Jus' Jah Magazine Winter 2020/2021

MAGAZINE

BRINGING YOU THE WORLD OF RASTAFARI AND REGGAE

WINTER 2020/21 | £4 ORDER AT

www.jusjahmagazine.com

HONOURING EMPRESS

BARBARA BLAKE HANNAH JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

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SPECIAL THANK YOU’S Special Thank You’s Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Winter 2020/2021 issue of Jus’ Jah Magazine incredible.

About the cover: This cover shows Barbara Blake Hannah in 2020, at home in Jamaica. This picture was provided by Barbara Blake Hannah and she remains the copyright holder.

NOTICES Jus’ Jah Magazine is published four times a year in the UK. No content may be reproduced in any format without prior written consent from the owner.

Jus’ Jah Magazine is committed to producing a culturally-rich, vibrant and representative publication.

Our contributors offer a unique range of views. Their individual opinions are their own and not necessarily shared by Jus’ Jah Magazine.

Give thanks to Jah RastafarI for guiding the entire team to produce such a special issue.

Thank you to Nicholas Dixon, Justice Dixon, Jahzarah Dixon, Jahfari Dixon, Glynis Mc Queen-Simon, GEMs Management Consulting, Teodora Nikolov, Barbara Blake Hannah, Ronnie Tomlinson, Destine Media, VP Records, Natasha VonCastle, The Wailing Souls, Sean Paul, Ghetto Youths International, Rocky Dawuni, Cary Sullivan, Matry, David Powell, Roael Entertainment, Tessa Johnson, Makeda Abacha and family, Jamaica Village Ghana, Lindsay Oliver Donald and Jus’ Jah Kitchen.

Also, the deepest gratitude to my parents for their love.

Thank you to all our readers and supporters, for believing in Jus’ Jah Magazine, our vision and editorial values.

Our departments Greetings@jusjahmagazine.com General enquiries.

Sales@jusjahmagazine.com To advertise with us or collaborate.

Picth@jusjahmagazine.com If you have a story you want published.

This edition of Jus’ Jah Magazine is dedicated to the late great Bunny Wailer, Marcus Garvey III, U-Roy, Bob Marley and Mortimo Planno.

Thank you for all your contributions to our history, culture and music.

Subscriptions@jusjahmagazine.com For all enquiries about subscribing.

Editor@jusjahmagazine.com All editorial enquiries including interviews, features and corrections.

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JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

Keep guiding us all.

CONTENTS PAGE

2. Thank you’s 3. Contents Page 4. Advert 5. Letter from the Publisher 6-7. The Rasta Calendar 8-9. Happy Earthday Empress Menen 10. Remembering 11. Nyabinghi Chant 12-15. Destined for greatness: Matry 16. Happy Groundation Anniversary 17. www.jusjahmagazine.com 18-19. The Emperor’s caribbean tour 20-27. Honouring Barbara Blake Hannah 28-33. Ghana’s Reggae Superstar: rocky dawuni 34-35. End Racism Now 36-37. Remembering 38. Happy Africa Day 39. Poetry Corner with Mount Zinai 40-43. The Future of Jamaican Music: David Powell 44-45. The Wailing Souls Release Back A Yard 46-47. Honouring Bob Marley 48-49. Remembering Mortimo Planno 50-51. Ghetto Youths International Set Up Shop 4 52-55. Salute Our Elders: Lindsay Oliver Donald 56-57. Lindsay’s Photo Gallery 58-61. Repatriation: Jamaica Village Ghana 62. Sean Paul drops new album: Live N Livin 63. Jus jah kitchen 64-65. Ital food lockdown edition 66-67. Jahzarah’s cooking 68-69. Comics by Justice Dixon 70. Twelve tribes chart 71. Reggae word search 72. His majesty says 73. About this picture 74-76. Back page www.jusjahmagazine.com

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12-15

20-27

28-33

40-43

52-55

46-47

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“INI AH REASON” REGGAE PODCAST

A brand new podcast discussing all things related to Reggae and Dancehall music. We also highlight issues within the Rasta community, the Caribbean and Africa. INI Ah Reason is hosted by Journalist and Editor, Sinai Fleary, and Reggae artist and Songwriter, Asha Heights.

