THE EDITOR, Sir:
ON DECEMBER 27, 2003, CVM TV carried a highly entertaining, cutting edge programme - On Stage. For the first time, I could truly appreciate the extent of Reggae's globe-trotting. I sat in awe and fear as I listened to the copycats in South Africa, near convincing clones of our indigenous artistes. The presentation was thought-provoking and frankly I did not like what I was seeing.
A smattering of disc jockeys from across the world had gathered to show off/hone their craft, and reggae was certainly there. Our music was kicking mercilessly at the forefront of the event that was covered by Winford Williams and his team. Reggae and the purveyors of this genre sat well on the lips of those foreigners and they discussed away. The gap in the otherwise nice row of teeth was the absence of a Carolyn Cooper, a Richie B, a Barry G, a Stone Love, our people at the event. True, the academy was taking Reggae to another level by talking about the music and giving it airplay, and basically bringing it out there, but I wondered who really benefited. True, the names of the artistes and their work were placed on foreign lips but what gives in terms of real benefits? It is certainly open season on aspects of our culture and people just take and take. What is there to stop them? Just take and earn.
The vibe at Japansplash as was shown on the same programme was simply irie. It appeared to have been a well organised, clean show which was graciously complemented by stellar performances and a supremely appreciative and behaved audience.
When a Japansplash or Eastfest is juxtaposed with that other one that took place recently, well, then, I am speechless. The crowd was hype at Japansplash, the crowd was hype at Eastfest, but no stupid clash was featured on those shows.
A part of organising ourselves to gain maximum benefits from our world famous musical talent is to clean up the ugliness that is sometimes billed into our local productions. This could be a real investment in our art and really make a difference in the product that we are setting. We would make more money too. Maybe because the coins earned are rudely clanging and glaring ghetto youth think, 'yeah, ah reach'. The whole world is out there extracting chamber pots full of money from our music everyday, and it is because their poaching is organised! We just must stop the fighting and foolishness and move forward harmoniously.
I am, etc.,
M. SWABY
Glenmore Road
Kingston CSO
