Christopher Ellis Wayne Marshall Alerta Kamarada Kehv Magazine

Transcription

January 2014 - Issue 01
Christopher Ellis
Better Than Love
Wayne Marshall
Tru Colors
Alerta Kamarada
Colombia’s Premier Reggae Band
Kehv
Prince of Reggae Soul
Magazine
Protoje
Here Comes the Rasta Youth
Island Stage Magazine
Reggae Revival Rising Stars
Introduction
Island Stage Magazine is a new quarterly publication highlighting the “Way Makers”, The
“Revolutionaries”. We will focus on the Music, as well as the Rising Stars from all walks of life creating
positive change in our world. Island Stage is committed to inspire it’s readers with uplifting and
rich content. We will also provide you with provocative articles and interviews that are sure to spark
creative ideas for a forward thinking generation. - Susan Underwood , Editor & Publisher
Magazine
cover photo: Sista Irie Photography
VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN &
BRAND
Zoey Corbeil
MARKETING MANAGER
Rochelle Lindsay
COMMUNICATION MANAGER
T.L. Underwood
COMMUNICATION
COORDINATOR,
Gary Underwood
SENIOR MARKETING
SPECIALIST,
Alyssa Corbeil
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Susan Underwood / Nico DaSilva
ART DIRECTOR
Aiden Underwood
EDITOR AND PROJECTS
MANAGER
Lorien Benavides
CONTRIBUTORS
Lloyd Stanbury, Michael Kuelker,
Maliika Walker, Sista Irie, Elboya
Cruz
SENIOR PROJECTS EDITOR
Autumn Corbeil
PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Brenda Mora
ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR
Mary Jalbert
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lauren Wakefield
PHOTO COORDINATOR
Kyle Barham
COPY EDITORS
Steven Corbeil
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Trudy Underwood
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
Louis Underwood
Musically Speaking........................................................................................05-06
Lloyd Stanbury Editorial-The Future of Jamaican Reggae Music
The Dutty Truth............................................................................................... 9-12
Sista Irie & Dutty Bookman discuss Reggae Revival in depth
CONTENTS
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING,
Susan Underwood
Protoje..................................................................................................................14-18
The music and the message. A conversation
Christopher Ellis..............................................................................................21-22
Better Than Love
Wayne Marshall...............................................................................................23
His Tru Colors
Alerta Kamarada..............................................................................................24-25
Reggae Colombia!
Kehv.......................................................................................................................26-27
The Prince of Reggae Soul
Solar Buzz...........................................................................................................28-29
Jamaica Going Green
Could YOU Be Loved....................................................................................31-33
Michael Kuelker reviews Ras Tekla Mekfet’s upcoming book
Bob Marley- The Making of a Legend.................................................35-37
Maliika Walker speaks with Esther Anderson- Bob Marley- The Wailers &
the documentary
12 Years a Slave................................................................................................38-40
The Movie Review and a reflection by Maliika Walker
Issue 01 January 2014
PAGE
3
www.island-stage.com
“Greetings, and let me take this opportunity
to congratulate the Island Stage team on the
successful launch of this quarterly magazine
designed to highlight and discuss Caribbean
lifestyle and cultural issues. I look forward to
making regular contributions to the magazine,
and sharing in discussions with you from time
to time. This, my first piece, is my take on the
future of Jamaican Reggae music”.
Musically
Speaking
- Lloyd Stanbury
Entertainment Attorney and
Music Business Consultant
The Future of Jamaican Reggae Music
A
ccording to the 2013 Digital Music
Report published by the International
Federation of the Phonographic Industry
(IFPI), digital revenues are driving the
recorded music industry towards recovery.
For the first time since 1999 annual global
recorded music revenues grew. Between
2011 and 2012 the IFPI data records a 0.3
per cent increase, which has been credited
to downloads, subscriptions and other digital
channels. http://www.ifpi.org/content/
section_resources/dmr2013.html This is
indeed welcomed news for the global music
industry; but what does it mean in the
context of Jamaican Reggae music?
T
he reports I have read, and the
information coming to me from credible
industry sources would suggest that
while the global recorded music industry
experienced growth for the first time in 13
years in 2012, in that same year Jamaican
Reggae music sales in America fell to its
lowest level ever in over 20 years. http://
www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/
J-can-music-sales-plummet-in-US There
are many explanations offered as to why
Jamaican recorded music sales and live
concert revenues have fallen in recent
years, while other music genres and
non-JamaicanReggae have experienced
growth. Some explanations include, the
backlash from the pro-gay community to
the promotion of violence against gays
by certain Jamaican Dancehall artists, the
association of a number of prominent
Jamaican artists with criminal activities, and
the unprofessionalism of Jamaican artists,
artist managers, and event promoters who
operate internationally.
jamaican-reggaes-next-big-thing-chrisblackwell-diplo Is Chris Blackwell right?
B
O
ut, all is not lost by any means as far
as the future of Jamaican Reggae is
concerned. There are some very positive
signs of the emergence and imminent arrival
of a new “golden age” of Jamaican music.
In December 2008 Chris Blackwell was
quoted as saying that “the golden years of
Jamaican music was behind us”. https://
www.facebook.com/notes/lloyd-stanbury/
is-chris-blackwell-right/132518825354 Five
years later in a Billboard magazine article
of September 2013, Blackwell is quoted as
saying that the then 20-year old Jamaican
artist Chronixx was Jamaican Reggae’s next
big thing. http://www.billboard.com/biz/
articles/news/global/5733093/is-chronixx-
PAGE
5
ver the past five years there has
been a very promising development
in Jamaica within the arts and culture
sector, which is now being described as
the Reggae Revival movement. It has
been fueled by the creative, technical, and
administrative efforts of a group of young
musicians, literary, and visual artists and
their colleagues who provide support
services. A significant number of the artists
involved are graduates of the Edna Manley
College of the Visual and Performing Arts in
Kingston. The creative output of this group
of artists is characterized by a renewed
awareness about Africa and Rastafari. Many
of the artists involved also collaborate and
ii Participate in as many educational workshops and music conferences as
support each other in the production and presentation of their works. A veritable army of
new Roots Reggae artists have emerged from this group, and they have now attracted the
attention of the international media, concert promoters, and music fans. The list is long,
but it includes Chronixx, Protoje, Jah-9, Kabaka Pyramid, Iba Mahr, Jesse Royal, Kelissa,
Dre Island, Raging Fyah, and Pentateuch. The impact of their music is being felt globally,
particularly throughout Europe. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130905/ent/ent1.
html
possible.
ii Support the formation, development and sustainability of relevant music associations
by becoming members and remaining active.
I
n closing I would like to say that after over thirty years involvement in the Reggae music
industry, I have witnessed many good and bad years. I am however very excited at
present, as well as relieved and hopeful about the future of Jamaican Reggae. I sincerely
hope that Reggae fans worldwide will come together to further support the changes
already taking place to enable the rebirth of a vibrant global Reggae music industry.
T
he Reggae Revival movement is a welcomed positive sign of the renewed popularity
of Roots Reggae inside Jamaica. The comradery and unity displayed by the artists
involved, and the fact that they are more educated than the typical Reggae/Dancehall
artist coming out of Jamaica, also auger well for the future of Jamaican Reggae. The
continued growth and sustainability of the Reggae Revival movement will however be
dependent on a number of factors, some within the control of the “Revivalists” and some
that are outside their control. Continued support for the artists in the “Movement” is
necessary, especially with regard to their efforts to maintain unity and focus on lyrical
content with wide global appeal. The “Revivalist” artists and their representatives will
also need to forge better links and working relationships with older and more experienced
artists and music business managers, as they learn to cope with the complexities of the
business of music.
ONE LOVE
T
here has been a lot of talk inside Jamaica about creative industries development, and
more specifically development of the local music industry. While there has been some
positive movement in recent years, there are still some major barriers, such as the disunity
among older industry players, media corruption, and ignorance in government as well as
within the industry. As we move forward as artists, as well as technical and management
service providers within the Jamaican Reggae music fraternity, I would like to suggest the
following basic “Best Practices” that could serve us well:
ii Always remember that music business starts with the creation of music, and
that music creation is an art that is subject to standards and the adherence to
certain recognized concepts.
ii As an artist (songwriter, vocalist, musician, or music producer, you should
ensure that you learn as much as you can about issues related to copyrights
and contracts, and secure management representation from persons with
knowledge of how the business of music works.
ii Learn about, explore and utilize digital and Internet technology, including online
social media.
PAGE
6
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PAGE
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The Dutty Truth
article and photos by Sista Irie
T
his story has no beginning and no end.
It’s about revelation, revolution and
renewing purpose. Emerging truths reveal
themselves throughout life,
and yet, many are called, few
are chosen. Every person is
confronted with life changing
messages-some may even rail
against cultural upbringing or
traditional education. At the
same time, many are too busy
or too distracted to process
and recognize the vision within.
In my generation, the mantra,
“Question Authority” ignited
a generation of rebellious youth resulting in
awareness of human rights, environmental
concern and the absurdity of war. These
revelations identified conscious individuals
who fully recognized and implemented a
need for improved freedom of consciousness,
reversing former beliefs and opening new
roads of critical thought.
D
utty Bookman, in his book, “Tried and
True” reveals a personal coming of age.
Dutty, whose birth name is Gavin Hutchison
was born in 1982 and hails from Kingston,
Jamaica. Although born into a lower class
neighborhood, his quick minded intelligence
allowed him to attend one of the best high
schools in Kingston, Jamaica and later resulted
in studies of Aerospace Engineering in Central
Florida. However, like many young, intelligent,
students, Dutty realized he had adopted a
youthful arrogance that was working against
him. At the same time, he experienced a
growing empathy for the youth of Jamaica and
redirected his efforts to serve
them by returning to Jamaica.