Join the discussion by using #INIpodcast

THE PODCAST IS AVAILABLE ON

YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and Colourfulradio.com

Instagram: @iniahreason

Twitter: @InIAhReason Facebook: @InIAhReason

MAGAZINE

Letter from the Publisher Dear Reader, Happy 2021!

I hope the first few months of 2021 (according to Gregorian calendar) have been good to you. I pray this reaches you and your loved ones well and healthy - in the midst of these unprecedented times.

Thank you for purchasing the Winter 2020/2021 issue of Jus’ Jah Magazine.

When I was putting this issue together, I wanted to ensure every page inspires, lifts and encourages us all during the pandemic.

I am so delighted to have the Honourable Empress Barbara Blake Hannah on the cover of Jus’ Jah Magazine. Ms Blake Hannah has been at the forefront of the fight for equal rights and justice for the Rastafari Movement for decades. But also, she was the very first Black TV journalist in the UK, inspiring so many (including myself) to pursue a career in media.

This issue also features so many amazing people and it was a real honour to interview them all. I thought it would be fitting to acknowledge some of our legends who are no longer with us.

I want to take the time to say thank you to everyone who has championed Jus’ Jah Magazine so far. All of your messages and words have touched me.

I have so many exciting things planned for 2021 and I can’t wait to share them with you. For now, enjoy this issue of Jus’ Jah Magazine.

But also, keep the faith, hold firm and remember Jah nah sleep!

Give thanks for your love and support.

Jah Guidance and blessings always,

Sinai Fleary Editor & Founder JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

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CALENDAR

THE RASTA CALENDAR

There are several key events that are of historical and cultural significance to Rastafarians. These special dates are celebrated throughout the year. Here are some of those important dates in the Rasta calendar.

GENA OR GENNA

THE BATTLE OF ADWA

January 7th (Annually)

March 1st (Annually)

Gena is the Ethiopian Orthodox Church celebration of Christmas.

Often called Rasmas in Rasta communities.

On this date in 1896, the first war was fought between Ethiopia and Italy, in the town of Adwa. Menelik II lead Ethiopia’s 100,000-strong army to victory against the Italians, who wanted to colonise Ethiopia.

ROBERT NESTA MARLEY EARTHDAY February 6th (Annually) Bob Marley, was born on this day in 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica.

His earthday is celebrated by Reggae fans and members of the Rasta community in Jamaica.

Celebrations usually take place across the island, but also at Marley’s home, which is now the famous Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road, Kingston.

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EMPRESS MENEN I EARTHDAY April 3rd (Annually) Rasta’s honour the earthday of Empress Menen Asfaw, who was the wife of Emperor Haile Selassie I. According to the Ethiopian calendar, she was born on Magabit 26 1881.

This translates to April 3rd, 1891, in the Gregorian calendar. She founded the Empress Menen School for girls and did extensive charity work in her homeland.

CALENDAR AFRICA DAY

MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY EARTHDAY

May 25th (Annually)

August 17th (Annually)

(PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS AFRICAN LIBERATION DAY)

Is the annual celebration of the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union. The OAU/AU was set up on May 25th, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Two of the founding fathers were Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.

LEONARD HOWELL EARTHDAY June 16th (Annually) Leonard Howell is regarded as the ‘First Rasta’ and was born 1898. He began preaching about the crowning of Ras TafarI Makonnen in 1933.

Howell formed one of the earliest Rasta communities called Pinnacle, in St. Catherine, Jamaica.

HAILE SELASSIE I EARTHDAY July 23rd (Annually) Haile Selassie I’s earthday is one of the key dates in the Rasta calendar. He was born in 1892. His name at birth was Tafari Makonnen. His father was Makonnen Wolde Mikael and his mother was named Yeshimebet Ali. His earthday is acknowledged in the Rastafari community with traditional Nyabinghi celebrations.

Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr. ONH is revered as a prophet for the RastafarI Movement.

His earthday (birthday) is celebrated annually, by Garveyites, Pan-Africanists and Rastas.

ETHIOPIAN NEW YEAR September 11th (Annually) The Ethiopian calendar is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar.

Enkutatash is the word for Ethiopian New Year in Amharic the official language spoken in Ethiopia.

PETER TOSH, EARTHDAY October 19 (Annually) Peter Tosh was born on October 19, 1944, and was a founding member of The Wailers. He was fondly known as the ‘Stepping Razor’ or the ‘Bush Doctor’.

Many use his earthday to remember his life, activism and timeless music.

ROYAL ETHIOPIAN CORONATION November 2nd (Annually) The Rastafari Movement commemorate the anniversary of the Coronation of Haile Selassie I and Empress Menen Asfaw, which took place on this date in 1930.

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TRIBUTE

HAPPY EARTHDAY EMPRESS MENEN Photo Credit: @colinmurrayart www.colinmurrayart.com

Written by Sinai Fleary

E

mpress Menen Asfaw was born 26 Magabit 1881(in the Ethiopian calendar) which translates to April 3rd, 1891, in the Gregorian calendar. She was the Empress 8

JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

consort and wife of Emperor Haile Selassie I. Her name at birth was Wolete Giyorgis and was born in Ambassel, in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia.

TRIBUTE

She had many important roles during her life and took great pride in her work.

Empress Menen founded the Empress Menen School for Girls in Addis Ababa.

The school had students during the day and had overnight boarding school students too.

She was also an active promoter of women’s issues in Ethiopia.

Empress Menen did extensive charity work in her homeland. She was the Patroness of the Ethiopian Red Cross and would help those less fortunate than herself.

She was known for donating to those who were sick or living with disabilities.

She was a woman of God and contributed to a number of churches in Ethiopia,

including the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

She loved her country and would always fulfil her public roles to the highest standard. Empress Menen was also considered the most trusted adviser to Emperor Haile Selassie I and would often be his first point of call, when it came to making key decisions.

On November 2nd, 1930, when Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor of Ethiopia (as Haile Selassie I), Menen Asfaw was crowned Empress at his side - which was not common practice. Empresses were normally crowned three days after the Emperor.

Happy Earthday Empress Menen!

JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

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REMEMBERING

REMEMBERING NEVILLE O’RILEY “BUNNY WAILER” LIVINGSTONE, OM OJ, (10/04/1947 ~ 02/03/2021) LEGEND, RASTA, INCOMPARABLE, REBEL,TEACHER. BUNNY WAILER WAS A GIFTED SINGER-SONGWRITER, PERCUSSIONIST, ACTIVIST AND GANJA ADVOCATE. HE WAS A THREE-TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNER AND AN ORIGINAL MEMBER OF THE PIONEERING REGGAE GROUP THE WAILERS, ALONGSIDE PETER TOSH AND BOB MARLEY. HE WAS 73 AND WILL BE DEARLY MISSED. FOREVER OUR B Reggae Month was created to celebrate theJAH contributions and achievements of Reggae artists, producers, promoters creative and entrepreneurs.

The month-long celebration is an annual event which highlights POWER Jamaica’s heritage and RISE musicalIN history.

Some of the key highlights of Reggae Month include celebrations for Dennis Brown’s earthday (Feb 1st), Bob Marley’s earthday (FEB 6th) and various other industry and seminars.

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CHANT

NYABINGHI CHANT

Closer than a brother Jah Rastafari is to I, He is I dearest friend, in everything I need.

Jah is I rock, I shield and hiding place, Closer than a brother, Jah Jah is to I. Closer than a brother Jah Rastafari is to I, He is I dearest friend, in everything I need.

Jah is I rock, I shield and hiding place, Closer than a brother, Jah Jah is to I. Closer than a brother Jah Rastafari is to I, He is I dearest friend, in everything I need.

