Smile For Me Jamaica – Love At First Sight

If the general perception is that the music coming out of Jamaica is no good and that Jamaican artistes ‘ain’t singing shit’ why has Sizzla Kalonji’s “Solid As Rock” featured on Jay Z Magna Carter 2013 album which certified Platinum on the day it was released? Or why Assassin, Popcaan, Capleton and Beenie Man all Dancehall artistes, featured on Kanye West “Yeezus” album? Why is Rihanna listening to Busy Signal’s “Missing You” track which her best friend posted on instagram with an homemade video of the Pop Star singing the song showing all her emotions? Why the BET Award interest? Why? Why? Why? Are we to believe these major artistes and other interest likes crap?

Kudos to all international reggae artistes across the world who have come to love the music, make it apart of who they are and doing exceptionally well on the international front.  This writer is a big fan of Gentleman from Germany and appreciative of all reggae artistes for their music.  However the constant beat down on the Jamaican artistes are unfair. Truth be told, not all reggae and dancehall artistes whether in Jamaica or across the world will get international recognition; those who have and those who will must prove themselves worthy.  
So while the creative machinery continue to churn, support for local artistes must be unbiased and without malice.  From the interviews however, the Jamaican artistes remain confident, steadfast and persistent.  Chronixx, one young advocate of not only good Reggae music but for the future of other Jamaican artistes had these encouraging words for reggae fans, “don’t mek dem detour your mind from good music.  If not me, there’s a lot of other artistes doing good music...” The are well aware of the challenges they face, the future lies in their hands, hence the focus on the local front must be channelled toward unity among artistes, each one teach one, pride in our media and dedication among local radio Program Directors and Producers in showcasing the talents that exist within the industry.  Romain Virgo, Protege, Busy Signal are also worth mentioning as they currently have a stage among foreign artistes who are doing it big.  I-Octane, another young future prospect who is given the charge to headline Dancehall Night at Reggae Sumfest 2013.  A task that for years have been given to the likes of Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, said in interview on CVM television, “I am not doing this for me, I’m doing this for Reggae,” such commitment affirm the Jamaican artistes determination. 

If the artistes get together and work as a unit they will become a worldwide force to be reckon with and they must note, that those before them faced similar challenges, “could it be love?” The legendary Bob Marley did say, “Don’t let them fool you, or even try to school you..don’t let them change you or try to rearrange you…only the fittest of the fittest shall survive”…Smile for me Jamaica, love at first sight.

(click here to watch “OnStage’ 2013 Summerjam coverage) 
By: Sophia McKay