| Conscious, roots reggae reclaims its place |
| Charles Campbell Sunday, December 18, 2005 |
The seed that was initially replanted by Garnett Silk in the early 1990's then nurtured by Luciano, began blossoming a few years ago. Now the evidence is in and it is reasonable to say that in 2005 the flowers are in full bloom. Spiritually uplifting music is back with a bang. Reggae music has reclaimed, at last, its pride of place as the voice of the oppressed and down trodden and the collective conscience of the world.
The double CD album The Biggest Reggae One-Drop Anthems 2005 by Greensleeves Records Limited is a comprehensive compilation of most of the Reggae hits of this year. It starts appropriately with Jah Cure extolling the virtues of life in Jamaica.
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The Biggest Reggae One Drop Anthems 2005 has tunes from 21 artistes. Each of the two CDs included consist of 20 songs. Seven of Jah Cure's songs are featured, including Longing For, These Are The Times and Poor Man's Cry. It is a pity that his handlers have behaved so crassly- their actions have done nothing to propel his personal cause. Unfortunately now, we no longer hear his songs on IRIE FM.
The inclusion of Perfect's two hits, Handcart Boy, which is one of my favourite songs as the second cut on Disc One, and All I Got on Disc Two enhances the commercial value of the double album. Gyptian is without a doubt the most exciting new artiste of the latter part of 2005 and his seminal hit Serious Times is the third cut on Disc One, and the obvious choice pick for song of the year. His Mama is also featured as track 3 on Disc two.
Whether it is symbolism or the karma of the trinity, I predict that this artiste has a bright future. Already one can garner that his head seems to be in the right place and that he speaks with clarity, just by listening to his interviews.
Anthony Cruz contributes that the Place Too Bloody and instructs the brothers that "we nuh waan no guns a dance". Fantan Mojah Hails The King and gives Thanks And Praises, meanwhile he expresses empathy with our Hungry brothers and sisters. All these songs were well received by reggae aficionados in 2005.
Richie Spice again came good this year with Blood Again, Freedom with Chuck Fender and especially Operation Kingfish which simply captivated reggae fans the moment it was released. His family has produced some truly talented singers but in his own right, Spice has the aura and personality to eclipse his brothers.
In addition to For My People on Disc Two, Chuck Fender did himself proud in 2005 with the most potent Murderer (track 10, Disc One) which probably deserves more airplay in the context of our times.
"Murderer, I see you seeking for more souls,
Murderer, you're like a vehicle out of control,
Beating your chest saying that you're cold,
Yuh just can't go around taking away life
Like my people life come cheap,
Look how many mothers you left crying,
So many children you left to weep,
Keep behaving like this,
I know yuh ending going to be steep"
Jah Mason delivers three songs including his biggest hit of 2005, My Princess Gone. Sizzla appears on three occasions including Where Are You Running To and Rise To The Occasion, full of its motivational clichés, including the chorus- "Yes, you got to be strong, and be all the best you can, the world is out there conquer your fears, and don't you wait too long..the struggle continues, yow".
Gentleman, the German reggae phenomenon, is well represented with three songs, Blessings of Jah (with Ras Shiloh), Share The Love (with Jah Cure) and Superior, his most successful single for this year. The other artistes featured present one song each, although a few never made much of an impact among the fans. Hero's single In The Ghetto and Natural Black's Far From Reality were modest successes.
The producers could not have chosen a better finale than Sizzla's Jah Works, idiomatically summarising the conceptual framework of the body of works presented.
The graphic artist's conception of a creatively skewed three dimensional Jamaican flag encompassing images of Jamaican flora and fauna, the Caribbean Sea, Haile Selassie, religious and nationalistic symbols is a beautiful montage and is used as the cover of the liner notes insert.
If you have not yet chosen a Christmas gift for that special person, then I recommend this as an excellent choice, fit for airplay at any occasion. Remember only public support will crystallise this positive direction that our artistes are venturing upon. The tide is high, the time is nigh. Me-thinks we may either ride the crest of the wave or sink forever into the abyss.
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