Dutty was determined to inspire
positive change in a misguided
system now wallowing in
violence and death. Establishing
a youth talk show on national
radio and working with Rita
Marley on the Africa Unite Youth
Symposium, Dutty observed
the growing plight of black
males and the societal effects
of the disenfranchised. These observations
reinforced his personal negative experiences
on youth empowerment
via arts and culture), invited
Dutty to attend and speak
at their conference. This
experience eventually ignited
the creation of Manifesto
Jamaica whose mission is to
educate, expose and empower
photo: EYEANDEYEVISIONS
young people from all
economic classes. Manifesto
Jamaica impassions youth to pursue creative
reggae music infused with crucial messages
skills, increase personal confidence and to
and sophisticated high quality production.
professionally develop in a manner that
Dutty makes a crucial point explaining the
promotes economic fulfillment. Dutty was
Reggae Revival is synonymous with Rasta
so inspired by the deep sense of unity and
Revival. Reggae needed Rasta and Rasta
spirit of love felt at Manifesto/Canada, he
needed Reggae. And yet, the Reggae Revival
committed to serving Jamaican youth through could well be a stepping stone to something
the encouragement of creative arts and
bigger and deeper. The Reggae Revival is a
culture. Many members
lifelong opportunity to help
of the currently growing
people evolve spiritually and
artistic movement in Jamaica
professionally. Dutty predicts
known as the Reggae Revival
2014 will additionally focus
came from synchronicity
the Revival on the works
and alignment with the
of visual artists. The Rasta
Manifesto experience.
Revivalists came forward
as musicians, singers,
he Reggae Revival
graphic artists, publicists,
began as a collective
administrators, soundsystem
group of artists uniting to
djs, photographers,
bring consciousness once
videographers and other
again into the forefront
artists supporting the
of Jamaican society. This
movement with poignant
tightknit community of
and unique skills. Critical to
Sista Irie Photography.
artists successfully sparked
the movement, the Reggae
a rebirth of conscious
Revival infuses Rastafarian
Reggae Revival
cannot be restricted
to only music.
within the Babylon employment system. Dutty
rebelled against Jamaican employers who
treated their employees with disrespect and
unreasonable punity. These practices did not
allow youth to grow and prosper, so he set out
to find more impactful ways to earn a living
and promote change.
T
O
ne day while speaking at the Africa Unite
Youth Symposium, Dutty quickly realized
his intellectual and spiritual influences. A
member of Manifesto Community Projects (a
Canadian social activist organization focused
PAGE
10
theology into their art forms aimed to increase knowledge and overstanding regarding the
life and teachings of HIM, Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia. Dutty emphasizes the world could
be cured from societal degradation through the teachings of HIS Majesty. The Revival
will jumpstart a conscious awareness needed to improve the state of the world. As a
result, afrocentric roots integrated into Caribbean culture, merges into rare and moving
synchronicities of sound and visions. The rebirth of spiritual Rasta philosophies are
supported by highly developed artistic representations.
“Tried and True” is a sincere, heartfelt autobiography revealing your personal evolution as a
youth abiding within traditional Babylonian systems. Through real and mystical experiences
you evolved intellectually and spiritually. Why was it important for you to write the book?
In a dream I had, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I appeared vividly to me and
HIM showed me that I was important to HIM and the continuation of his works. It
was a turning point in my life and I wrote it in my journal at the time. One day, I
was reading through my journals for no particular reason and I noticed that they
showed a telling trajectory of my maturity. At that point, I decided that I would
publish a book about this significant period or transition in order to show people
just how powerful we can be with purpose and focus.
T
he Reggae Revival is not a list of members, it includes anyone who supports the
mission. As a result, the Revival will create an unyielding penetration that cannot be
undermined by lack of government and other industry support. The movement will define
a new peaceful revolutionary environment aiming to reverse deeply rooted trends that
resulted in negative life choices. The Reggae Revival, in synchronicity with Manifesto/
Jamaica, will educate, inspire, guide, support and encourage underserved youth through
structured activities, workshops, mini-festivals, Town Halls, and music festivals. The
combined movements are designed to educate and empower the youth and revive a
vibrant and talented society.
In your book and interviews, you refer to important mentors including HIM -Haile Selassie I,
Che Guevara, and the original Dutty Boukman. What common qualities and activities do these
three iconic legends share and how do they apply to the Reggae Revival? What was their
primary influence on the person you are today?
I love public relations and I believe that one’s personal legend is the ultimate
publicity act. When people look back on a person’s life, they draw conclusions
that affect how useful your memory will be to the continuation of revolution.
These three persons you have named, they are among those who epitomize this
kind of legacy. Che Guevara is the one I came across first. I was very impressed
by his personal writings. He was the one that made me realize the importance of
keeping a journal as a truthful record of my thoughts in the continuum of time and
space. Haile Selassie I is the ultimate public relations practitioner. How he travelled
through Creation and made western media work in his favor, if you really examine
that, was absolutely genius. Boukman’s fate was quite the opposite. He was virtually
unknown outside of Haiti for his iconic contributions to the Haitian Revolution
but, because of his genuine intentions and his resolve to inspire freedom, his name
could not be forgotten. These three men have inspired me for other reasons too
but, since you asked me for the common thread, I have to say that it is the way they
have influenced the way I practice public relations.
D
utty Bookman recently reached another spiritual crossroad. Feeling disillusioned with
the current state of chaos inherent in Jamaica, Dutty joined a nurturing and loving
community of Rastafarians in the Washington DC area. Having been advised through a
mystical dream by Haile Selassie to carry on HIS teachings, Dutty’s convictions further grew
to serve His Majesty within his environment. He has not given up on serving Jamaican
youth. He will further the works through the Washington Rasta community that has a
global, international focus and promotes projects such as medical support for the elders
and building schools in Shashamane, Ethiopia. Many belong to the Iniversal Development
of Rastafari (I.D.O.R) whose mission brings forward the intellectual and compassionate
tenants of Rastafari.
“
He who would be a leader must pay the price in self-discipline and moral
restraint. This entails the correction and improvement of personal character,
the checking of passions and desires, and an exemplary control of one’s bodily
needs and drives. Leaders have to submit themselves to a stricter self-discipline
and develop a more exemplary moral character than is expected of others. To be
first in place, one must be first in merit as well”. (H.I.M. July 14, 1961)
Many Jamaicans (including youths) seem to have a negative perspective regarding the role of
Government in the development of the Arts and in particular the music industry. What are
your views?
F
or now, Dutty Bookman, author, Revivalist and Spiritual Revolutionary, is joyous and
fulfilled working in unity alongside the Washington DC Rastafarian family. It is this
Unity of Purpose that propels Dutty to live, learn and document his life experiences and
reflections, so that others may catch a fire and find the spiritual path that leads to a life of
integrity, balance and positive mentorship.
I read somewhere that an African politician – I forgot which country she was
from – said that government has no business interfering in the arts. I agreed with
her immediately. The true artist is meant to unlock his or her inner potential and
manifesting his or her power. The only thing a government should do is give artists
PAGE
11
the space and time to do so. The way an entire nation is run affects the artists. Run
the country properly and the arts will flourish.
The active youth already know what to do.
Through Manifesto Jamaica I have watched a
devoted group of young thinkers in the creative
industries rise to every occasion with intuitive
thinking and collaborative effort. The only
obstacles encountered have been related to
money and ignorance. If the government people
simply provide adequate funding for their
initiatives, and then step completely out of the
way, some glorious things will begin to occur.
You say the mindset of people running ‘the system’ left a massive spiritual gap in the reggae
music industry and a gross impact on society. How do you see the Reggae Revival impacting
an ongoing change that will diminish the influence of people in high places, who are more
interested in making money or sustaining their own positions than supporting a more
positive form of music that may result in long term economic stability, as well as a rebirth of
consciousness in the arts?
The Reggae Revival is about bringing revolutionary thinking to the forefront again.
All over the world there is this spiritual void. So the youth of today are doing all
kinds of things to address various symptoms in the global sociopolitical, economic
system. There is the Arab Spring in the Middle East. There is the Occupy Movement
in North America. Now we have a Reggae Revival in Jamaica. They all started
within and primarily for a certain locality but each have spoken to the broader
generation of young adults in the world today. A fundamental difference with the
Reggae Revival is that it is arts-based and therefore more peaceful. Arab Spring and
Occupy Movement both relied on confrontation in the physical space. They are
against whichever political leaders or whichever materially wealthy people they
oppose. I applaud both of these movements because they identified their problems,
their enemies and devised solutions with which to act. When you look at Jamaica,
a mere dot on the globe, and consider its history, you see that our greatest weapon
is the creative prowess of our people. And you also see that whenever we sharpen
that weapon with the teachings of Rastafari, our enemies begin to scramble to
curtail that movement. Our enemies of course are those keeping up spiritual
wickedness in high and low places. So the Reggae Revival is supposed to be cutting
off those enemies’ energies, as Protoje sings in that song with Kabaka Pyramid.
Through attacking the spiritually bankrupt, we, in our own way, are disrupting the
very source of all these symptomatic ills that we see physically in the world, which
the warriors of the Arab Spring and Occupy Movement are dutifully addressing in
their own way. This is why the Reggae Revival cannot be restricted to only music.
Reggae is a culture and this culture goes hand in hand with Rastafari. Any creative
works through which the true teachings of His Imperial Majesty get communicated
to people is Reggae Revival to me. That goes for visual art, culinary art, literary
art, performing art or whatever. Go to a Nyabinghi ises and see the real source of
Reggae.
What can we expect from your next book due to
be released in February 2014? Will it be a review of
Reggae Revival history and/or will it include an
honest assessment of the future based on successes
and barriers?
As it stands now, the book will probably not be ready for publication by that time.
Initially, I was rushing it because I thought a book would help people to recognize
the movement’s existence. After the summer though, with all the media attention
and even my own trip to Rototom Sunsplash to speak at the Reggae University,
I realized that the book was no longer as urgent. Now I am approaching it more
carefully. It will combine my perspective on the early history of the Revival with
some striking images taken by top photographers within the movement. Apart
from that, I am going with a less-is-more approach. There are too many tangents
that I can go on so I decided to be very basic so that as many people as possible
can overstand what is happening. After that, I will explore which aspects of the
Revival need to be exposed along the way. These things need careful consideration
because, remember, this is revolution happening. Everything requires careful
timing.
What is your most treasured self-accomplishment?
My most treasured self-accomplishment, as you put it, is in the future. I am most
proud of the complete fall of Babylon that is about to happen because I know that
His Imperial Majesty has used me as an instrument for this purpose. I am proud
that I have kept an open mind and an open heart to carry out the will of Jah.
