REGGAE MONTH BEGINS
- LAUNCH HELD AT FELLOWSHIP TABERNACLE
Around the world, nations acknowledge that February is Black History Month. With the first Black US President taking office last month, everyone has witnessed history in the making, celebrating not just for this month but for eternity. Jamaica has much to be grateful for this month as this country christened February as Reggae Month in 2008 and nothing speaks “black” or “history” like the music we call Reggae.
On Sunday, February 1st in its second year, Reggae Month was launched at the Fellowship Tabernacle in Pembroke Hall. The theme of the service was “REGGAE TO DI WORL” and rightly dubbed so. Under the distinguished patronage of the Honourable Olivia Grange, MP and Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, the thanksgiving service to launch Reggae Month was one of great music and praise. Host Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Al Miller, preached a sermon of hope and change for our culture, our nation and especially our music.
Present at the launch was Clyde McKenzie and Tommy Cowan, who each read the 1st and 2nd lessons respectively; Sting promoter Isaiah Laing; producer, Donovan Jermaine; and other members of the Reggae Month Committee. Gospel artists Stitchie, who had the crowd on their feet, and DJ Nicholas, had the females screaming at the call of his name, both giving outstanding performances. The group Chosen Vessel did a remixed rendition of some great reggae songs using some of Bob Marley’s hits but giving it in gospel style. Resident singer Deneese Wright was on hand to perform “No Condemnation” which placed her as a finalist in the 2008 Jamaica Gospel Song Competition and resident group Voices lifted their voices during the offertory, proclaiming that we are all “Free”. Prayers were done by Rev. Wilmer Jackson from the Church of God in Jamaica and Rev. Florene Miller of the Jamaica Association of Full Gospel Churches. All attendees at this launch sang the National Anthem with humble pride, a feeling that can only be expressed with the flag held high and goosebumbs on everyone’s skin.
TIME FOR CHANGE
Music is so powerful that it holds no boundaries and has spread throughout the world. It may either bring peace or contention. It can make us happy or sad. It has produced war and peace. Jamaica created a great thing. Reggae is indigenous to this country but it has wreaked havoc for our people as some of those in the industry have used it to their advantage, causing problems especially in promotions for our people and our country.
Tommy Cowan, before reading the scriptures at the service, said that he was on the darker side of the music but he has since changed by the grace of God. MP Grange had asked Isaiah Laing to stand during her greetings presentation and urged the most controversial promoter in Jamaica to use this launch as the first day for the push he needs to begin to take that initial step to the cleaning up process necessary for the industry. Rev. Miller took to the podium in accordance to the Minister’s message, making it known that she has even expressed to him the concerns of the music in hopes to improve it for the sake of our children. The Reverend preached that like it or not, Reggae has gone “to di worl” but it isn’t what it should be. We as a nation need to come together, especially those already in the industry, and take the music from what it is now to where it was before to how it needs to be for the benefit of the country and the people.
WHAT IS REGGAE?
The declaration of the Reggae Month Committee states that Reggae is the heartbeat of Jamaica. It is our national expression and a driving force of our economy, providing the greatest opportunity to transform the country. Its lyrics express struggles, beliefs, hopes and aspirations to provide enjoyment, upliftment and insight. Reggae is a product that is competing against a world full of options so we have to keep improving this product. We can’t feed the world dirt or trash. We must give to the world that which adds value to the world and that which uplifts the world.
It is more than below-the-waist gyration, “daggering” and obscenities. A brilliant lyrical mind like Vybz Kartel must be used to present the music in an uplifting way and Spice is a queen who should present her womanhood royally to the world. Like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff and other greats, Reggae is consciousness. Reggae should provide love and unity. We need a positive lyrical transformation. We need songs to teach, inspire hope and to build confidence that will guide us to the destination that we need to reach “to di worl” for the world needs it.
Robert Nesta Marley has already laid the foundation. Let’s give Reggae a fresh start. Those of us who are entrusted with the care of the music must be more vigilant and responsible. Producers, writers, performers, engineers, promoters and disc jockeys were given a gift from God to do His work and all shall be held accountable by God for what is done with His gift of music. Regardless of who you are or where you are from, music is a powerful tool and it affects our children. Many can’t read or write, but they can sing the lyrics of many songs from start to finish. Music is for the glory of God, no matter who you praise, and it’s a gift He gave for our own personal enjoyment.
Have we been responsible with our music? Think on these things as the month goes by. Let’s take what we have and put forth greatness, for Reggae is powerful, it is magnificent, it is ours. Reggae is Black History.
Happy February! Happy Black History Month! Happy Reggae Month!
Ms. Lesley Hayles
Ms. Lesley Hayles
Bass Line Entertainment Services bassline_agency@yahoo.com www.myspace.com/basslineentertainmentservices (876) 414-2660
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