THE EDITOR, Sir:
I HAVE been an avid follower of Jamaica's reggae music scene for about 28 years now. It all started with particular interest in a type of music that glorified the Africa that I was fortunate to have been born in.
This long association with reggae music exposed me to the different changes that took place during this period in the style, lyrical content and even the artistes. But the underlying characteristic that remained throughout this period, is the almost indescribable love for Jamaica as expressed by most of the artistes especially the dancehall acts.
Probably unknown to these artistes, their songs provide the true picture about the island providing an unquantifiable source of knowledge about everyday life in Jamaica. It was from these songs that I learnt of the seven National Heroes, of October 18, of Blue Mountain Peak, Jack's hill, Seaview Gardens, GCT, Half-Way Tree, Tivoli Gardens, 'Bigga' Ford, Meadowbrook High, ackee and salt fish, Skyjuice etc.
Though admittedly, at times the artistes have been sources of grave concern because of lewd and violent lyrics (as witnessed at this year's Sumfest), overall, they have been in the forefront of promoting the island to the outside world. Or how else would I have known about these places and people from my home here in Africa?
It is for this reason I am urging the government of Jamaica to dedicate the year 2002 to these artistes in recognition of the role they have played and could play in helping to project a positive picture of the island.
I am etc.,
SINA ADELAJA-OLOWOAKE
shinor@onebox.com.
Medina Estate, Gbagada
Lagos, Nigeria
Via Go-Jamaica