What will it take in your opinion to develop a creative arts industry that results in economic
stability and growth?
http://duttyism.com/
http://reggae-revival.com/
PAGE
12
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Protoje- SummerJam 2013 photo by Sista Irie
Protoje @ SummerJam 2013 photo by Sista Irie
Protoje
By Susan Underwood
Photos by Sista Irie
I
first became familiar with Protoje’s music
with his 2011 EP release of ‘The Seven Year
Itch’. Never hearing the term ‘Reggae Revival’,
and immediately upon hearing the EP, I
felt “revived” and excited about what I was
witnessing. There was something different
and special about him, and I wanted to learn
more.
Protoje was born Oje Ken Ollivierre in1981 into
a musical family. His mother, Lorna Bennett,
is an Attorney-at-law and reggae icon, best
known for the 1972 hit, ‘Breakfast in Bed.’ His
father, Michael Ollivierre, also known as Lord
Have Mercy, is a notably successful athletics
coach and former Calypso King in Saint
Vincent and the Grenadines.
Born and raised in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica,
young Protoje attended the Santa Cruz
Preparatory School
before moving on
to the prestigious
Munro College, where
he demonstrated
more than a marginal
interest in music.
It was not long
before he helped
to spearhead the
Vendetta Sound
System, cooperating
with the likes of his cousin, Donovan “Don
Corleone” Bennett, who is now a regular charttopping producer.
melodies to hardhitting lyrical barrages,
Protoje recites life as
he experiences it, not
as he imagines it.
Not just a mere
musician but a
student of music,
Protoje’s dedication to
his craft will place him
among history’s most
With spot on phrasing, hooks and lyrical
genius, Protoje is a force to be reckoned
with not only in the Reggae scene, but in the
International pop scene.
I will not get into album reviews here. Instead,
I wanted to have a conversation with Protoje,
so that ‘we’ can get to know him better.
Go purchase the music and listen..... really
listen. Watch the music videos. You will be
glad you did!
prolific artists.
With the 2013 release of ‘The 8 Year Affair’, I
was completely hooked. Dare I say that I am
reminded of Tuff Gong back in the day; for
many reasons. I hesitated to mention this to
a friend , but as it turns out, many are also
expressing the same sentiments.
Coming from such a talented family, and
especially being exposed to his parents’ era
of music, it is no surprise that Protoje is rising
to prominence in his own time. From silky
PAGE
15
In 2013, Protoje completed two successful
European tours and is gearing up for 2014
which will also include parts of North America.
Get ready! You won’t want to miss Protoje
when he comes to your town!
Here is our conversation..........
Thank you for spending some time with us. Let’s get right to it. Tell us about Reggae
Revival. What is it and what does it mean to you both personally and professionally? Also,
what comes to mind when you hear this term (REVIVAL) with regards to your music? Do
you feel there is a reggae revival in reggae music right now or do you feel it was always
present, just not promoted to the public?
recognition and is spreading far. The song is one of my favorites because I wrote
this song on the day as you said, and the words in the verse of this song are
really something that I want people to pay attention to. Kingston Be Wise is very
special to me. I just remember music having a potency and telling a story and
this was a song that I really wanted to apply that way and make sure that, you
know, the essence of what was happening at the time was captured in the song.
It’s crazy because the first time I got into dub music, I was a youth playing one of
the early Grand Theft Autos. There was a station dedicated to Scientist, he had
about 5 Songs on it and I was just listening to that all the time, and then I was
like “no, Scientist? let me research who this is.” I found out about him which led
me to King Tubby which led me to Mad Professor and Jah Shakka and opened
up that heavy dub music that you hear me doing now. You know it is almost a
direct line to the sound that I have right now, so it’s crazy how it has just turned
right back around.
Reggae music is always present from Inception. It will always be present. Reggae
music is a spirit music and people, as long as there is life then there is going to
be that spirit. The term that has been used; The Revival; what I do see is that
there is a resurgence of the music in Jamaica. There are a lot of youths singing
with positive messages, singing reggae music with a certain vibration, whereas a
couple of years ago that was not at the forefront. Right now the music is being reenergized and that is there for everybody to see. The term “Revival” is just a term,
a word that may mean different things to different people but I see it as a positive
movement in the right direction and at the end of the day as long as people are
talking about reggae music, then I am happy with that.
One of our favorites from you, JA, you talk about the side of Jamaica tourists do not see.
You state that no one will love JA like you do. What is the one thing you want your fans to
know about the place you call home.
You had great influence in music as a youth from both your mother and with your father.
Who else influenced you? In your Dread music video, I caught a Buju Banton poster on your
wall as a child, so I am gonna bet that “Gargamel” influenced you some. Tell us who you
listened to and how it influences your musical style today.
Jamaica has gone through so many struggles and always finds a way to maintain
that energy that it pushes out to the world. Jamaica is so influential over the
world for such a small country, it’s unbelievable. Jamaican people really suffer
and that’s a thing growing up in Jamaica, no matter where you grow up. Whether
uptown, downtown, country, wherever, you are affected by it. You understand?
Your’e affected by it, through all strata. I’m a country youth, so I’m used to a
simpler Jamaica. A free Jamaica where you run up and down as a little youth
and your neighbor and them people look out for you and take care of you. This
Jamaica whe mi see right now, mi nuh really too use to it cause it’s like, you nuh,
that culture is being lost and that’s a thing with Jamaica, I have to do my part to
maintain that energy de.
Buju Banton was an influence of mine yes for sure. Black Uhuru, Ini Kamoze. I say
that because I listened to a lot of different music at different times, but this music
had a profound impact on the way I do music. There are nuff people and nuff
styles that I have learned from and I have studied, but I always wanted to sound
like Black Uhuru on stage. I also wanted to sound like Sly & Robbie on stage. I’ve
watched them countless of times and always wanted to sound like that, so it was
very impactful on me. Then there is Ini Kamoze, how he sounds on records was
just amazing to me, so you find that it influenced me a whole lot. As a little youth
now hearing Buju Banton DJ, you nuh as a little youth you just wanted to Dj like
Buju, that a whe you do you, just practice Buju. So nuff people have influenced
how I sound but these three were very impactful from early till now.
Let’s discuss the current debate in the US on Marijuana laws, your thoughts on the
progress in legalizing as it relates to the track “This is not a Marijuana Song.” Let’s also
discuss the Marijuana laws in JA. Most people are totally shocked to find out that people
go to jail fi di herbs in JA
We read that the Tivoli Gardens Massacre of 2010 inspired you to write your song, Kingston
Be Wise. What is the most important message you want the audience to receive from such
a powerful song? Also, Congrats on the deal with Grand Theft Auto V and having “KBW”
selected! How do you think the “gamers” will receive the message in the music?
Marijuana fi legalize because Marijuana is a plant. It’s ridiculous. Separate and
apart from medicinal use, we’re talking about the industries to be gained from
this plant in various ways. On top of that we know the reasons why Marijuana
is not legal. We do see some progress and we see that it’s getting legalized and
I wish Jamaica woulda get with the program because there is nuff benefits the
Well the message in the music is there and repetition is a thing to that allows
messages to seep through so we are glad that the song is getting a lot of
PAGE
16
country can gain by legalizing it. Jamaica is a country that is hypocritical about
Ganga because nuff of the people who are responsible for it being illegal are
users. Too many people smoke Ganga under the quiet and don’t want to admit
it. If people that hold these positions in Jamaica who smoke herb come out
and identify with it, it would change the perception that it’s just a certain set of
people. I think also that keeping the use of Ganga illegal is also a way to oppress
the youth them. So you know you can always find a spliff pon a Rasta youth, in
fact on most any of the youths dem, so it’s a way to keep them under control.
Our country may not even want to give up that control that it has over people
now because now when you stop a man, him know say herb legal, whe you a go
really harass him for. It’s a thing whe run deep still but it can’t stay illegal for ever.
Sooner or later, it haffi be legal.
We do not believe reggae music ever died. We believe reggae music is a life force that
carries with it a powerful vibration that has the capability to save and change lives. How do
you feel about the power of reggae music and it’s potential influence on today’s youth?
Who or what experience inspired you to embrace the Rasta way of life?
What inspired you to write ‘I & I’? That is one of our favorites from your recent album, The 8
Year Affair. What was your creative process with regards to that song?
Reggae music influence is a huge thing because we see what it has done in the
world already. There is evidence in our lifetime what reggae music is capable of
doing and is doing. So we find that the music, the frequency, the vibration whe it
even move at is a thing that open up your heart and once somebody heart open
up then real difference can be made. Is a real medium by which to effect change
and you find that if you accept it, just to know that the message is coming from,
it’s not really you but you finding it somewhere out there and giving it to the
people, it’s something that I take pride in.
What really guided to me to Rastafari was Walter Rodney. I started to read his
books and you know he connected me to Marcus Garvey, the whole thing was just
a full circle that guided me to His Imperial Majesty. That’s how the journey really
started for me. At the same time we were linking with Uprising Roots Band who
has a camp there and the drummer Black Kush is like a teacher and Jah9 and I
used to go around there all the time and hold a vibes and energy and it just sync,
everything sync at one time.
That song, I heard that Ryhthym and I knew immediately that, you know what?
I’m going show a different side of my style because people don’t really hear mi DJ
like what I did on I&I, but that’s something that I grew up doing, I really grew up
loving that flow. So I was like, alright I’m going to approach this different; start
the album totally different. I just went in, that was just me having fun, you know,
and having fun stylistically but still making sure the message was a potent one
and just saying, alright, we de ya again, I & I a pass through, second album, let’s
go, yu nuh.
Haile Sellasie I was quoted as saying the following, “Outside the kingdom of the Lord
there is no nation which is greater than any other. God and history will remember your
judgment.” What comes to mind when you hear this quote?
You recently did another European tour. Tell us about that. How did the people receive you?
What I have taken from His Majesty and his message is the importance of the
equality of man, irregardless of Race, Nationality and Religion. No man should
hold dominion over another and that is the philosophy that I try to live by.
Well I toured Europe twice this year. There was the Summer tour which lasted 7
weeks and the Fall edition over a 6 week period. I got to tour with my band The
Indiggnation, and I give thanks for the acceptance for the music and the energy
and appreciation meted out to us on the journey. Night after night we gave of our
best and the audience responded positively. That’s all we could really ask for.
Haile Selassie I was also quoted as saying the following, “Throughout history, it has been
the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have
known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it
possible for evil to triumph.” What comes to mind when you hear this quote?
Let’s talk about the American vs European market with regards to Reggae Music. What
differences do you see?
