Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
A local hip-hop duo is working to offer a common ground with their music -- to spread positive messages and to bring people together despite differences in beliefs and cultures.
"That's what music does; it sparks people's minds," said Paul Majkia, a hip-hop singer and songwriter in Duality. Majkia, along with Josef 'J.D.' Branch, have been sharing their music and philosophies in Santa Fe and nearby cities for about two years.
"You want to touch people so that they will be informed about what's going on in the world, and enjoy," Majkia added.
Duality will be performing Thursday in the Santa Fe Bandstand 2005 summer concert series on the Plaza. Free, live music performances are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday through Thursday and from noon to 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. The series will run through Aug. 25.
Both Majkia and Branch are from Queens, N.Y. Majkia, who has been singing all his life, said their music is a form of storytelling. Many of their songs focus on "the human side," or on the similarities people have.
He said their message is peace and a need to examine the social condition, with issues such as abstinence and strong relationships, political issues, sexism and racism.
Also, Majkia said Duality focuses on preserving the artform of hip-hop, rather than the negative aspects. He said hip-hop has moved from a form of storytelling and positive feelings to constant battling, violence and negative attitudes.
"Honestly, there's a better way than to crush people," he said. "Spreading love and peace, and being honest about your music is what we are all about. We want to make sure we stay in our truth to stay who we are," he added.
In addition to public performances, Duality has merged with Berimbau, an organization that is fundraising to go into the schools to teach kids about hip-hop and other outlets of creativity. They are also planning to teach youth about capoeira, a Brazilian artform and self-defense style, with strong aerobic and dance elements. Duality will have copies of its first compact disc at its performance on the Plaza.
In addition to Duality, on Monday check out The Watermelon Mountain Jug Band, performing a mix of country and bluegrass, and Raising Cane, with original bluegrass. On Tuesday afternoon, Don and Victoria Armstrong will be on the stage. In the evening on Tuesday, listen to Round Mountain's Middle Eastern, Balkan, Celtic and folk music. Prince Diabate, a master kora player from Guinea, West Africa, will perform after Round Mountain. Two youth groups will take the stage on Wednesday: Mariachi Juvenil de Santa Fe and Mariachi Mestizo. Los Radiators, an eclectic folk trio, will perform Thursday afternoon. Then Berimbau presents Duality Thursday evening, with The Jimmy Stadler Band finishing the night.
- The Santa Fe New Mexican
A positive message just doesn't make the cut anymore. But all is soon to be right with the world, because Arrested Development comes to Santa Fe on Sunday, May 1. Special guests include Felonious Groove Foundation, Duality, and some of Santa Fe's hottest DJs. - Pasatiempo
Discography
Duality 2005
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The music of Duality is an eclectic blend of Hip Hop, R&B, and World Beat Rhythms filled with messages of awareness, love, peace, self-expression, and the need for examination of our social condition. It is "REAL MUSIC FOR REAL PEOPLE”, say's the members of this duo.
The Members of Duality Paul "Don-P" Majkia and Josef "J.D." Branch started their musical journey together two years ago in New York. Both were recording solo albums but quickly bonded and decided to form a group that showcased singing and rapping, with a mission to show that the understanding our differences is what can bring about unity.
Duality would like to paint a picture in hip-hop culture of peace and community. Duality is the first group from their crew the “WolfPack” and uses the wolf as a symbol for healthy community. If the principle of duality represents the two extremes in the spectrum of life, then the group Duality hopes that their music can provide a balance between these extremes.
This desire has allowed them to open up for groups such as Arrested Development, Paul Oakenfold, and Tricrotic. They have also played venues from New York to L.A. and have left college and club venues supremely satisfied. Carol Evans of the college of Santa Fe had this to say,” the front man Charisma and conscious lyrics of Duality are undeniable, I'd have them back any time". Duality, a group with a positive message that you can dance to, THE MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN! GET DOWN OR LAY DOWN!
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