Lady Saw Interview
The Music Store
June 1, 2002
By montana

There she was.  When I walked into Saggi’s ‘Music Store’ on Howard, she was standing there wearing a little t-shirt, shorts and tennis shoes.  For a queen, she was most unpretentiously dressed.  Only upon closer observation, I noticed her nails which were done beautifully in a simple horizontal stripe pattern and quite befitting for the undisputed longtime queen of the dancehall dj’s known by the name of Lady Saw.  Since she wouldn’t let me take her picture at that time (her hair wasn’t done), I was afraid she’d be as guarded with her interview, but I was pleasantly surprised as she candidly, patiently, confidently and most professionally answered all of my questions.

How did you get your name?

I was named because they said I used to sound like Tenor Saw.

Do you see any up and coming female artists ready to take your crown as reigning dj queen?
No one can take my crown.  But yes, there are a lot of good new female dj’s out there still.

Do you have a husband/man?  How does he feel about your performances/lyrics?

I don’t have a man, but I’m looking for a donor.

Fav. Place to perform?

New York City and Japan.  The people in Japan don’t understand the lyrics really, but they really get into the music still.

Favorite reggae artists male/female?
I love everyone.  I don’t have a favorite.

Favorite Riddims?
Any bad riddim.

Fav. Songs you’ve done?
Gimme a reason and Backshot.

Favorite tunes by other artists?
I love Beres. Anything by Beres.

Anything else?

Watch for my new album “Striptease” coming out this summer on VP records.  There’s a riddim on there called ‘Blindfold’ that I produced. They’re already playing it in Jamaica with many artists on it.

Thanks to Lady Saw, The Music Store, and Saggi Jr. for making the call!