Just not doing wrong is never enough. When opportunities present themselves
for action on the side of what is right, one should seize the moment to make a
difference and create change that can have positive impact on the lives of people.
I can speak only of the West Coast of the USA since that’s the only area that I have
toured thus far. Major differences lie with the amount of people attending the
events. In Europe I perform before a larger crowd and and there are more Reggae
festivals in Europe than in the USA. Audiences in both markets are knowledgeable
and show a real love and appreciation for the music.
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17
If you could name any artist you would like to collaborate with, past or present, who would
it be and why?
Ini Kamoze since I have patterned so much of my style from him and I have great
respect his craft.
Zion vs. Babylon. How would you define Zion vs. Babylon?
Zion = Righteousness and Integrity. Babylon = lies, deception and inequality.
Rastafari is?
LOVE
If you could only give the youth one message, what would that be?
Surround yourself with positive energy. Educate yourself by reading widely and
take a stand on issues that affect society in order to try to create change. Stay true
to yourself and stay in your lane. The reward is knowing that you have done the
best you can do and not just striving to satisfy the expectations of others.
What is your vision of a perfect society?
One where love encompasses all.
What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to get into the music industry?
Analyze your career path and formulate your goals and keep site of that goal.
Do not be distracted and stay true to yourself as an artiste and as an individual.
Carefully strategize and study all aspects of the industry remembering that
dedication and professionalism is of major importance.
http://protoje.com/
https://www.facebook.com/protoje
https://twitter.com/Protoje
Photo by Sista Irie @ SummerJam 2013
PAGE
18
Marley Coffee
“Wake Up & LIVE”
http://www.marleycoffee.com/
B
ob Marley always said he would return to farming one day. With Marley Coffee, Bob’s son Rohan fulfills the dream. Rohan remembers his grandmother drying their
wild coffee berries in the sun, then hulling and roasting them for her own cup of coffee each morning. Marley Coffee is determined to deliver that same intoxicating
aroma and rich smooth flavor into every cup.
Marley Coffee is an international gourmet coffee company founded by Rohan Marley, sourcing beans from around the world, including Ethiopia, Central America and
Jamaica.
The beans from Jamaica are from a 52-acre private estate sits atop the Blue Mountains in Chepstowe, Portland, Jamaica, long revered as the region with the world’s most
desirable coffee beans. From the Marley’s Jamaica Blue Mountain® coffee farm, to partner farms in Africa, Central America and other top coffee-growing regions worldwide,
Marley Coffee strives to support communities and the environment through organic, sustainable and ethical practices.
“In this great future, you can’t forget your past”
- Bob Marley
PAGE
19
Getting to Know Christopher Ellis
By Maliika Walker
C
hristopher Ellis is the youngest son of reggae, rock-steady pioneer, Alton Ellis.
Christopher has been singing since an early age as part of his father’s concerts. His
debut EP, “Better than Love”, was released by Ghetto Youth’s International on November 19,
2013. The EP starts off with taking the listener on a “Rolling Coaster”, a ska flavored tune.
The vocals on the tune draw you in to listen closer to the lyrics as Ellis tells his audience, “if
you can’t be good please be careful”. “Left Unsaid” is a personal favorite from the EP release
because it has an ‘old soul’ feel to it. The audience is taken on a nostalgic trip when music
told a story. Damian Marley’s production on the entire EP is superb but this song is a stand
out for me. I love the concept of the song and the vocal delivery, “so many things left unsaid”.
Listening to the title track, “Better than Love” drew me to picture myself cuddled up with
my special someone on a beach far far away. That is why some people use music, as an
escape from everyday life. I got a fulfilling and satisfying escape trip while listening to the EP.
If you are looking for a fresh yet classic voice in today’s musical landscape look no further.
Christopher Ellis embodies the talent that can draw in audiences for years to come.
The “Better than Love” EP can be found across all digital platforms includes iTunes, Amazon
MP3, and Google Play. Treat your ears today to some beautiful music from a talented new
artist. For Christopher Ellis, delivering great music for your soul is all in the genes. You will
not be disappointed.
I asked Christopher who he would name as the greatest influence on his life and why?
Besides his father, not just as an artist but someone who impacted him the most as a
person.
Island Stage recently had the opportunity to speak with Christopher Ellis while in NYC
promoting his new release. We had alot to ask him and started by asking if he had a standout or favorite performance by his father. He responded by telling us that there are a few.
My mom and not just because she’s my mom. She molded me as a person. I have to
say that I had best upbringing a child could have in every way. My mother provided
for me. The way she carried herself as a woman. I never heard her say the F word or
anything like that. Sometimes I forget that she is imperfect. She believes in God and
very biblical. Sometimes I forget she is just human because she lives such a clean
life but she influenced me the most as a person.
I was on stage with him at a few places. We toured a lot together. All the shows
are special to me. If I had to pick a show it would be the last show where he
wasn’t so able. That show stands out to me not for any particular good reason
but that show is distinctive to me because he became ill and could not continue
to sing for the audience and I had to come out and finish the show. That
performance is on YouTube so people can check it out. That show took place at
the Jazz Café in London and I did a show there two months ago which sold out.”
I was introduced to your voice by your rendition of your father’s classic, “Willow Tree”. I still get
chills whenever I hear your rendition of your father’s classic. What was it like for you to record
one of your father’s classics for a new generation of listeners?
To be honest with you Maliika I did not want to record that song. I really wanted to
write new music but Stephen Marley wanted me to do this song so I agreed with
him in the end. I am glad I did because I love the way it sounds.
I mentioned that I remember seeing the posts on Twitter and commenting to a friend
that I wish the show was the in the U.S. because I would love to see him Live on stage.
Christopher resides in London, and gets a lot of support there, but he says that he would
love to perform at a venue such as SOB’s in NYC. I just saw him there a few months ago as
part of the Ghetto Youth’s showcase.
That song is a great introduction to you. It left me wanting to hear what you have to offer as an
artist in your own right, not just as Alton Ellis son.
PAGE
21
Thank you Maliika. The way you do that is not recording a lot of remakes. “Willow
Tree” is my first and only remake I have released as an artist. I love the way it came
out. You hear some of my feelings, phrases, and mood. I’m still judging it and liking
it.
have the best upbringing but still go
down the wrong road. Let’s see what
we can do to influence the youth.
How do you feel about the word, Love?
I mentioned to Christopher that I have not stopped listening to his EP “Better Than Love”
since its release. I love his voice on each track and I understand he did most of the writing
of the material on the album. I asked him specifically about his inspiration when writing
“Left Unsaid”? He told me that the song was a concept.
When you say love, it’s important
to note there are different types of
love. There is love between a mother
and her child. I am speaking of love
between a man and a woman. Love
is the greatest gift we could have
received from God. The feeling of
love is so overwhelming you could
almost lose your mind with that
feeling. You feel like you could stay
on a deserted island with just food
and them. It’s really a feeling that
is mind-blowing. I feel like experiencing love has made it easy for me to write
music. Alton Ellis’s genes are in me so my heart is soft.
My mother also loves “Left Unsaid”. When it came together it was so great. I love
each song equally on the EP and so overjoyed with it. Working with Damian
was brilliant. He would hear the lyrics and get me to change some of the lines if
necessary. That helped me as a songwriter and artist. We could have had more
songs.
I love that you wrote every song on the EP. It represents you expressing yourself as an artist.
I want people to know that the album will not have the same sound as the EP. These
songs will be included on the album but more material will be represented.
We talked bout our favorite music and artists. I wanted to know who some of his favorite
artists are, from any genre of music.
What would you like fans to know about your new album?
I would like fans to listen and relate to the songs. To see the reality in the lyrics,
like the banter in songs like “Left Unsaid”. I have so much more to come and more
to give musically. I am excited for fans to hear it. I want the fans to stay with me.
When the album comes next year I will also discuss different topics, it’s not just
love songs I write. There are songs that will be on the album that I have to yet
write. The album may be out next summer. We want the EP to soak in the mindset
of the people a little more.
I love a lot of different music. You wouldn’t believe some of the music that is on
my iPod. Growing up I used to try and mimic Usher. I loved Blackstreet, R. Kelly.
My taste in music is very diverse. I love all genres and different artists from across
the board. For instance I have some songs from Justin Bieber on my iPod. He
catches a lot of flak but he is very talented.
I know you call London home. What would you say is the biggest issue facing youth in London
today?
We can’t wait to hear more from Christopher! Check his links:
There is a lot of young killing young. It’s really the company you keep. Even when I
was young in school I was surrounded by bad boys. It’s easy to go down that route.
I was safe because of music. Alton Ellis being my dad saved me. I could have fell
off and went that way but because of my upbringing I stayed on the right path. So
a lot of the kids now only see young killing young. They don’t see anything else. If
all your friends are dabbling in bad things then there is a good chance you may go
that way. That is what we have to change. In my home town kids are dying by knife.
Recently a 14 year old kid was stabbed in the heart. That is unfathomable. You can
Website: http://www.christopherellisofficial.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherEllisOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellismuzicchild
PAGE
22
Wayne Marshall- His Tru Colors
On Tessanne Chin winning the U.S.
music competition show, The Voice.
By Maliika Walker
“People can say Tessanne is already
big (in the Caribbean) why is she on
the voice? Being big is relative. The
audience in the U.S. market may
not know her. She has had a high
level of success but she has higher
dreams and aspirations. We all have
done things that didn’t get the love
we were hoping for but you have
to keep pushing and we are always
growing and moving forward.“
V
eteran Jamaican artist Wayne Marshall just released his “Tru Colors” EP on November
26, 2013. The EP produced in its entirety by reggae music superstar, Damian “Jr. Gong”
Marley, features a great blend of his latest hits and new material. Wayne Marshall’s skills as
a singer, deejay, and songwriter are on full display on the 5 song EP release. The “Tru Colors”
EP is a great appetizer of the full album, which will also carry the same name, scheduled to be
released January 2014. Both Wayne Marshall projects will be released by the Marley owned
label Ghetto Youth’s International and distributed through Thirty Tigers/Sony Red. This will
be Wayne Marshall’s first album since, “Marshall Law”, was released ten years ago by VP
Records.
On raising boys to become men into today’s world
The EP features a remix to his massive hit “Go Hard”, titled “Go Harder”. The original song’s
video generated massive video play, generating over 3 million view on World Star Hip Hop
alone, so remixing this song with a new batch of artist seems like a natural progression.
