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Morgan Heritage - The
Royal Family of Reggae
 With labels such as 'The Royal Family of Reggae' and 'Reggae Ambassadors', Morgan Heritage have been at the forefront of the international Reggae scene since they were signed by MCA in 1992 performing at Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying they were unknown before that time as they released their first recording 'Youth Man' in 1986/1987, but they have made waves since internationally and at home giving Reggae music more exposure with each and every single and album they release.
Comprising of 5 siblings ranging in age from 22 to 28: Peter (lead vocalist), Roy aka Gramps (keyboard & vocals), Luke (guitarist), Mr Mojo (percussion & rapper) and Una (keyboard & vocals), Morgan Heritage coined their name from their family's surname and Peter adds, "It's a musical heritage we're carrying along with our lifestyle as Rastafari. It's Morgan representing a heritage of the people".
The group were born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in that area as well as in Springfield, Massachusetts. Their parents are Jamaican and come from Clarendon and Spanish Town. Morgan Heritage currently reside in Jamaica and have been living in the island for the past 6 years.
The group are all of the Rastafari faith and Peter told me, "We grew up in Twelve Tribes of Israel, but becoming adults you see that it's universal. Rastafari is not a segregated denomination of people. We find ourselves in the midst of all of them. We are a part of every house".
Music was always inherent in the family and their father is the legendary Denroy Morgan. It was a natural progression for the siblings to get into music and their father supported this. However, I wondered whether working with family might be difficult at times, but Peter was quick to clarify that for him, "It's a joy".
Although Morgan Heritage's music is definitely Reggae and conscious Reggae at that, their influences are varied ranging from their father to The Fugees, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin and many more. R&B, Hip Hop and even Pop music have influenced the group! They are classed as a conscious group though and Peter is glad of that, "We wanted to be different and at the same time wanted our music to reflect our lives coz we're very conscious people".
After signing with MCA in 1992, the group stayed with the label for 2 years and did one album, 'Miracle'. On leaving the label, Morgan Heritage have since done 5 albums, namely: 'Protect US Jah', 'One Calling', 'Don't Haffi Dread', 'Morgan Heritage Live in Europe 2000' and 'More Teaching'.
Their most successful singles to date have been 'Don't Haffi Dread' and 'Down By The River'. The former track courted a lot of controversy from various Rastafari orders who disputed the lyrical content, but Peter says of that, "Jah teach us to speak the truth. Truth can offend. Other people have their own concept on what Rastafari is, but the truth is it's all about who you are and the life you live". The group write all their own lyrics and say, "We put to music the voices of the people".
 At present Morgan Heritage are signed to the Heritage Music Group (HMG) label, which is one of the family's own. They also have 71 Records. The latter is US-based whilst HMG is based in Jamaica. They have dabbled in production and have produced for Anthony B, Capleton, Jahmali, Bushman and many more.
In terms of their own work, Morgan Heritage have been produced by the likes of Bobby Digital, King Jammys, Donovan Germaine, Shocking Vibes, Tony Rebel, Fateyes Production and the list goes on.
The group have toured extensively and at the time of the interview they were touring the UK. There are a few places they have yet to go such as Asia, Australia and South America, but these will no doubt come soon as they are an accomplished group who feel "good and very blessed" about how far they have come. Peter notes, "Our greatest success is our togetherness".
Being in the business professionally for nearly 10 years means the group know a thing or two and had this to say for aspiring artists, "Be strong and be God-fearing. The business is rough, 90% business and 10% music". In addition to that, Peter would love to see some changes in the business in that, "Reggae music is art; accept it that way. (With) top-notch promotion and backing, the music can reach to where it's supposed to in its raw form".
Fans of the group were advised by Peter to, "Be lovers of humanity, doesn't matter race, colour or creed of a person; learn to live with each other. The Earth was created for us all; learn to make the best of things (and) learn to forgive. Live loving (because) love is all we need".
The future of Morgan Heritage is sure to be bright to say the least as they follow a righteous path loving Jah, Christ, all people regardless of race, colour or creed and impart 'More Teachings' as the progress. So, what can we expect in 5 to 10 years time? Peter sums it up, "Wherever we are, I guess that's where Jah will want us to be".
For more information on the group, check out their official website at
www.morganheritagefamily.com
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