected in the song’s relaxed yet compelling groove, beautifully complemented by Jonah Jaxon’s emotive delivery. His voice, blending raw emotion and refined technique, brings a new dimension to Azato’s already rich sound.

The lyrics touch on themes of social consciousness and personal growth, encouraging listeners to consider their roles in creating a better world. Azato’s skill in blending traditional reggae elements with contemporary influences is evident, making this track both timeless and current.

Listen to When We Gonna Start Featuring Jonah Jaxon

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What is your stage name?

Azato

Is there a story behind your stage name?

Azato means joyful or smilie one in the Fra Fra language in Northern Ghana. I used to play with a highlife Ghanaian band and the lead singer Akaaya Atule gave me the nickname and it stuck.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration musically comes from Jamaican Reggae music especially from the 70’s and early 80’s. Azato Music also has a lot of traditional and World Music influences. Message wise my music come out of my life experience and with the social work I do as well as the struggle. Azato Music also has a strong spiritual element.

What was the role of music in the early years of your life?

Music has always played a huge role in my life. Music was always playing in my house and my brother and I were always making mixed tapes from the radio and spending hours in the local music stores as well as going to countless live concerts.

Are you from a musical or artistic family?

Yes my motherʻs side of the family is very musical with many professional musicians including my grandfather, aunties and cousins.

Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?

I have had a many older mentors that encouraged me in my music early on. I started to play professionally around 16 years old. Some friends I grew up with had a passion for music so we started writing together and we wanted to share our passion and creative and the rest is history.

How did you learn to sing/write/to play?

I took some piano lessons at young age but mostly I am self taught and play by ear. I have studied West African, AfroCuban and Brazilian drumming for years. I also have a BA in World Music from San Diego State University.

What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?

The first big concert I went to was U2 on their Joshua Tree tour, also opening for them that night was Ice T and Public Enemy.

How could you describe your music?

Spiritual, conscious, roots reggae music.

Describe your creative process.

The best way to describe my songwriting process is it is a prayer. My music is my conversation with the Most High if I remember the songs I will write them out and bring them to my band and further develop them from there.

What is your main inspiration?

Godʻs love in the midst of life’s tremendous struggles.

What musician do you admire most and why?

So many Artists I look up too. Early on I would say Bob Marley not only because of the music but the message and his passion to be a voice for the voiceless and uplift the hopeless.

Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?

Yes, my lifelong goal is to continue to grow as an artist. I started off as a drummer and keyboardist with many bands. It was a long journey of many years before I started to share my original music and to be the frontman and to release my music as a solo artist.

Who do you see as your main competitor?

Myself, music is creativity, honestly, and passion. I am only competing against myself to be the best artist I can be, creating the most authentic music that is full of passion.

What are your interests outside of music?

Surfing, diving, hiking, woodworking and construction. I work with a non-profit that helps at-risk teens, I am a surf coach at a local High School. I am passionate about the environment, social justice and love the outdoors.

If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?

All the work I mentioned above, I bring it all together with music. All the social work all I do has music so I cannot separate what I do and who I am.

What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?

As an independent artist it is hard to make a living through music. The industry has changed greatly through streaming, etc.. and it is very hard for most artists to be able to create and support themselves through music alone.

If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?

The selfish cut throat nature of the industry. Too often managers, promoters, labels, even artistʻs are too focused on the money to be made and not focused on the artists, music and the message.

Why did you choose this as the title of this project?

Bridges Not Walls. The opposite of Love is not hate but fear. We as people too often build walls and not enough bridges. The time for healing of humanity has come. As the chorus of the song says.
Build bridges not walls
See Babylon fall
Spread Love not hate
There’s no time to wait
“Love is the bridge between you and everything.” Rumi

What are your plans for the coming months?

We are going to be releasing a single a month this year and have our album release words the end of the year. We will be having some local as well as international shows this year.

Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?

Yes I have many collaborations in the works I will be releasing songs with features from Reggae greats like Luciano, Kumar from Ragin Fyah and Pato Banton. I am also featuring some the greatest Hawaiian artists on some of my tracks including artists Kimie Miner, Irie Love, Trishnalei, Aisea Taimani, Riya Davis, Kawika Kahiapo and Ron Artis II.

What message would you like to give to your fans?

Relationships are true riches, love everyone that God puts in your life. Life is hard but keep on moving forward. Aloha ke Akua!