The remix, “Go Harder” features Wayne Marshall on the hook with Ace Hood, Baby Cham,
and Waka Flaka delivering hip-hop flavored verses. Dancehall artist Assassin makes a guest
appearance on the catchy, Stupid Money. Assassin’s lyrical flow is a perfect match for Wayne
Marshall’s lyrical flow. The hit single, “I Know”, is also featured on the EP and is receiving radio
airplay across Jamaican airwaves. One of my favorites lyrics from the song is, “I know I am
something you can’t be and that is a reality.” This lyrics speaks to me because I often feel
like people are pushing to be like someone else instead of becoming who they were meant
to, themselves. The “Tru Colors” EP also features two tracks that are exclusively appear on
the EP but will not be included on full length album, “To the Bank” and “Good Ole Wife”. Both
tracks are off the Matrimony riddim are the perfect ending to the EP.
“Words can’t explain the importance of the father. The norm perpetuation in
society is children growing up without fathers. The vicious cycle continues. Raising
a child is a balance between a male and female.”
On his EP, “Tru Colors”
“I believe it has very diverse flavors. The EP, as well my forthcoming full album,
showcases what I have to offer - my “Tru Colors”. I don’t like to speak much
about what the music is. I really want the fans to hear the music and decide for
themselves how they feel about it. Let’s let the fans make the decision. Junior Gong
is a proven hitmaker. This EP is a taste of what we have been working towards. We
are paving the way for the next generation. We will never want to break down the
music to the point where the next generation can’t make their mark. Both Jr. Gong
and I have sons. My 8 year old son is showing a lot of interest in the performing
arts. The fans can hear him on a song from the EP titled “Stupid Money”.
Wayne Marshall is very excited for fans to hear his new music. He has progressed to a new
level as an artist and we are delighted to watch his journey continue.
Island Stage recently spoke with Wayne Marshall and we captured some of his thoughts on a
wide range of topics.
On performing at SOB’s in NYC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WayneMarshallMusic
“The core fans show you so much love. New fans show love. The fans have shown
so much love over the years. You work so hard to get the respect and when you get
it back from the audience it”s always a great feeling.”
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wayne_marshall
On his EP, “Tru Colors”
PAGE
23
Alerta Kamarada
Get to Know Alerta Kamarada
We love Jamaican music, but what we
most prefer is Conscious Roots and
Culture. From Skatalites to Third World,
Upsetters to Jammys, from Supercat to
Busy, Eekamouse to Gregory Isaacs, The
Abyssinians, Israel Vibration, Gladiators
to Tanya Stephens, Toots and the
Maytals to Dennis Brown, just to name a
few.
Interview by Elboya Cruz
e became familiar with Alerta Kamarada back in 2008 while in LA visiting with friends.
We knew right away that these guys had something special, and hearing their music
reminds us that Reggae is loved World Wide!With songs like “Princesa”, “Kaliente” and
“Por ti Mama” just to name a few, we became instant fans! Alerta Kamarada is one of the
hottest Reggae Bands out of Colombia!They have performed and toured extensively with
veteran Reggae artists and are the first to be selected as backing band or opening band for
artists touring South America. Viva South America!
W
Who would you like to collaborate with in the
future ?
Get to know Alerta KamaradaWe have achieved some dreams such
as making backing band with Lee Perry,
Tanya Stephens, Jr Reid, and recording
with Sugar Minott and Big Youth; But
there are other big contemporary artists
like Sizzla, Capleton, Busy, Alborosie,
Nneka, Stephen and Damian Marley and many more. Of course, we would love to
record a big tune with the master Lee Scratch Perry. Time will come.
Tell us how Alerta Kamarada became a group ?
We gathered as a group of youths-Rude boys who screamed revolutionary lyrics
and rocker attitude by the year of 1996 in the streets of Bogota Colombia. We had,
and still have the idea of changing our present through good music and uplifting,
natural way of lífe. We started as a punk and ska band, but by 1998 started to gain
interest in reggae and other Jamaican music. We went to live in the Caribbean
Islands of San Andrew and Providence and also lived in Jamaica where we
produced our album “Somos Uno”. We were invited to perform at the 2006
Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica.
What are the future plans for the band?
First in importance is our next show that is a big party with legend Mad Professor at the
Who decided to name the band Alerta Kamarada and why?
controls and Alerta Kamarada playing! Also gonna have important shows in different parts
of Colombia , in 2014 Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil and Jamaica are in our plans.
InI named ourselves as Alerta Kamarada, in honor of one of the best characteristics
of humankind, the collective work. Alerta Kamarada means to be in position to
share with other beings and humans. We are talking bout peace.
www.alertakamarada.net
What does Reggae mean to you as a group ?
Reggae is a perfect vehicle which allows us to communicate music and conscious message.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ALERTA-
Reggae is the real conscious roots and cultural music, and it’s vibrations help to cure
humanity. Reggae can be an instrument for the healing of the nations. This music came
KAMARADA/126203610304
into our veins and transformed our minds, it turned our souls into rebel voices. InI are
the “Rastas Andinos”,thats how the big calypso legend Harry Belafonte named us after he
heard our music.
Who are your influences in reggae?
PAGE
25
Kehv, The Prince of Reggae Soul
by Maliika Walker
O
nce in a while a voice comes along that is meant to be heard by the masses, a
voice that cries to the soul of the person who hears it. The first time I heard Kehv
express himself through song, I remember thinking that his gift was meant to touch the
world.
Kehv hails from the same parish in Jamaica as the great Bob Marley, Nine Miles. His
debut album, “Simply Kehv”, was released in November 2009. Kehv has continued to treat
audiences to his inspirational lyrics with songs like “Mama”, which was released January
2013.
Check out our latest interview with the Prince of Reggae Soul as he shares with us the
exciting new projects to come, one of which is an acoustic album! The Prince of Reggae Soul
is ready for you to get to know him and his music. Are you ready?
One of my favorite songs from you is, “Mama” This song drives me to think of my mother’s
influence on my life. Whenever I hear this song an image of my mother’s smile pops up in my
head. Was there a particular event or memory that lead you to write this beautiful song?
Well, it is sad to think about, but my mom died of cancer 2 years after we found out
the diagnoses. It was very sudden. So I really wanted to remember her differently,
because the memories of the last days of her life were prominent still in my mind
and that’s not how I wanted to remember her.
You are the Prince of Reggae Soul. I love your music because I believe you can’t put your
sound into one category. Your voice speaks to people. How does it make you feel as a
musician to fuel the souls of people with your music?
As a musician I believe one of my purposes is to transfer a message encoded in the
music to help others in a multidimensional way. It’s a privilege to know that people
can listen to the music I’m a part of and be filled from it some how. Even if it’s for a
brief moment, that’s a blessing.
KEHV
There is a movement-taking place within R&B. Artists are expressing their art their way and
audiences appear ready to hear it. Artists such as Janelle Monae, Gary Clark Jr. and Valerie
June are offering audiences a fresh sound. Does this movement excite or influence you as an
artist?
PAGE
26
A dream project for me, from you, is an acoustic EP or full album. Any thoughts in creating a
project like this in the future?
This movement is truly all I’ve known as an artist. The journey as I’ve experienced
it is to find my true voice. We all as people seek to find our truth and live it in this
lifetime. It’s wonderful to witness the start of what I’ll call the new renaissance age
of arts and appreciation. I believe it is powerful artist uniting in a commonality of
self-expression.
I am actually working simultaneously on two projects right now. One is an acoustic
album named “Orange Hill.” This is a place where I grew up in Jamaica, St Ann,
Browns Town. I’m teaming up with long time friend Pablo Fairweather from
Hardcore Movement. The next project I’ve been working on for the last 3 years,
which has many different vibes from roots to lovers’ rock to some surprises. It’s
been a long road of writing and collaborating; I’m teaming up with Leroy Pennicot
and his team of Reggae foundation musicians to create some magic. It’s gonna be
something to remember, I’m very excited about the direction of the album.
Alot has been happening in Florida lately, which is where you reside. Do you feel the black
man has to be on constant guard in not just America, but Florida specifically? What comes to
mind when you hear the name Trayvon Martin?
The exodus of the black family from captivity and dehumanization to freedom and
self actualization is still in progress, especially that we’re in a place built mostly by
our hands that we still have to walk around on egg shells. I saw the Trayvon Martin
incident, as a wake up call for us who are still alive to keep pressing forward, our
ancestors didn’t die fighting for our freedom for us to now become complacent.
We as a collective need to keep raising the bar. So it’s not just the black man that’s
under fire, it’s the whole unit. It really boils down to communities and families
sticking together and protecting our children, because the law finds it easy to
dismiss the valued life our African youths in this American culture of haves and
have-nots. Also it’s very important for any culture to love themselves and the
uniqueness of their existence and what it adds to the collective whole of humanity.
So the black man has to protect his family, while finding the knowledge of self to
know that He is not what’s depicted on the television.
R.A.S.T.A. ‚ Righteous Apostle Serving the Almighty. What is the first thought that comes to
mind when you hear these words?
What I strive to be continually
One of my favorite songs from your album, Simply Kehv, is “Love Will Find A Way”. The video
for the song was the perfect visual for the song. What was the creative process for that video
and how did you feel about the finished product?
That was mostly a collaborative effort between director 1080 Phill and Helen
Morgan. Actors Philly Plowden and Debra Foxx really lent their talents to whole
process. Great talents! I believe the final product was a success. There is a making
of the video on YouTube that’s pretty cool, which gives everyone an idea of the vibe
during the shooting.
If you had a chance to cover one song and perform it in front of the original artist what would
it be and why? The artist can be from any point in time in history or genre.
Jimmy Cliffs’ “Many Rivers To Cross”. I just love that song. It makes me think about
the hills and valleys that come with striving after any ideal. Jimmy also did a movie
the “Harder They Come”, that is about his struggles of making it in the industry. I
could relate to that in so many ways.
What’s‚ next for Kehv? Any upcoming projects your fans can look forward to?
How do you feel about the state of the music industry today? Music fans are not purchasing
music like they used to. Does the fickle purchasing behavior of today’s‚ music lover affect your
decisions on what to release to the public?
Find Kehv on the Web!
I try to keep it simple. I do my music from my heart and soul, and then make
that music available to the public. I wouldn’t want to sacrifice that just to make
something different for possible record sales. So to answer frankly, it doesn’t affect
my decision of release. I don’t know what people will or will not like. I just do my
best.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kehvmusic
Well currently I’m pretty busy with my albums, I’m enjoying the process right now,
and I may be performing here and there in between all depends on the vibe ya dig!
