Sister Melva - poet, screenwriter, mother Western Bureau BACK in May when she made her debut performance at an event staged in Montego Bay to mark the anniversary of the 1963 Coral Gardens Riot, rap poet Melva Ramcharan was a virtual unknown on the literary circuit. However, a mere six months after that performance, which had the audience - including renowned dub poet Mutabaruka - throughly impressed, the affable Ramcharan, aka Sister Melva, is now rapidly spreading her wings. "I have been on the radio and on local cable television for both performances and interviews a few times," said Ramcharan, whose work includes over a 1,000 poems, a yet to be published novel and a movie script. "I have also done regular concert performances, had my first book published and have released a CD of rap poems." In addition to her book, entitled Inna Dis Yah Judgement' and her debut CD Inspiration, the astute Ramcharan has also been unleashing her literary influence on the dancehall circuit. She has done two dub plates of rap poetry for top sound system Jah Creation, which reportedly used them extensively on a recent tour to the Bahamas. To read, understand and appreciate Ramcharan's books is to get an insight into the inner thoughts of the former Montego Bay High School student, who spent her childhood between Jamaica and Brooklyn, New York, where she qualified herself as computer analyst and a certified fashion designer. "I am influenced by the things that happen around me," said Ramcharan, who covered themes such as love, religion, relationship and of course judgement in the 34 poems she selected for Inna Dis Yah Judgement. "I am not afraid to speak out about any issue," she said. Ironically, Sister Melva grew up in a somewhat sheltered environment, in which her desire for literary self-expression was stifled by religious-minded parents who did not share her passion for poetry. In fact, she was never really cognizant of her poetic power until Washington-based producer Kevin Stixx offered his services as a producer after hearing her perform at a small recital. "I am sometimes amazed at the way people respond to my poems," saidSister Melva, whose blends potent social commentary with a smooth delivery. "I am really pleased with all that has been happening." While the book should have a longer shelf life, in terms of short-term exposure the CD, which features 13 tracks, looks set to draw even more attention to Sister Melva. The tracks are delivered to the beat of a collection of popular dancehall 'riddims'. "This daughter has enormous potential and I think she has the potential to be as big as any of our local poets who have blended the spoken word with music," said music critic Ras Ayem Tafari, who has read her book and listened to the CD. "She has talent backed up by charisma and in my book, that is a winning combination." he continued For her part, Sister Melva is now busy trying to conquer new horizons. With her first book and CD under her belt, she is now negotiating with a local producer to transform her movie script into on-screen action. "I am now talking to somebody in Kingston about the script and that is looking quite positive," said Ramcharan, a mother of two who is mastering the balance of motherhood and her literary/entertainment career. "It is a sacrifice, but I have got to do it." Among Sister Melva's pieces which have impressed are Slavery Society,Born Black,The Puzzle of Life and Bodies Entwined.
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