Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter
Omar Reid has 'Remember The Days' in the finals of the JCDC Popular Song Contest. - CONTRIBUTED
REMEMBER THE days when people walked nonchalantly on the streets without fear and neighbours were more than just the family on the other side of the fence?
Those days may seem long gone but Omar Reid, a contestant in the 2006 Jamaican Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Popular Song Competition is trying to have Jamaicans go back to when people genuinely cared for each other. "So many people are dying. If you going to the supermarket to buy groceries for a week you have to bring at least $15,000. People are afraid to go to the airport at night because they might get robbed," Reid said.
He believes a lack of patriotism is to be blamed for the decline in values among Jamaicans. "Things weren't always like this. We need to go back to the days when you didn't have to rush in as soon as you park your car," he said.
That is why he thinks his song Remember The Days can speak to those who will hear it. Remember The Days is the only song in the competition with a mento yet somewhat contemporary sound. Reid sees this as a factor that separates him from the pack. "The song has a positive message. It sounds like some of the other songs, songs you would get from Cham or Luciano. I am glad that we have the opportunity to put meaningful songs out there," he said.
He attributes the "waning popularity" of the competition to the sameness year after year.
So, as the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre comes alive at tomorrow's finale, Reid is basking in the tremendous support he said he has been receiving on the road shows. "People have been saying that my song is the wickedest and it must win," he said. He is, however, not anticipating the
confetti and giving the victory speech just yet. Reid believes that there are a few others who can keep him on his toes.
In recent years, public input has been welcomed through online voting on the JCDC's website. The judges' votes will count for 90 per cent while the other 10 per cent will come from the online polls. So far, Reid and closest rival, A20, have been swapping the number one and two spots in cyberspace.
Reid is now investing all his time in securing a win but will seek employment if he does not come out on top. Though he would like to make music his full-time gig, a back-up plan is required.
Understandably, as the final and decisive show approaches, Reid said he cannot help but being nervous. But he plans to rehearse and practise his way close to perfection and will continue to reflect on his best moment, which came at the Portland road show.