Jah is I rock, I shield and hiding place, Closer than a brother, Jah Jah is to I.

JUS’JAHmagazine JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter | Winter 2020/2021 2020/21

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INTERVIEW

DESTINED FOR GREATNESS:

MEET UK RAPPER MATRY

Photo credit: @officialmatry Instagram

Interview by Sinai Fleary

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ntroduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Matry and I am a rapper from Shepherd’s Bush, west London.

Tell us how you got the name Matry and does it have a special meaning?

I was given the name by the man dem! I grew up in Becklow Gardens and I would always hang out with my boys. One day, a car was driving down the road and I managed to dodge the car before it hit me. After that, the man dem gave me the name Matrix because of how I dodged the car similar to the character in the film The Matrix. I decided to keep the name because I am a fan of the film. I did shorten the name to Matry and the name has stuck with me ever since.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

At primary school, me and my friend Negus used to go up on stage during assembly and perform for the whole school.

I would write songs and we would sing and rap for the school. One day, we performed a song and at breaktime the whole school was chasing us around the playground and saying we were good. That was my first insight into having fame.

As the years went by, I just stuck with the music and it progressed from there. I probably could have been a footballer, as I was quite good, but music was my ultimate dream.

How did your upbringing influence your decision to become a rapper?

I was around a lot of aspiring artists and rappers growing up. There was a crew called the Becklow Boys and one of them had a studio link and I remember we all went to the studio to record. There was about ten of us who went and ten of us ended up being on that song. That was my first experience recording and it was a great experience.

Photo credit: @officialmatry Instagram

I

INTERVIEW

My mum has always encouraged me. At family parties she would call me to perform for the family. My family encouraged me to keep going and to be persistent.

What sort of music do you listen to and are there artists who have helped shape you into the rapper you are now?

I grew up on a lot of old school Reggae and my mum would play a lot of Soul music. I remember as a kid watching Michael Jackson and being amazed at his talent and his ability to Moonwalk.

My older brother would play a lot of Hip Hop, so through him, I got into a lot of Rap music. I would listen to a lot of Busta Rhymes, Tupac and Jay-Z. There was also a time when House and Garage music was big in the UK, I went to a lot of those under 18 raves when I was younger. I would listen

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INTERVIEW to a lot of UK MC’s like Danger K and MC Creed. I like all types of music - as long as it is good music.

How would you describe your musical sound?

I would describe myself as a UK Rapper but my sound is very versatile.

As long as it feels good to me then I will work with it. I could jump on any style of music including Afrobeats, Trap, Rap, or UK Drill.

Your wordplay is very clever! How do you go about writing the lyrics for your raps?

I do a lot of reading and that helps. I am like a sponge and take everything in that I read. I would watch a lot of battle rap and I would study how they came up with metaphors and their lyrics. I study the art of songwriting and how songs are put together, which has been very beneficial to my own songwriting ability. It inspires me to try and do something just as good as my favourite artists. I feel like my time as come and I have been putting in the work, one building block at a time.

Tell us about your song “Round Here”.

A producer sent me a beat and the lyrics just came to me. I performed it to a couple girls and they liked it and suggested that I put it out. That was my first touch on the Drill sound.

Tell us about your song “Legend”.

It’s a song about perseverance and carrying on despite what may be happening around you. It is a song to encourage people to not give up and to keep going.

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Photo credit: @officialmatry Instagram

Who are your top 5 artists in any genre?

Some standout artists for me are Tupac, Biggie Smalls, Bob Marley, Mary J Blige and Jay-Z.

In your Instagram bio, there is a caption that says “There is no spoon”. What does this mean?

It comes from the film The Matrix, where the little boy saying to Neo (played

by Keanu Reeves) “there is no spoon.” It basically means everything we think is holding us back is not real and whatever you give power to, will then become real to you. But also, it represents not having any fear, very similar to passages in the Bible.

