Category: Music

Happy Mother Earth Day

May 12, 2024

Today is Mother’s Day in Jamaica. Jamaicans take this day very seriously. Happy Mother’s Day memes flood social media. Sentimental music floats across the gardens of Upper St. Andrew and down through the narrow streets and lanes of downtown Kingston. There is a roaring trade in teddy bears, imported roses wrapped in cellophane, and more. … More Happy Mother Earth Day

They are “Jah people”: Jamaica must end arbitrary detentions and forced returns of Haitian asylum seekers

May 9, 2024

“Exodus! Movement of Jah people!” I often find when I am considering a “big issue” a Bob Marley song comes to mind. Now, this big issue is migration. Jah People have always been on the move – it’s nothing new. These days, however, some are legal people, and they are good. Others are illegal, and … More They are “Jah people”: Jamaica must end arbitrary detentions and forced returns of Haitian asylum seekers

“Look For Me in the Whirlwind”: The energy of Raymond Watson’s sculpture in a new Jamaican exhibit

May 6, 2024

Jamaican sculptor Raymond Watson says a block of wood does not give him the creative spark he needs to start working on a sculpture. However, a tree trunk is a different matter; it gives him the required inspiration. This explains the elemental, almost forceful energy that infuses the works in Mr. Watson’s new exhibition; there … More “Look For Me in the Whirlwind”: The energy of Raymond Watson’s sculpture in a new Jamaican exhibit

“One Love” is definitely lacking in the wake of Jamaica’s local government elections

March 4, 2024

I have not seen the Bob Marley biopic yet, because I find Jamaican cinemas rather noisy and cannot concentrate. The premiere in Kingston was lively and packed with celebrities. Having said that, it seems to have had somewhat mixed reviews, but Professor Carolyn Cooper’s review is a positive one. I guess I will watch it … More “One Love” is definitely lacking in the wake of Jamaica’s local government elections

“Bob Marley, One Love”: thoughts on the film from Jamaican American Professor Anne C. Bailey

February 17, 2024

There has been tremendous “hype” surrounding the biopic, “Bob Marley, One Love” in Jamaica and globally. This began with the premiere in Kingston on January 23, attended by “Harry and Megan,” no less, and an array of politicians, actors, musicians etc., including the film’s producers, Ziggy Marley and his mother Rita. The film went on … More “Bob Marley, One Love”: thoughts on the film from Jamaican American Professor Anne C. Bailey

Bloganuary for Day 13: A road trip filled with memories and music

January 19, 2024

“Road trips” seem to be an American thing; I know such trips can take days. I love “road movies.” The characters set off in an open top car, the wind in their hair; or perhaps, in a less carefree scenario, they are running away from something. Whatever their situation, I find the movement from one … More Bloganuary for Day 13: A road trip filled with memories and music

Claiming our shared humanity, as family: a thoughtful post by Carolyn Cooper

November 13, 2023

Professor Carolyn Cooper shared her thoughts on the ongoing Israel/Hamas war in her weekly column, via her blog, which I thought I would share with you. At the moment, Jamaicans are agonising over the horror, the destruction and the grief of the Palestinian people. No one is talking about making peace. I know I am … More Claiming our shared humanity, as family: a thoughtful post by Carolyn Cooper

The story behind what became a beautiful reggae song, as Jamaicans say final farewells to Ibo Cooper

October 29, 2023

Sometimes, the story behind a song is not what it seems, and can be quite surprising. “Dreamland” is one of those that transports you, that you have to sing along to, perhaps wiping away a tear, perhaps with a smile. It is an emotional song, and Third World sung it to perfection. What sweet harmonies! … More The story behind what became a beautiful reggae song, as Jamaicans say final farewells to Ibo Cooper