Junior Murvin, a reggae giant

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Kindly permit me space in this newspaper to pay tribute to a Jamaican music icon, the one and only Junior Murvin.

No, Junior Murvin has not passed away, he is alive and well. However, as one of the giants of reggae, Junior Murvin deserves to be honoured and given the respect that is due to so many reggae singers of his generation.

About three years ago, I had the privilege of seeing and listening to Junior Murvin and Daddy U-Roy live in concert in Lille, France. It was an awesome and exhilarating experience. As I scanned the audience, I felt so elated to see the crowd support for great reggae music and the anticipation on the faces around me as they waited patiently to welcome Junior Murvin on stage.

The venue was very largeand packed to capacity, and better yet, everyone around me knew the lyrics to his songs word for word and sang in unison. I am embarrassed to say that I could only sing Police and Thieves, and just a few other songs, yet at the same time, I was so proud to be part of this massive audience and was centre stage, riveted by Junior Murvin's clear, crisp and melodious voice.

Powerful, smooth voice

Junior Murvin's voicewas as powerful and smooth as ever, and I was in awe of this man,and Daddy U-Roy as well.To see both individuals on stage at their age still keeping the reggae banner flying high and the passion for good music emanating from their soul was priceless.

Usually, we in Jamaica wait until our icons are dead before we pay our tributes and accolades. It is full time this practice comes to an end. We need to let the remaining reggae founders know how much we 'appreci-love' and respect their talent.

Perhaps the Jamaica Reggae Industry Associationcould try and arrange a tribute to Junior Murvin, or Studio 38 could have him in concert. It is quite timely and would certainly reacquaint Junior Murvin's music with the older generation, and introduce him to the younger ones, who probably may have never heard him sing or had the chance to view a show featuring an artiste ofsuch high calibre.

MARSHA I'NUBIYA HALL

marsha.m.hall@gmail.com

Kingston 6