How have you been coping with the Coronavirus pandemic and have you been writing any new music?

The lockdown has been amazing for me to be honest! I have done so much reading and have been really educating myself.

I have been really getting into my own self-development. I have read a great book

INTERVIEW called The Science of Getting Rich and I have just finished a book called The Game of Life and How to Play It. Both of these books are very deep and I have learnt so much from them.

Musically, I have been planning my next project – which I am very excited about.

Tell me about your song “Spazzin”.

For that song, we had like a Michael Jackson Thriller video type of concept.

There was a lot of make up used to make us all look like zombies in the video. It was a fun day on set, shooting the video. That was the last video I did before the pandemic hit.

It has been getting some good feedback from fans.

Do you have all the creative control when it comes to the concepts of your videos?

Yes, I come up with all the ideas. I had a few ideas and I bought them to the video producer. Shout out to Lucy Camello! She brought the video for Spazzin’ to life and made it all happen.

You have been around for a while, putting out music and you even had a music shop at one point. What keeps you going?

It’s my love for the craft and I actually love what I do. There are a lot of people who are not able to do what they want. So every day I am thankful to be in this position.

What’s been your career highlight so far?

I would say getting 100,000 views on my “Round Here” music video. It felt good that people are appreciating my music. I did that during the lockdown last year, which was challenging. But to see people gravitate to it,

has made me proud. This year, I am going to go for a million views!

What is it like managing your YouTube Channel and Social Media as an independent artist?

YouTube haven’t started paying me yet!

(Matry laughs). I need a few more watch hours! So if the fans can go and watch my stuff that would make a difference. I am confident I will achieve the amount of watch hours I need to monetise my channel. I am managing everything at the moment, but I think when things do begin to grow and take off, I will need a small team.

The Black UK music scene has really grown over the last ten years. How proud are you of the UK music scene at the moment?

I am proud of every single UK artist that has bought the scene to what it is today. Big up to every man and every gyal who has been putting in the work. I do like a lot of the local artists from Shepherd’s Bush. Big up WSTRN! Big up Angel! Big up Fredo also he is also from west London. And also big up Giggs, he is one of my favourite artists.

What is next for Matry?

I have got my next project ready now and the aim is to get a million views this year. I want to do everything the right way, especially with everything that I have learnt so far. My next single is coming out soon, it is called “London Boy” and it features an artist called Steelo.

Where can people reach you online?

Facebook: @Axomnelsonmatry Twitter: @Axonnelson Instagram: @Officialmatry YouTube: @Matry

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Happy groundation Anniversary 18/04/1966 (Trinidad & Tobago) 21/04/1966 (Barbados) 21/04/1966 (Jamaica) 24/04/1966 (Haiti)

MAGAZINE

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Make sure you subscribe to the channel, so you don’t miss the vibes!

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GROUNDATION

GROUNDATION DAY: THE EMPEROR’S CARIBBEAN TOUR Written by Sinai Fleary

G

roundation Day is a special day in the Rasta calendar. It is celebrated annually on 21st April to honour Haile Selassie’s 1966 visit to Jamaica.

What many do not know, the Emperor’s Caribbean tour in 1966, happened because of an invitation from the Prime Minister of

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Trinidad and Tobago, who at the time was Dr. Eric Williams.

Dr. Williams was appointed the first independent Prime Minister for the twin islands in 1962 and in the summer of 1965 he visited Ethiopia.

GROUNDATION It was during this visit, he extended an invite to His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie to visit Trinidad.

Dr. Williams arranged the Caribbean tour for the Emperor. It began on the island of Trinidad April 18, 1966. When His Majesty arrived at Piarco Airport in Trinidad, he was greeted by thousands of people who cheered and waved their flags. Many more were waiting along the route from Piarco Airport to the capital, Port of Spain.

The Emperor went to an Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Arouca, Trinidad, where he read from the scriptures.

His Majesty also stopped off in neighbouring Tobago and before setting off for Jamaica, Haiti and Barbados.

