THE EDITOR, Sir:AS THE debate, both in Jamaica and abroad, swirls about the effect of some of your dancehall music, I would like to encourage Jamaicans everywhere not to define themselves by this latest public perception. This music does represent one element of your national consciousness but a minor one, just as 'gangsta rap' represents only a splinter of the American heart and soul.
If a society is to define itself by the acts of a few let it be the acts of the best of its citizens. Jamaica must define itself by its 50+ well-known conscious artistes who have put out a global message of 'One Love' for over three decades. We have seen the effects of your message firsthand. Our family has organised and sponsored over 50 'Healing of the Nation Concerts' islandwide, mostly in your schools as well as public concerts on Bob Marley's birthday. These concerts, featuring such conscious artistes as Abijah, Ernie Smith, Luciano, Mackie Conscious, Prezident Brown, Warrior King, Junior Reid, Cherry Natural, Bushman, Keteis and I'ngel Chanta, encourage the audience to teach 'One Love' in their lives. The response is always enthusiastic.
CONSCIOUS MESSAGE
Any conscious message delivered through the music of talented artistes goes deep into the heart. In this same vein, Jamaica must stop defining itself by the few gunmen, thieves, drug dons and corrupt politicians. It must stop defining itself by its IMF debt, per capita income, and number of potholes. Jamaica must begin to define itself by its over two million hardworking people who toil every day against difficult conditions to live a righteous and an honest life. Jamaica must define itself by its global impact which far exceeds what might be expected, given your size and financial constraints. Your musical talent is unrivalled in the world. Your coffee is considered the best; your beaches and land some of the most beautiful. Your accent, dialogue and 'culture' are copied by musicians, advertisers, and media personalities worldwide.
The progressive concepts of your philosophers like Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, Miss Lou, Barry Chevannes, Rex Nettleford, Luciano, Burning Spear, and many others are studied and respected through their books, words and lyrics. Just the word 'Jamaica' is magical to many. However, more than all this, it is your love that has made the greatest impact. Everywhere your people are known for their love. Through visits to your island and listening to your conscious music, this love has gone out as a wave of healing to every corner of the planet. Jamaica's message of 'One Love' is a gift to the world and because of this your National Pledge, "to advance the welfare of the whole human race," is not a future goal but a present reality.
Keep that drumbeat going. Play your conscious music on your radio and TV stations. Support your conscious artistes at your clubs, concerts and festivals. Let your young be infused with their messages of love, peace and justice.
Give thanks.
We are, etc.,
JULIA, ALICIA AND
ROBERT ROSKIND
roskind@boone.net
Co-authors of The Gathering of the
Healers: The Healing of the Nation
and Rasta Heart: A Journey into One
Love