Website: www.kehvmusic.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/kehvmusic
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27
What’s all the buzz?
article and interview by Susan Underwood
F
or years I have been hearing about the high prices in Jamaica for electricity. I also
know that there are no indiginous resources in Jamaica, such as natural gas, oil and
coal for example, so it goes without say that those resources must be imported. With
JPS monopolizing the industry, I wondered how the people are to get a fair deal with no
competition and apparent price gauging. In speaking with friends and family both inside of
Jamaica as well as abroad, I asked if the “go green” revolution had yet reached Jamaica.
exorbitant amount for their energy bills so being green in Jamaica is initially
mostly focused on energy conservation. To me thats a good first step and that’s
where my focus is but there are companies like ECCO Magazine that are really
pushing green living in Jamaica. I try and support them as much as possible.
I got my answer when I caught up with Jason Robinson, co-founder at Solar Buzz Jamaica.
When I heard that Jason had left the entertainment industry in California to go back home
to Jamaica to pursue Solar Buzz along with his brother and father, I wondered if living in
California may have pushed him to make this decision. After all, California leads the US in the
“Go Green Revolution.”
Tell us about OWL
Here is what Jason had to say.
The OWL Electricity monitor is my favorite product we sell! Basically the OWL is an
electricity monitor that Solar Buzz Jamaica has the exclusive rights to distribute
in the island. SBJ uses this tool in order to change our clients behaviour towards
energy usage since it shows them in real time how much they are spending.
Jamaica pays US$0.40/kWh in energy costs as opposed to what people pay in the
United States which is about US$0.10/kWh. Therefore when we make people stare
at their energy bill all the time by using the OWL electricity monitor they tend to
turn things off more frequently. Our clients average 15-20% in lower energy bills
just by installing the OWL.
Why did you uproot yourself from living in the entertainment/Hollywood/party lifestyle to
moving back to Jamaica?
Jamaica is home and I always knew that one day I would move back once I felt the
time and business opportunity was right. I lived in LA for 8yrs and it was a great
experience to be able to work in the entertainment industry as a promoter. It really
sharpened my business skills and opened up my network to a variety of really great
people. Being a promoter started to wear me down as I was out most nights either
working, networking or promoting an event. It just got to the point where I knew
I didnt want that to be my entire life. I started to get involved with solar energy in
California as it was booming and I knew I could take those skills back to Jamaica
one day especially as I saw the energy crisis here growing.
I know you shifted focus from selling solar energy to educating the people on conservation.
How are your measuring your progress in that education?
Well we still sell solar system but we make it a phase two after a client has become
energy efficient. For our active clients we keep a monthly tab on their energy usage
by downloading the energy information from their OWL monitors. This allows us
to see if they are staying on track with the plan we gave them or if any issues are
causing a high energy bill. This allows us to attack problems early and help them
maintain a lower bill.
What does “being green” mean to you?
Being green to me is about being conscious of how my actions affect the world
and my immediate surroundings. Honestly in Jamaica the green lifestyle and
sustainable living hasn’t really taken off as yet. People here are paying an
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28
Jamaica has no indigenous source of coal, oil or natural gas, thus making it necessary to
import these resources for energy. How has Solar Buzz helped create awareness and savings
in this area?
Overall people are becoming more aware of the importance of energy conservation
because energy bills keep rising and the Jamaican dollar keeps devaluing. Its
important for people outside Jamaica to understand that we have a monopoly
electricity company (JPS - @myjpsonline) whose rates keep rising due to their
inefficient power plants that run on 96% diesel fuel. So as fuel costs rise, Jamaica’s
energy costs rise and we are a majority poor country, so think of the effects on the
population. Businesses are closing because of high energy costs and people cannot
afford their home energy bills either. JPS has fought hard to keep people from
being able to sell back their excess solar energy to the grid basically stifling the
residential solar market since this forces people to buy battery solar systems and
those are expensive. Meanwhile this monopoly electric company (JPS) is starting
to sell solar systems of their own and open their own energy efficient stores selling
products to compete with small energy companies like Solar Buzz Jamaica. I equate
this to a drug dealer owning a rehab and its f’ed up. I started SBJ to help people
lower their bills and survive this fight because government isnt helping since they
own 20% of JPS. So thats the battle we are facing down here right now, an energy
war.
People are very well aware of the issues we face in Jamaica. What they haven’t
know in the past is the low cost, and no cost ways to lower their energy bills
immediately. Thats where Solar Buzz Jamaica has also focused in helping the mass
market who can’t afford a solar system right now. Offering solutions such as timers
for their old refrigerators and low cost electrical efficiency work to improve wiring
in a home or business. These simple things can have a big impact on energy bills
and we intend to spread the knowledge and eventually get everyone on solar.
Jamaica has so much sun, and it is literally a sin to allow a monopoly energy
company (JPS) to block people from solar energy in order for them to profit. The
streets are not going to stand by and allow it forever that much I can tell you…
http://www.solarbuzzjamaica.com/
@jason_robinson
@solarbuzzja
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29
dreadheadchef.com
Words: Robert Nesta Marley
Photographs: Lindsay Oliver Donald
http://poalaofthebook.com/
COULD
YBEO
U
LOVED?
Rastafari-Reggae Bob Marley: Africa Scattered for Rhythm of Spirit of
Oneness for the World -Tekla Mekfet
(320 pages, iPublisher forthcoming Spring 2014) Review by Michael Kuelker
PAGE
31
W
hen Jamaican Rastafarian Tekla Mekfet asks, “Could you be loved?”, the “you” he
addresses in this uniquely ambitious and absorbing book and stirs into recognition is
nothing less than the self’s indwelling of Africa-as-Zion.
“
and environment have ill-prepared us.
And so whether the linked topic is music, race, politics, education, spirituality or sexually
explicit dancehall culture, re-patria-tion is the song he is sounding from his trumpet. About
reggae’s most visible icon, Ras Mekfet writes,
Can you recognize essence of shared Africa in you, and love the Africa in you?”
he writes. “Could the Africa in you be loved?”
Words of Rastafari-Reggae’s Bob Marley – ‘black mysticism’” … way of getting at
the ultimate truth of things’ – are linked to seven concepts of African philosophy,
and such philosophy is linked to philosophy of the Bible. The identified shared
philosophy is then applied to contemporary social problems or issues of Jamaica
and the world.
It is a refrain singing from these pages (originating of course in the Bob Marley song of
the same name) and aimed at Rastafarians, at Jamaican people, at global readers, anyone
with ears to hear. This is a vast and large-hearted book concerning Rastafari in the
contemporary world. Bob Marley is for Ras Mekfet a representative man around whom
radiate many key themes, politically, artistically, spiritually. There are myriad references to
other Jamaican artists as well. Marley’s philosophy-in-music is related to myriad artists
including jazz’s Miles Davis and John Coltrane, hip hop’s Tupac and Snoop Dogg, and
dancehall’s Shabba Ranks and Vybz Kartel. He incorporates the work of visual artists like
Osmond Watson and Christopher Gonzalez, finding in their art more penetrative Rastafari
meaning than that from the academic world. Like a jazz musical figure Mekfet’s wordflow
arches, bends and returns, again and again, to Africa. Africa as humanity’s origins, Africa as
source of history, genetic memory, orienting principles and practices, spiritual sustenance,
Africa as a space upon which great conflict ensues generation upon generation. As
“universal umbilical cord.”
The Ras is to be read for his wisdom and his flair for artful edifying rhetoric. In writing
of positive African-centered consciousness, instead of giving an abstract definition of
Babylon he describes a “Man-Money-Machine of womb of Market: Contemporary Populist
Animism.” He integrates Bob Marley’s Babylon “to concern about the ‘spirit of Babylon’” in
writings from Shakespeare to D.H. Lawrence, Herman Hesse, Gunther Grass, Borges, even
to Soren Kierkegaard’s concept of ‘Dread’. He puts Norman Mailer’s “The White Negro” on
our reading list and refers to the phenomenon of “seeking ‘self’ relating to black music and
language, of empathizing alienation and discontent, and as ‘hipsters’ […] seeking coping
knowing African concept of ‘Cool.’”
Tekla Mekfet has an extensive background. Over the years he has worked as a business
manager, farmer, journalist in print and radio, teacher, school administrator. He is also a
compelling voice for spiritual awakening and Rasta self-determination in Could Y O U Be
Loved, which will be published as an e-book in spring 2014 and which expands on a keynote
lecture the author delivered in February 2010 at the International Reggae Conference held
at the University of West Indies-Mona (Kingston, Jamaica). I attended this conference,
giving a presentation of my own and hearing many lectures including a riveting one by Ras
Mekfet that forms the basis of this book.
Tekla Mekfet’s book is valuable not only for its contents but for the portrait it presents of
the yin-and-yang of Rasta intellectualism: universal and culture-specific; lion and lamb; the
tone both welcoming and severe; the sources Afrocentric and cross-continental; the author
a philosopher with jazz poetry in his soul.
These traits extend to everything he addresses. For instance, in regard to crime in the
community:
Crime & Violence analyzed as individual personal disorder rather than of
systemic disorders blind ones to the simple fact of widespread dangerously dire
desperation to provide basics of keeping self & family alive ‘Born under a bad sign’
… ‘Yu dun know.’ [You already know.] – as a popular colloquialism underlines
seeking solace in empathy of experience and need out of deprivation …
In explaining his purpose, he provides one of the most illuminating definitions of
repatriation that I have yet seen in primary or secondary sources on Rasta, and it hinges on
deconstruction.
This lecture, thirteenth in the series, seeks rhythm of logic of life in eternal logic
of Nature with identified shared concepts of philosophy towards unifying Africa
for unifying the world – and the ‘patria’ meaning ‘father,’ worldwide re-patriation is of turning again to The One Father of Humankind & All Creation for a
truly African Renaissance … to be ‘born again’ … as His Imperial Majesty stated:
‘members of a new race … something … for which our education and experience
The author explains crime as both structural and personal, and again the theme is of
rupture and the need for renewal, re-patria-tion.