When Haile Selassie’s Ethiopian Airline plane landed at the airport in Jamaica, he was greeted by approximately 100,000 people, many who were from the Rastafari community.

The crowd was jubilant and excited to see the Ethiopian King, they had heard so much about through the teachings of Marcus Garvey, Leonard Howell and many other early preachers of the Rastafari faith.

Horns, drums, flags and firecrackers were dotted around the crowd.

The Jamaican authorities were forced to call for respected Rasta teacher, Mortimo Planno, to come to the plane, to try and calm the ecstatic crowd.

Prominent members of the Rasta community were invited to meet Emperor Haile Selassie I, during his trip to Jamaica. They included Ras Mortimo Planno, Ras Shadrach, Ras Daniel Heartman and Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards (who founded the Ethiopian African International Black Congress also known as the Bobo Shanti mansion of Rastafari). They were gifted gold medals which were engraved.

Haile Selassie’s visit to the Caribbean is still celebrated around the world today.

Happy Groundation Day Anniversary!

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HONOURING

HONOURING EMPRESS

BARBARA

HANNAH BLAKE Written by Sinai Fleary

H

ow would you introduce yourself to the Jus’ Jah readers?

I am a RastaWoman named Barbara which is my parent’s birth name, Blake my father’s name and Hanna, which was my husband’s name to which I added an ‘h’ in tribute to the woman Hannah in the Bible who prayed for a child. Makeda is the name that I was given when I was baptised in the Ethiopian Orthodox faith.

I am a woman born in Jamaica, who was taught to be a Black English woman through my education and the things I was taught to aspire to.

I am a journalist and a writer, who has worked in print, television and film. I am also a proud mother to my beloved son. In Rastafari, it is the greatest title to be called Mama and I am a mother Receiving the Order of Distinction, Kings House, 2018 to many.

Photo: JamaicaObserver

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HONOURING What was life like growing up in Jamaica?

My parents divorced when I was four years old, so I was raised by my father. My father was the publisher of Spotlight Magazine, the leading monthly magazine in Jamaica. He wrote nearly all the articles and it was a history book about Jamaican and Caribbean life. He was one of the first journalists invited to Cuba when Fidel Castro opened the doors after the revolution.

My father worked hard and we had a good upbringing. He had a house, car and could afford for us to have a gardener and a maid. He sent me and my sister to the top school in Jamaica, called Hampton.

I then went to school in Kingston and then went onto secretarial school.

Why did you come to England?

I was an extra in a film and the costume designer said they were going to England to film and asked if I wanted to go. It was a time of immigration and everyone wanted to go to England at the time, so I went.

What was life like for you in England?

I moved to Notting Hill Gate, in west London and continued with my journalism career. But I found I had to do a lot of secretarial work to survive. Notting Hill, Shepherd’s Bush and Brixton were about the only places in London were you felt safe and comfortable in those times. The accommodation for Black people was always poor. I always wanted to advance and do well

for myself but there were glass ceilings and obstacles.

What was the overall treatment for Black people in London at the time?

It was tough and there was a lot of racism.

I remember going into the newsagents in the mornings and they would ignore me and take their time to serve you. This was the case with all Black people. Even though we were paying customers, we are looked at with contempt and they wouldn’t want to give you your change in your hands because they didn’t want to touch you.

I finally got a job as the PR executive for the Jamaica Tourist Board in London.

Through this job, I met a lot of great people and mingled in prestigious media circles which provided me with some sense of purpose.

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HONOURING

BBH with Hon. Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture (l); Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marcus Garvey Wreath Laying Ceremony, August 2018 You made your TV debut in 1968, which made you the UK’s first Black TV reporter. Tell us about this historic moment in your career.

I saw a new TV station was launching and I applied for a job as a journalist. I went for an audition and then three weeks later I got a call to say, I got the job. When I turned up for the press launch, there were so many members of the media there to report on me being the first Black TV reporter in the UK. I would be sent out to interview people and sometimes guests would come into the studio. I did a wide variety of stories and really enjoyed my job. I did a story on the Beatles closing their shop in Baker street, which was a crazy riot. I also interviewed Michael Caine about some charity work he was doing at the time.

