I work on staff for the official newspaper of Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College), whose name is attached to the best jazz festival of the Cleveland area, the Tri-C JazzFest. During the summer months, my campus also publishes a special, smaller newspaper,
The Western Front. It's this paper in which my story is scheduled to appear on the front page regarding the band Mifune being kicked out of the JazzFest this year for refusing to remove their anti-Bush t-shirts.
After the break, the full e-mail interview.
The Western Front: Mifune is an unusual name. Where did it come from and what does it mean?
Jacob Fader: Mifune is the last name of famous Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. We are huge fans of him. In particular the movies he did with Akira Kurosawa. We like the strength that the image and name convey, particularly to those who are familiar with Mifune as an actor. htttp://www.toshiromifune.org
TWF: Why did you choose to keep the shirts on instead of following the orders of the mall security?
JF: We felt that being interrupted during a song to be asked to remove a two-dimensional image that might or might not be offensive was not only rude but absolutely ridiculous.
TWF: Did you feel the fans were on your side during this, or were they confused by the abrupt end to your set?
JF: Yes we felt an overwhelming sense of support from the fans. They were disappointed and shocked that our set was ended as the result of an ill-informed knee-jerk reaction.
TWF: You reportedly mentioned that other stores in Tower City had anti-Bush apparel advertised in their windows and Tower City security did nothing in regards to these. What types of apparel and how close or visible were these to the stage when Mifune performed?
JF: This was taken out of context. My Father (Barry Fader) requested of the Tower city staff 10 minutes to collect and purchase merchandise with an anti-bush message that would without question be found for sale in the mall's stores (book stores etc.) thus exposing the hypocrisy of the request to remove our shirts. I agreed with my Father.
TWF: Knowing the situation now, would you return to do another live performance at the Tri-C JazzFest? Would you do so with your t-shirts again?
JF: We are still waiting for correspondence from Tri-C JazzFest. We feel it is up to them to respond to the call that they, as a public college, supported corporate sponsorship over artistic expression. We are also awaiting payment as defined by our contract with Tri-C, which to date, has not been received. Once we are compensated we will donate the full amount to charity. Once these issues are resolved and an apology to Mifune is issued. We would love to finish the performance for the people who came to see us
TWF: Your band is described as afro-beat. Would you elaborate on what this music is and what other afro-beat bands readers may recognize?
JF: Afro-Beat is a genre of music founded and made popular in Nigeria by Fela Anikulapo Kuti in the late 60's early 70's. you can find out more about afrobeat here: http://en.wikipedia.org/.... Readers might be aware of: Fela Kuti and the Anitbalas Afrobeat Orchestra. Where as we play Afro-Beat material, it is not the only thing we do. We describe our sound as Afro-Electronique. Stemming from deep afrobeat rhythms and ensemble approaches and the electronic sensibilities of groups such as Stereolab and The Brazilian Girls.
We feel a connection with the wonderful style of Afro-Beat and we feel fortunate that we have the ability to bring it to the awareness of people that might not otherwise be exposed to it.
TWF: Do you feel that this genre's fans are receptive to your political views?
JF: Afro-Beat has always been (and in most likelihood, will always be) a political music. [Its] founder (Fela Kuti) was the definition of outspoken in a time and in a country that when such views were expressed it could and did result in violence towards him and his loved ones. When any form of peaceful political dissension is discouraged it should be an alarm to anyone interested in protecting their freedoms. Yes, I would assume that along with a reported 70% of the current US population, the fans of Afrobeat agree with the sentiment displayed on our t-shirts on April 28th. I would go even further to say that most Afro-Beat fans would resonate with our attempts to elevate social consciousness through art.
TWF: Have you ever had any other troubles at shows or other live performances with your political views?
JF: No.
TWF: For those who may have missed your performance at the Tri-C JazzFest, will Mifune be playing any other shows later this summer?
JF: Yes. On Sat May 27th we are playing at AFRO-FEST 2006 at the Beachland Ballroom. This will be the first festival of it's kind and it will be a chance for Clevelanders to experience Afro-Beat, Afropop, and Reggae of the finest order. More info http://www.myspace.com/....
TWF: Is there anything else that Mifune would like for its fans and the readers of The Western Front to know?
JF: We would like to express our gratitude to everyone that has supported us, before and after and during the event and we are excited to keep bringing the love through music.