From left are Tony Rebel, Cocoa Tea, Junior Reid and Luciano
Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The second 'Black History' show was launched at the offices of Jah Messenjah on Tuesday morning in an atmosphere that made it more than the presentation of the line-up for a stage show.
With Amina Blackwood-Meeks chairing the proceedings, extensive opening remarks by Mutabaruka and a main address by Tony Rebel, who will also be on the show, the packed Bronstorph Square, Washington Boulevard, office was a cauldron of strong expression.
'Black History' will take place on Saturday, February 26, 2005, at Ginger Hill in St. Elizabeth, with Luciano, Tony Rebel, Cocoa Tea, Admiral Tibet, Mikey General, Junior Reid, Sugar Minott, Louie Culture, Aaron Silk, Queen Ifrica, Kulcha Knox, Natty King, Fanton Mojah, Utan Green, Lutan Fyah, Warrior King and others. Jah Messanjah, Live Wyah and Zion Train will be the backing bands.
Proceeds
Proceeds from the show will go to renovating the Breadnut Walk Basic School, as well as the Black History Foundation.
Amina Blackwood-Meeks brought smiling greetings from her piece of St. Mary, which the utility companies have either never heard of or are concerned with only sporadically, instilling a sense of community by hailing individuals "in the house".
Mutabaruka was upset and showed it in words and expression, as he spoke extensively about matters relating to Bob Marley. He pinpointed the hypocrisy of the society, stating that while Rasta is not accorded respect in Jamaica, there is furore about whether his bones should be moved to Ethiopia or not.
Stating that he was not agreeing or disagreeing with the matter of removing Marley's body to Ethiopia, Mutabaruka referred to the interview that Bob Marley did with Neville Willoughby (published as an album), noting that he had clearly stated where his father is, he has to be also.
fundamentalist Rastafarian
Mutabaruka referred to the effort to separate Bob Marley from Rastafari, saying that Bob Marley was almost a fundamentalist Rastafarian, but the current move is to attempt to distill the man from the movement.
The poet and radio show host pointed out that there is also a move afoot to claim Marley as a white person.
Mutabaruka was very upset about a tourism poster that shows a Rastafarian with a spliff, inviting people to come to Jamaica and feel alright, but at the same time if a youth is held by the police with marijuana he either has to pay the relevant fine or go to jail.
shortcomings
Tony Rebel addressed the shortcomings of a people who should be celebrating Black History Month, saying that we have lost an entire generation of youth. He broached the theory that cow's milk has replaced breast milk for quite a few youths, noting that when a cow is walking across the road no matter what you do it will not turn back. There were 'aahs' of realisation from the audience, as they made the connection between the youths that 'no tek no talk' and the beasts that 'don't turn back'.
After the speech came the stanzas, with Black X among those delivering poetry, and the Jah Messenjah Band provided music for Luciano ('One Away Ticket'), Milton Blake ('Africa Unite') and Mikey General ('Black and Comely'), among others, to give a taste of what will be on the big stage at 'Black History' in Ginger Hill, St. Elizabeth, on Saturday, February 26.
