Emprezz explores death at Long Story Short

Emprezz Golding chose to explore what many would consider a rather taboo topic at the recently staged Long Story Short held on the lawns of Grosvener Gallery, St Andrew. Described by financial adviser and creative entrepreneur Daniel Edwards as a platform for the arts in Jamaica to promote and maintain the African oral traditions, the event was well executed.

Each competitor was asked to tell a true story, a real experience in three minutes, and in an emotive, action-packed 180 seconds, Emprezz took the captive audience to far-flung places as she belted out her raw tale of bereavement.

It was with her trademark fiery passion, and just a little bit more, that the television host spoke of the passing of her beloved mother, clearly a larger-than-life human being.

Emprezz, who was making her debut, both as a patron and a speaker at the event, told The Gleaner that it was a deliberate decision – and not a dearth of material – to open up about this borderline unpalatable topic in such a public space.

“It has been the most traumatic and significant moment in my life. It has affected me in ways I never thought possible,” she said simply.

And, having told her story, Emprezz declared that she was definitely in a better space.

“When so many people said, ‘Why would you speak about death to an audience?’ I hesitated, but because I know so many people have and will experience same, I felt it was my duty to share the pain and lessons. I am not usually vulnerable, but I was on that day and having spoken so publicly, I felt a sense of courage, joy and clarity in my purpose,” she stated.

Her story saw her travelling overseas to her parents’ home, upon hearing of her mother’s passing. She spoke about mundane stuff like putting on her mother’s make-up, which took on special. Emprezz also entered perplexing terrain: What happens to your other parent when one dies? In her case, who would take care of her father?

Hers was a story that conjured up a wide range of emotions in both the storyteller and the listeners, and one patron, Joni-Dale Morgan told The Gleaner, “I give her props for telling that story. I don’t think I could have done that.”

Is this a story that Emprezz would tell again?

“Yes. Because there are so many angles, so many lessons, and so many moments of beauty in the brokenness. Many people are afraid to go there ... but I am no longer. It is going to happen to all of us. How can we prepare?” she asked.