Crime & Violence as of Hume’s ‘law of causality’ or logic in Nina Simone’s
‘Backlash Blues’ or ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ (‘Ambush’). … I been down since
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32
I began to crawl/If it wasn’t for bad luck wouldn’t have no luck at all/Bad
luck & troubles been my only friends’ – as under the ‘bad sign’ [‘ambush’] of
independent–slavery–colonialism of ‘Whiteness’ as the most sought after
personal ‘Fitness Trainer’.
B
rimming with the power of the word-sound through its 300 pages with index and
page song references, Could Y O U Be Loved effuses with wisdom and shards of fact
which the author assembles before our eyes and sets into motion. The vision astounds.
A single page will quote poetry by TS Eliot and refer to ideas from anthropologist Richard
Leakey and Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Ras Mekfet’s font of ideas and rhetorical
swing-and-dine is dazzling. Teachable moments await on every page. And no doubt
the text will surely strike some readers as beyond their threshold of readability and
comprehension. In regard to the rhetoric of his book he says:
“The ‘idiosyncratic formatting’ […] is as strange new presentation of vitally
nourishing food dawning delectable with the chewing now anticipating the
next course - even as you linger savoring significance in quotable quotes such
as “Often, life is not ...”
Ras Tekla Mekfet photo by Michael Kuelker
And the whole story relates to the world environment of creatures of creation rhythmriding relating/moving dancing to inborn/native rhythm of seasons of Nature - in context
of Humankind’s peculiar capacity to disrupt rhythm for vain glory suffering consequences
of broken or lost rhythm. Reminder, of such ‘ecology’ of meaning is sought underlined in
the rhythm of the music of the format of the language of COULD Y O U BE LOVED.
In his own thoroughly original way Tekla Mekfet evokes the largesse of spirit and
innovative rhetorical performances of Walt Whitman. In his time Whitman opened up the
space of the line in American verse; he had an agile poetic persona; he was chronicler, seer,
prophet. In our time Ras Mekfet is accomplishing much the same through his vision and
voice. With Could Y O U Be Loved, Rastafari literature has its Leaves of Grass.
ii Michael Kuelker is a teacher, writer and reggae radio DJ on KDHX 88.1
FM in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the editor of Book of Memory: A Rastafari
Testimony (CaribSound 2005), the spiritual memoir of Jamaican Rasta
elder Prince Elijah Williams”
photo by Christopher Gonzalez
PAGE
33
“
I didn’t know what to expect when I attended the Brooklyn screening
of the documentary, Bob Marley: Making of a Legend. I began hearing
about the film in 2011, about six months before Kevin McDonald’s
‘Marley’ film was released.”- Maliika Walker
Bob Marley:Making
of a Legend
by Maliika Walker
T
he film was directed by Esther Anderson and Gian
Godoy. Initially, I thought this was just another attempt
by someone to make money off of Bob Marley’s name and
image. As a “Marleyian”, (the nickname I give to diehard
Marley fans like myself), I have watched countless Bob Marley
documentaries but was always disappointed in the end.
Most of the previous documentaries or television specials
just repackaged the same information that was already told
by another source. What could be the filmmaker’s motive for
releasing this footage thirty years after it was filmed? What
possible new information can this film provide to fans that we
did not already know? I got the answer to these questions and
more upon watching the film, Bob Marley: Making of Legend.
I
f you are looking for a film that covers Bob Marley’s entire
life, you will not find that here. What you will find is a film
that captures Bob Marley and Peter Tosh before they became
known to the world. This film covers the time period just
after ‘Catch a Fire’ was released but before the breakup that
would change the course of The Wailers lives forever. I was
not even bothered by the poor video quality of the footage
because of the significance of what was captured. Bob and
Peter are filmed reasoning at 56 Hope Road on topics such
as the origination of herb, religion, and Bob’s car problems. A
friend of mine who saw the film didn’t understand why the
conversation Bob and Peter had about Bob’s car problems
was in the film but I saw it from
a different perspective. I felt the
communication, between Bob and
Peter, were precious moments in
time, intimate moments that only
brothers share. While watching
Bob and Peter communicate, I
couldn’t help but think of how
much pain the both of them must
have felt when the time came
that they no longer shared such
closeness.
S
ome reviewers have stated that this film had no message
but I disagree. The message to me is here is a legend on
the precipice of spreading his music all over the globe. In this
film Bob is just being Bob without all the hoopla that is fame.
The Bob Marley presented in this film is not the mystical
figure that he has become, but someone who can be anyone
PAGE
35
one of us.
T
he most pivotal scene to me is the footage of The
Wailers rehearsal. Watching Bob, Peter, and Bunny
Wailer arrive at Hope Road to rehearse then witnessing them
work together, with the Barrett brothers, was truly beyond
amazing to watch. It would have been wonderful to hear the
actual musical performance portion of the rehearsal, but the
filmmakers were not allowed to use any recordings of Bob
Marley or The Wailers. Instead, the film has a soundtrack of
reggae infused tracks by various artists such as Francois Jocky, Akila Barrett, and Chris
Anderson.
have suffered discrimination, oppression and colonization. The songs I wrote with
Bob were a reaction to the injustices we experienced, which to us were serious
social issues. Those songs have made a difference in the world today, after 40 years
of struggle. Today, society in general, and music in particular, have been highjacked by the only-for-profit corporations, without social consciousness. They
sell music they do not believe in. They have created an artificial circus where the
freedom we fought for 40 years ago has been forgotten, a circus where the issues
have been reduced to the banalities of the celebrity culture. The true Rasta should
be concerned with strengthening the message of Haile Selassie during his reign,
and the teachings he left to all Africans and to all who love the music of Bob Marley
and the Wailers.
E
sther Anderson also shared an experience she and Bob Marley had in Haiti in 1973. They
were traveling with Island Records but put in a hotel separate from the rest of the group.
They were kept separated the entire trip and apparently no one noticed they were missing
until they got to the plane to depart the island. This incident obviously took place before
Bob Marley started making money for Island Records. Ms. Anderson explained how angry
she and Bob were due to their treatment by the record label and she felt their actions were
prejudiced. The experience from this trip would eventually bring her and Bob closer together
as they entered into a relationship, but she explains she did not know he was married.
She also shares that this incident inspired the classic Wailers tune, Get up Stand Up. The
Wailer’s classic ‘Rastaman Chant’ was apparently inspired by a song called ‘Fly Away Home’
performed regularly by a Rastaman by the name of Bongo Mackey. Another key revelation
that surprised the audience was Ms. Anderson stating that ‘I Shot the Sherriff’ was inspired
by Bob Marley’s discovery that she was taking birth control pills.
The movie covers a crucial period for The Wailers. They were in between the releases Catch
a Fire and Burnin. Is there anything else you would like the audience to know about this
period that is not captured in the film?
There are many fragments of this story that have been lost. The film in itself is
archaeology of Colonial and post-Colonial Jamaica. The importance of the Wailers,
the crucial significance of the Barrett brothers as the heart-beat of Reggae needs
to be understood properly. Without Aston Familyman Barrett and without Carlton
Carlie Barrett we would not have succeeded in placing Jamaica on the map. It is
precisely for that reason we are working on the sequel of the film that should come
out after Bob Marley’s birthday on the 6th February. They brought to the world a
new rhythm that is now incorporated in popular culture, the Reggae rhythm. There
we will expand on some of the themes we explored in part one, such as the legacy
of Haile Selassie today. Catch a Fire and Burnin’ marked the beginning of a music
revolution that continues today. The music, which is a cry for justice, continues.
Many people think that the success of the music has filtered to the communities in
the Caribbean where the music originated. That is not the case. The communities
that have benefitted from the music revolution are the shareholders of the record
companies and the owners of the music publishing. Not the Rastafarians. Look,
today they’re pushing away the Rasta’s from Pinnacle, a land they have occupied
forever.
Bob Marley: Making of a Legend’ is not to be missed by fans of The Wailers, Peter Tosh, or
Bob Marley. The film shows us some of the magic that was The Wailers. The brotherhood
that helped introduce reggae music to the world. The true giants of roots reggae before the
fame and breakup that would take root a short time after this documentary was filmed.
This is not only a story about Bob Marley but a brief look into the history of The Wailers.
The footage of Bob and Peter reasoning and making music together alone makes this film a
must own.
Island Stage recently got the opportunity to speak with Esther Anderson about her film and
future projects. Ms. Anderson is a legendary Jamaican filmmaker, actress, and photographer.
Her most known film as an actress is ‘A Warm December’ where she acted alongside
Academy Award winner Sidney Poitier.
This is Part 2 of my interview with this trailblazing woman below. Part 1 of our conversation
can be found at http://www.island-stage.com/2013/08/12/bob-marley-making-of-alegend
During a recent screening of ‘Making of a Legend’ in Brooklyn, some Rasta’s in the audience
were angry that you stated that you wrote a portion of ‘Get up Stand up’ with Bob Marley.
To them they felt it was obvious that the full song was written by Peter Tosh. How would
you respond to this
The film does a great job of unmasking Bob Marley from the mythic figure he has become.
Was that the true intention for releasing the film today?
The film needed to bring back Robert Nesta to his community, the community
where he came from, which is our Jamaica and our Ethiopia. And we as
Jamaicans identify also with the suffering of our brothers and sisters in the
States, who have been fighting for equal rights and justice for a mighty long
Yes, we wrote the song together. The whole issue of Get up Stand up, Stand up for
your Rights is about fighting for your rights. It is a universal call for all of us who
PAGE
36
time. It was important for us to bring Bob back to his community, as a human
being, as a brother to his friends, as a member of a large team of Jamaicans who
helped carry the music forward. Some people in the music business want to kill
the human side of Bob to turn him into an icon made of ivory, unreachable to the
people who love the music, who identify with the fight against injustice that flows
in all the songs. Our communities need him closer. We need him to return to us.
It has been too long and if we don’t watch it, he will end up advertising mortgage
packages for a big bank. He would be appalled by all the commercialization of his
image today.
The Wailers broke up after the release of Burnin’. Did you see any signs of the tragedy that
was to come?
While you were working with Island Records, you worked to showcase the music of Jamaica
to the world. What is your opinion of the music coming out of Jamaica today?
The film not only captures Bob Marley but it also vividly captures Peter Tosh. What would
you like the world to know about the ‘Revolutionary’?
