In 1976, 44 years ago, Jamaica was on the verge of civil war. Two major political parties were vying for power, weaponizing the lowest in society, the downpressed, without thought or mercy. Guns had become a way of life and a fact of life for too many, affecting those in the poorest, most blighted districts. …
Tag Archives: Jamaica
Niney’s finest moment
“How can I give up a continent, for only an island?” Thus begins The Son’s of Selassie’s masterpiece, “I man a African,” starring Max Romeo at his righteous, wounded best. His voice cracks like splintering teak, he hits a high note in the middle of the line, but lets it slip back down by the …
Johnny in the echo chamber
King Tubby put the sound of thunder onto the shimmeringly beautiful Johnny Clarke records made in 1975. Bunny Lee had brought an ephemeral, acheing simplicity onto the original recordings. He got the best out of Clarke, a man whose voice was made of Waterford crystal. Tubby took that and put the wrath of Jaweh, the …
Jacob Sweetman 