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jamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaicajamaica i miss you :(

Australia, Jamaica, England, Italy, and France.

Maurice Smith argues in favor of increasing the length of time students in Jamaica spend in school. It's an issue I've been thinking about for some time now. Given the low quality output from the system and the fact that the school plant is unoccupied for a full two months, while teachers still get paid, why not make use of the chance to help kids learn some more?

I miss this place :/

Paint does dry so nothing sticks.
But memories are driven into its
Colours. To see walls torn down and fixed,
Floors ripped up to restore; but lives
Stay to haunt the place. A soul
May remain forever till Dooms Day
And live on thus formed.
Dust on carpentry danced a waltz
With small currents of wind.
Memories can’t be so removed.
They live in Space Time.

At a time when many a Jamaican is concerned about the death of traditional art forms, the Braata Folk Singers reminded us that we can relax, as that will not be happening anytime soon.  The New York based group presented ‘Wheel an Come Again’, which could not have been a more appropriate name for only their second concert season.  The twelve member group delivered folk song after folk song with such poise and passion that it is obvious why they got their name, as they left the audience wanting more…Jus a lickle braata.

Led by the talented Andrew Clarke, who performed as a chorus member, the group walked us through classics such as “Liza”, “Sammy Dead”, “Banyan Tree” and “Love is a funny likkle ting”.  Songs such as “Betta Woman Dan Yu” and “Why Woman Grumble” had the audience in laughter. 

Andrew Clarke (Director), getting into the spirit.

The stage was cleverly designed to incorporate many typical elements of Jamaican culture, such as the coal stove with the dutch pot on it, the coconut stand, and various simulations of market stalls.  The use of colour was adequate and the costuming very appropriate.

The twelve singers delivered a balanced sound, and neatly executed the choreography with great expression.  Outside of a few missed entries, the blend of voices was exceptional.  Soprano, Dianne Dixon, seemed to have the crowd in the palm of her hand with every antic and expression she shared.  Andrew Clarke featured many times with his clean tenor voice.  This was supported by an ensemble cast of church goers, and shoppers in the market, not to mention the cute Matthews sisters, Courtnae and Joelle.

The singers could not have done so well without the support of the amazing and competent band, comprising of keyboardist, Garnet Mowatt (who contributed to some of the arrangements created by Andrew Clarke), Matthew Silpot (Keyboard), Marcus Williams (Percussion), Palomin Hassad (Percussion) and the legendary, Carrot Jarrett (Percussion).

Overall I give the Braata Folk Singers an ‘A’ for a concert well done.  I definitely got my money’s worth, not to mention the complimentary food provided in the intermission, and the souvenir program provided on entry to the theatre.  I would encourage you to support this talented group as they move forward, ensuring the maintenance of our heritage in the New York/Tri-state area, and I’m certain soon to the rest of the world.  The group also has CDs and t-shirts available at a minimal cost.  Mi definitely waan braata of the Braata Folk Singers.

Find Braata Folk Singers on Facebook (Like their page): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Braata-Folk-Singers/220816651267952

Photos Courtesy of Wide Vision Photography (marcia@widevisionphotography.com); Band photo by Mario Guthrie Photography (http://megphotos.tumblr.com)

It finally came in the mail! Great read!

My brothers older brother came by the house today. And yes my brother’s brother. It’s his brother on his father’s side. Well he came by the house today and he told me something. He told me that as you get older heritage becomes more and more important. He’s trying to teach his daughter this as well because his daughter lives in Orange, CT and she is “whited out”. And she really is if you think about the way she acts and how she speaks to him sometimes with that tone of voice. She does go to school with mostly white but at the same time she is still Bajan and Jamaican and probably doesn’t know much about her background. So my deal is I want to get to know my backgrounds a little better. I want to visit both Jamaica and Puerto Rico. I live with my mom and she’s jamaican so I didn’t grow up with people always around me speaking spanish or any of that. I only see that side of the family when we visit eachother and I used to live with them when I was younger but dude I can’t even remember what I ate last night so that doesn’t matter. It’s time to get in touch with my inner soul. <—I bet that sounded deep. haha

YardFlexTV presents ‘Jamaica Dancehall Queen 2010’ (Part 1)

this competition is probably the one of the best examples of dancehall’s international appeal. it’s impressive to think that both queens and unknown hopefuls from all over the world come to seek some semblance of validation from a temperamental* crowd in Montego Bay.

Also, take in consideration that as lewd as it looks, there’s a certain level of flexibility and coordination on display here. i mean, could you easily roll from a ‘boom flick’ into ‘head top’ and then rotate? exactly!

*if you know anything about the infamous ‘bottlings’ at sting and other shows, then you already know sey jamaican people nuh easy.

As in…this girl is so sexy 

Adolphe Duperly - Montego Bay, 1844 by The Caribbean Photo Archive on Flickr.

I’d say this is a good reason to come to Jamaica. She’s a cool kid I just met

Song for he day.

Damian Marley feat Nas - Sabali (Patience) 

My sister and I (: I’m on the right. 

NOBODY CAN CROSS IT!!!!!

It finally came in the mail! Great read!

Cajun Music

This week, thanks to Jean I also got to know about cajun music. Cajun music is also known to be originating from Louisiana. The history, is like this that a long time ago, the British wanted the French people to stand up in war against there own country - France. And of course, some people didn't want to do so. They then left their country and moved and moved and moved and came to live in Louisana. And played cajun music. Most cajun music is in French. Though many people wanted them to not sing in French so some of the songs can be in English as well.

I didn't like the 1st youtube video. It had the haunting voice of this woman. Hated it completely. But I liked the Balfa Brothers. Their music was full of life. Quite good. Then I even heard some great music by Hadley Castille. He is known to be one of the very popular cajun music players who has inspired many young musicians. I am posting some of his stuff as well. And then there was some cool music by this couple Dennis and Jennifer. They play good cajun music too. Now cajun music is becoming popular around the world.

But in the end, I will share a sad poem Evangeline. It is about how sad it was when people had to leave their country and move to another country after so much of misery, pain and destruction. How many people lost their loved ones. How the love of their lives disappeared before their own eyes. This poem is about a Gabrielle and Evangeline, who were in love and about to get married, but the British came and burnt the church and everything was distorted. They were separated. For twenty years, Evangeline looked for the love of her life. However, she suffered but still kept hope alive. She still nurtured the goodness in her and helped others in suffering around her. And it so happened that just before Gabrielle died, he and Evangeline did meet once. Sad but does move one's heart.

I hope somebody else, who was not into this cajun word at all, might like this stuff as well just like it did move me. I have shared some of the best music here. Here is Evangeline for you.