Bringing reggae back

In the land of K-pop, one wouldn’t expect to find a strong following for reggae. However, reggae duo Skull and Haha, both 33, are striving to prove that perception wrong.

The husky-voiced reggae artist Skull and funny “Running Man” co-host Haha released their new single “REGGAErilla” on June 27, their latest since the single “2013 First Melody” in January, and “Ya Man” EP in July 2012.

They have built up a steady following, holding a guerilla concert in Hongdae, performing on music programs, appearing on radio and TV shows, and holding their first overseas fan meeting and showcase in Singapore.

“We’re going to attack with our message, just like guerillas,” Skull said in an interview on Monday with The Korea Herald, referring to the single’s name ― a combination of reggae and guerilla. “Because reggae is kind of a lonely genre in Korea, we feel like nobody thinks that we can win. But we are winning.”

Haha said the approachability of reggae has been a challenge, since not many Koreans really know about the music. But the two hope to change that with their latest release, which includes a remake of the song “Ragga Muffin” from Skull’s days with YG Entertainment reggae group Stony Skunk.

The two said it felt natural to perform together, and were also in sync when it comes to their love for reggae and desire to make good music.

“Since day one, we are growing every day, but especially Haha,” said Skull, glancing at his partner. “He’s really crazy about reggae and reggae music. ... I feel very proud of him. ... And it’s very easy to work with him.”

“Me too,” responded Haha in English, before laughing. He went on to say he feels he personally can’t judge his growth as a reggae artist, and that the listeners are the ones who can do that.

“I want to do a really good job so I don’t have to apologize to people who have been doing reggae for a long time. Of course, we’re going to do our best, but I want our critics to at least watch our performances, then I believe those people will think before criticizing us,” he said.

The two said they hope to make reggae more popular in Korea, and it is already getting bigger, though Skull was reluctant to say it was because of them.

Outside of Korea the two are already gaining attention. At their first overseas fan meet and showcase in Singapore, they were amazed at the outpouring of support.

“We are so thankful and full of emotions. It was so touching and it’s amazing that such thankful things occur in life,” said Haha.

The two were scheduled to sing one song on a TV show, not really expecting a lot. However, the studio was packed with fans. Skull said that people seem surprised, as most assume Haha is only an entertainer, not a singer, and just a “very funny guy.”

“And then the feedback is, like, ‘Oh, Haha was a musician? Haha sings very well. Haha’s reggae music is very cool. Oh, Skull is handsome,’” he said, laughing.

The reggae duo is scheduled to perform on the Moonlight Stage at Pentaport Rock Festival in Incheon on Sunday at 11 p.m. Following that, they start their Korea tour with a show at Sogang University’s Mary Hall in Seoul on Aug. 17 and a performance in Busan on Aug. 30. The two are also planning to perform in China and a big Christmas concert.

But outside all the appearances and publicity, Skull said the two must remain humble.

“My friend told me, ‘Oh, you’re going to shine, but you have to look at yourself, and know yourself, every day.’ That’s a key point. ... We have to be humble,” he said. “We feel like this is just the beginning. This is not the end.”

By Emma Kalka (ekalka@heraldcorp.com)

Cha Yo-rim contributed to this article. ― Ed.