We are working with fabulous musicians from Jamaica. The son of Aston
Familyman Barrett, Aston Jr, and Carlie Barrett’s son, Akila Barrett. They are
composers, scholars of music. They represent a new generation of artists who have
performed around the world at a very early age, honing their skills like Mozart or
Beethoven did in their time. Chris Anderson, my brother, grew up in Hope Road
and learned from the Wailers. He researched the ancestral Taino instruments of
the Caribbean, incorporating its mystical sounds into Reggae. Formulla is another
extraordinary musician, like Ras McKoy, all emerging from Jamaica. Irie Jam
Production is a studio putting out very strong sounds. Also in Jamaica, Fams Studio
from Kingston is producing great music as well.
Peter was a great man, a great musician and a great friend to Bob and the Wailers.
People should learn to respect their profound friendship. We’ll explore more
aspects of Peter’s contribution on part two.
There was never an ending of the brotherhood. They always remained brothers,
and close friends. The reason for the break up has more to do with the pressure
that the artists suffered from the contractual agreement with the record company
-They were only paid peanuts, for six of them in the band. All they got was 6000
usd for the album, and out of that they had to pay the recording fee. It wasn’t easy
for them.
Today, Bob Marley’s message is heard by millions around the globe. The lyrics in his music
have touched souls. What would you like to say about the everlasting impact of his music,
over 30 years after his death?
Bob said his music, “will follow me everywhere”, and he was right. In regards to
the economic success, as Bob said, “you get praise but not raises.” Now, what we
need to do is to ensure the Jamaican communities, our children, our grannies, are
well protected, by bringing the rewards to Jamaica.
What impact would you like ‘Bob Marley: Making of a Legend’ to have on the audience?
What would you like their lasting impression to be?
You were in a relationship with Bob Marley during the time you captured The Wailers on
film. Did the relationship have anything to do with your decision to help the group?
The understanding of the man, his human side, his collaboration with the
musicians, his strength in defending Haile Selassie, the importance of looking
up to Ethiopia and, finally, the appreciation of Jamaica’s natural beauty, and her
music.
Yes it had, and after hearing Slave Driver, Concrete Jungle and 400 Years for the
first time in Nassau. With lyrics and music like that, as a Jamaican, I can only
help, as I had done with Jackie Edwards, Millie Small and Jimmy Cliff from the
early 60’s. The whole of Jamaica was burning with new energies in the early
seventies. In fact, we wanted to change Jamaica with Bob. We were in love. I
made a commitment.
You mentioned that you aided the Wailers in embracing Rasta image. This was a key
turning point for the band from a promotions perspective. How did you go about convincing
the Wailers to unite their way of life to how they would be seen by the world?
They didn’t need much convincing. They had to go all the way. Ras Daniel
Hartman, the great Jamaican actor and painter, was the key to understand how
the world needed to see The Wailers. I approached the presentation of the image
of the Wailers as my friends Robert Freeman had done with the Beatles and
Andrew Oldham had done with the Stones.
Website: http://www.bobmarleythemakingofalegend.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/BobMarleyTheMakingOfALegend
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BobMarleyFilm
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37
12 Years a Slave
A beautiful, painful
masterpiece
Review by Maliika Walker
PAGE
38
T
his morning I woke up, took a shower, and prepared breakfast in my own home. I then
took out my tablet and proceeded to read. The fact that I was able to do these things
today, as a free black woman, did not enter my mind at all. Today many of us live as free
people, without any thought of the pain and suffering our ancestors experienced for us
to be here. Now, imagine if we were in the era of slavery and you had to depend on your
Master for soap to wash yourself after working from sun-up to sun-down picking cotton.
Imagine if you could not be caught reading anything or that could result in 100 lashes of
a whip. Imagine someone taking out a mortgage to purchase you, as if you were a home.
Parents, imagine being separated from your children forever because they were sold to
another owner and you had to continue your life knowing your children were out there
somewhere and you could do nothing to help them. Imagine you starting a new job, but
the day you show up to work you are drugged and sold into slavery and you had no way of
fighting for your rights. Ladies, imagine being raped whenever your ‘master’ wanted lay on
top of you then having the master’s wife treat you with contempt because their husband
desires you. Recently I watched Steve McQueen’s painful, yet beautiful film,’12 Years a
Slave’, for the second time, and I was drawn to reflect on the freedoms we take for granted
today.
to help his own conscience. After Solomon got into a fight with one of the plantation’s
overseer’s he was sold to Edwin Epps, a hard man known for breaking slaves. When Solomon
learned he was being sold he tried to explain who he was but Ford explained he was a debt
and now he had to sell him for Solomon’s safety. End of story. He wanted to hear nothing
about Solomon’s true situation. It didn’t matter because all he meant to Ford was a debt, a
piece of property he owned and had to sell. Let that sink in for a moment. Imagine being in
Solomon’s position. It was at this moment he must have finally understood what a fellow
slave told him earlier, that Ford was a slaver and could care less about his situation.
’12 Years a Slave’ tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man from Saratoga
Springs, New York. Solomon supported his family as a musician, lived in his home with his
wife and two children. He was a man who walked thru town with his family, freely shopped,
completely unaware of the tragedy that was to come. One day he makes the mistake of
accepting a job offer from two traveling musicians at a circus in Washington D.C. They take
him for dinner and drinks and he wakes up in shackled and chains. The look of despair on
his face, as he realizes his situation, is heartbreaking to watch.
Edwin Epps was a psychotic, alcoholic slave owner who seemed to enjoy dispensing daily
cruelty on his slaves. Michael Fassbender is pure evil as sadistic owner Edwin Epps.. His
slaves would pick cotton from sun up to sun down and if he wasn’t happy with the amount
picked, they were whipped. No one faced more punishment and brutality than Patsey, played
majestically by newcomer Lupita Nyong’o. Patsey picked more cotton daily, over 500 pounds,
than any other slave on the plantation (male or female).
Life on the Epps plantation would be the extreme opposite of what he faced on the Ford
plantation. Solomon was treated favorably by the owner on the Ford plantation, coupled
with being new to the institution of slavery, he still had his pride and recent memories of
freedom. It was because of this that he felt comfortable mouthing off to the overseer and
even hitting him with a whip. He possibly felt he hit his limit with this man degrading him
day after day, especially since the man was not the brightest tool in the box. But that was
a different planation entirely. The Epps plantation would be even more of a nightmarish
experience for Solomon.
However, she was an obsession for her owner, Edwin Epps, which meant she was subject to
rape almost daily. Edwin Epps wife was jealous of her and even hit her with a bottle when
she caught her husband staring at her. Sarah Paulson is a twisted and villainous as Mistress
Epps, a woman just as evil as her husband. Her hatred for Patsey was like her husband was
carrying on an affair with a willing participant on her property. This of course was not the
case. My heart went out to Patsey as she was subject to abuse by Mistress Epps whenever
she wanted to further demean her for her husband’s obsession. Edwin Epps was apparently
tormented by his attraction to Patsey so he would not only rape her but beat her as well.
Ejiofor is brilliant as Solomon Northup. You truly feel every emotion his character is feeling.
Solomon’s expressions of disbelief and bewilderment as he was transported by boat to
Louisiana, and sold like live cattle to his first owner, are truly felt by the audience. You see his
agony as he watches powerless while the slave trader separates a woman from her children.
Solomon’s first slave owner, Ford, was hypocritically humane. He looked of a man who
could sleep at night because he was ‘fair’ to his slaves. Upon arrival on the plantation, Ford
informs his wife that the wailing woman was separated from her children. The wife then
recommends her new slave to get some water, some rest and her children will soon be
forgotten. I got so angry I could have grabbed the wife and threw her to the ground. How
dare she imply that a woman can get over her children being ripped out of her arms and
sold to the highest bidder. It was obvious Ford could tell Solomon was a ‘learned’ man, a
term at the time used for people of color who could read and write, but he did nothing to
find out more about his reason for being there. Instead he gifted Solomon with pleasantries
and an instrument as some type of peace offering.It was obvious to me he was kind just
Thanks to the kindness of a visiting contractor, Solomon Northup’s friends are informed of
his situation and he is returned to his family. The time Solomon dreamt of the entire film, a
chance to see his wife and children again, is possibly the happiest and saddest ending to a
film in recent memory. Solomon stood in front of his family a much different man than he
was before he was kidnapped. I actually began to weep for him as he apologized to his family
for showing up at their home after so much time away. Solomon was blessed to regain his
freedom but what about those who never got such an opportunity. Most free men & women
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39
who were kidnapped never regained their freedom. Let’s not forget that the majority of
people of color in the western world were slaves for hundred’s of years.
I am not of the naive thought that some form of modern day slavery is not taking place in
the world today. I feel powerless in the fight to combat such evil. All I can do is pray for the
victims currently suffering through such an unimaginable existence. The men and women
responsible for carrying out such atrocities will eventually face the judgement of God.
I write this piece as a descendant of slaves in the United States. Just think, you are alive
today because your ancestor’s found a way to survive. You are alive because your ancestors
survived the middle passage from Africa. Upon your ancestor’s arrival at their eventual
destination, they were enslaved and they faced this indignity day after day, generation
after generation. They found a way to fight for all of us. I can not imagine the strength and
fortitude it took to live through such an existence. To be a man and not able to protect his
family from whatever horror’s their owner planned for them. In many ways ’12 Years a Slave’
was a display of the attempted breaking of the spirit of the black man. Look at the plight of
the black man today. I could not help sitting there thinking about the battle black men faced
during slavery vs. today.
Oh to be a woman and not be able to wake up and look forward to day filled with pleasant
subtleness, to not be able to eventually see a light at the end of the tunnel. When I think
of women like Patsey, I think of women who continue to suffer from domestic violence and
feel they have no way to escape. Some of these women feel death is the only escape and
continue to be trapped in a vicious cycle of abuse. Some women of today can get help from
the authorities, or family, etc. Women during slavery had no such rights. They simply had
to find a way to face each day. Since watching ’12 Years a Slave’, I can’t help but feel I need
to make every moment count. We all owe it to our ancestors to make a difference in this
world. To blaze a path of success for the next generation as was done for us.
To all of those who walked this earth before us, we give thanks to you for your sacrifices, your
strength and courage. Your resilience against unthinkable adversity is the reason we are
here today and we give thanks. We will always be eternally grateful that you found a way to
LIVE!!
Follow Mallika @ https://twitter.com/maliikawalker
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40

Christopher Ellis Wayne Marshall Alerta Kamarada Kehv Magazine

Transcription

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