Saint Lucia’s renowned reggae artist and Brand Ambassador, Taj Weekes, has unveiled an impactful new track titled “How Much” in collaboration with the French musical group, The Ligerians.
Released through SoulNurse Records, this distinctive song offers a profound meditation on the complexities of generosity.
With thought-provoking lyrics, Weekes poses uncomfortable questions, asking, “How much does it cost / To get something for free?” His words cut through social platitudes, revealing the “hidden transaction fees” that often mar authentic human connections.
Weekes is no stranger to advocacy; as a UNICEF Children’s Champion and founder of TOCO (They Often Cry Outreach), his humanitarian efforts are deeply intertwined with his music.
Each line he writes resonates with purpose and sincerity.
A Powerful Collaboration
The Ligerians provide an exceptional musical foundation for “How Much.” This Tours-based collective has supported artists ranging from Max Romeo to Vaughn Benjamin, honing their soulful sound along the Loire River for over fifteen years.
Their rhythms elevate Weekes’ philosophical inquiry, making the partnership feel both urgent and timeless—a roots reggae sermon for an increasingly transactional society.
“How Much” strips away pretense and serves as a sober reminder that true generosity doesn’t come with a price tag.
Weekes emphasizes that genuine freedom often requires giving without the expectation of receiving anything in return.
In a recent conversation with The Voice, Weekes shared insights into this unique collaboration. He revealed that he initially reached out for distribution assistance, only to discover The Ligerians had been fans of his music since 2008 and were eager to collaborate.
Calling them a “solid studio and live band,” Weekes highlighted their impressive collaborations, including work with emerging artist Nadia Mackinoff, (daughter of veteran musician Winston Mackinoff), whose album was recognized as the second best reggae album by Reggaeville in Europe.
After communicating online and receiving musical tracks from The Ligerians, Weekes described his creative process, “I usually start with my guitar first, and they sent me the music to work with.” He expressed his inspiration for the song stemmed from experiences of people making promises without follow-through, leading him to question, “How much does it cost to get something for free?”
Despite the track’s success within the broader music landscape, Weekes laments that it has not received extensive airplay in Saint Lucia, noting, “It’s picking up traction over the airwaves…except in Saint Lucia.”
While local airplay has been limited, “How Much” is thriving in Europe and America.
In reflecting on the collaboration, Weekes emphasized the uniqueness of this approach to songwriting. “It’s a unique way of working… and lots of people have been doing this. This track was crafted specifically for one artist, differing from the typical rhythms many artists use.”
In conclusion, Weekes encapsulated the essence of “How Much”: “I love the simplicity of the song; but it’s profound as well: How much does it cost to get something for free?”
Listen to “How Much” to experience this thought-provoking blend of music and message firsthand.