This is a narrative of Jamaica told on a musical crescendo, no 'bungar.ung'. Just the words of Jah. `Equal Rights: Reggae and Social Change' is seeking to transform the bare walls of the Jamaica Music Museum, stringing together notes of this truly Jamaican genre. "Since reggae is Jamaican, we have used it to convey the message," said Herbie Miller, director/curator of the Jamaica Music Museum. "It is a journey highlighting socio-political and spiritual sensibility." The realm of the `happy go lucky' Jamaica transitions to Ska depicting plain and modern art building the crescendo of social change as the legendary Bob Marley and the Wailers resonate 'Get Up Stand Up', evolution of musicians on the frontline of social change.
"We do it in the rural areas more than we do it in Kingston and I think events such as Kingston Pon Di River really need to happen more. It's a way of giving people a voice. I really congratulate the organisers, and it's one of those events that people should put on their calendar," she said. "I thought the audience reception was very positive. It's encouraging me to write some more stories. Kingston Pon Di River buss me as a creative writer, so mi haffi go through," she told The Gleaner.
"The LTM and NDTC relationship speaks for itself, we need each other," she said, before continuing to creatively embroider her personal experiences with the NDTC into her speech. With the dance floor of the NDTC studio as the stage, the delightful evening's programme flowed with a message from the chairman of the Rex Nettleford Foundation, Carlton Davis, a vote of thanks from NDTC Musical Director, Marjorie Whylie, and excerpts from the company's' repertoire. The dances were performed by the now generation of dancers.
In her exciting presentation entitled "Stuck in Traffic: Jamaican Culture Outa Road," Dr. Cooper explained that "Jamaican culture, like Jamaican traffic has special challenges." Addressing an overflow audience at the Embassy, she surveyed aspects of Jamaican Culture through a metaphorical review of the traffic situation in the country from the time of Independence.
The annual event is a celebration of the second principle of Nguzo Saba, 'Kujichagulia' which means 'self determination'. Providing musical entertainment for the night was the Anthem Band along with saxophonist, Jerry Johnson and roots reggae singers Ossie Dellimore, Major Daps and Noel Jones. Cater Van Pelt was the selector for the evening and food was catered · by Totally Delicious Restaurant.