By Janet Silvera, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
SINCE THE advent of roots music a number of Jamaican artistes will not step outside their places of abode or on stage without a rod in hand. In fact, the beautifully sculptured poles have become a fashion statement.
Luciano, one of the artistes to carry a rod on and off stage, told Showtime: "I got a vision that if I walk with my rod, I will have double strength...that the spirit will be multiplied. And my strength has doubled."
He said he owned several rods, his favourite being the one made from the National Tree, the Blue Mahoe.
"My rod represents the monument of righteousness... I feel the vibes of Mother Africa and all the memories of the Motherland when I carry this rod", he said.
According to Luciano, a rod can take on "power depending on how a prophet lives and it should be treated with reverence, just like the Bible."
African Chiefs have carried rods as a symbol of their authority as leaders. And according to artiste, Mikey General, who owns three rods and a sceptre (a small version of a rod), the symbols are his connection to his great fore fathers and the Prophet Moses.
"Knowing we are shepherds of our people at this time, we feel the symbolism of the rod", he said.
Carrying a rod on stage gives him a feeling of having his audience under his spell. He also performs holding an ancient Ethiopian Coptic Cross, which he says represents Yahshua, "our saviour and the redemptive work he did on the cross, which reminds me who I should strive to be like".
Determine is never without his rod, off stage, as he considers it his "weapon against evil".
"The rod gives me an inspirational vibes, right now it is it is beside my gear stick as I drive," he continued.
His is a small rod made from the almond tree, in green, black and gold which reaches elbow height from the floor.
But the staff is no more than a fashion statement as far as dub poet Mutabaruka is concerned. It has no significance for him.
"It's an African thing, it's a style," he said.
DJ Everton Blender believes in the power of the rod. He recalled a true story of a Rastaman, who about three years ago went to the Half-Way Tree Courthouse, told the officers he normally prays at noon, so the Court was to deal speedily with his case, so he could continue his tradition.
Lo and behold, Everton said, his pleas were ignored and at noon, Kingston experienced an earthquake.
"Everybody ran out of the courthouse and the Rastaman went his way with tremendous steps", said the DJ with a laugh.
He said the Rastaman with his rod is very powerful. "It carries a current that is unbelievable, which is beyond words", he added.