Tell us why you had to leave.

The job involved working with two producers, a man and a woman. The man was the person who actually hired me.

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But one day, I got a call from the female producer who said to me “Barbara, we are not renewing your contract, because people call in every day and and they write letters saying “get that N***** off our screen!”

It made me feel hurt and awful. The Race Relations Act had just been passed, but Gold Adowa the company didn’t Centenary Meddo anything about al, Diplomatic that outright racism. I rank - Presented didn’t know I had any

by Ethiopian rights and I didn’t know Crown Council, anyone who would 1998 champion my cause. I went on to do another TV job in Birmingham, but that was awful too. No one would rent me a hotel room at night because I was Black, so I would have

HONOURING to travel back to my flat in London every I went to watch the film and when the night and then return in the morning for Rasta man character, Pedro, (played by Ras our meetings. It was very exhausting.

Daniel Heartman) came out of the sea and Tell us what happened with Enoch threw his locks back, I knew I had to find Powell. out more about Rastafari.

The Birmingham TV When I saw Jimmy Cliff company sent me out in dazzle on screen, it made the middle of winter to me want to go back home cover a story about an to Jamaica. accident. When I returned I got flown to Jamaica to the studio, everyone for the premiere of the had packed up for the film and we also took the night. I asked who they film to the Venice Film had on the TV show and Festival. There was a riot they said Enoch Powell. around the cinema in I turned to my colleague Kingston for the premiere and said “Oh, I would have and the after party was the liked to have done that best party I had ever been interview.” They said to me to. I wanted to return to “That’s why we sent you Jamaica to also find out out on the job, because more about the Rastafari Powell said he would only faith and movement. come into the studio if the Black girl wasn’t there.”

What happened when My contract at that you returned to Jamaica? station ended and was After that, Chris not renewed. I then went Blackwell said he wanted on to work at the BBC me to work for him. But behind the scnenes and as much as I loved Chris, it was there that I learned I didn’t want to work for to produce a TV show. I another white person again produced a show about after my experiences in pensioners in Britain and the UK. He asked me to that was an eye-opener do one last favour for him, and made me realise I which was to introduce a didn’t want to grow old new Reggae band to some in England. Then I did a American journalists. He show on the Cannes Film State Opening of Parliament, gave me the address and it Festival. was 56 Hope Road and the Gordon House, 2016 Things changed when band was Bob Marley and I got a call from Chris the Wailers!!

Blackwell and he told me about the first ever Jamaican feature film (The Harder They What was Bob Marley like?

Come) and asked if I wanted to do the PR Bob became my great friend and he was and take it to some film festivals and I said a wonderful human being. I would stop yes. by the house after work and sit in the yard What was it like watching the iconic The listening to these Rasta men talking and I Harder They Come, for the first time? would soak it all in.

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HONOURING I remember one day, Bob Marley held up a book he was reading and it was “The Autobiography of Emperor Haile Selassie” and he said “Barbara yuh read this book?”

I looked up and said “No” very awkwardly and Bob replied “Yuh fi read it yuh know!” and from there I began my own learning and research into Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Rasta Movement.

How did you first get interested in the Rastafari Movement?

I remember seeing Rasta people first when I worked with my father in his office. They would come and knock the office door and my father would always embrace them. He would buy a broom or a pot from them.

He later did a cover story on the Rastafari Movement in his Spotlight Magazine. I never had a negative perception about the Rasta community, it was society who had that view.

Where did you get all your teachings on Rastafari from?

My real education was on Wareika Hill, at the home of Bro. Dougie Mack. Rastafari is an education in Black history and Black Culture. Rastafari is where I learned what it meant to be Black. I didn’t know anything about that in England. I thought Egypt was just Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Rastafari taught me about Mali, Zimbabwe and so much about Africa. It is through Rastafari that I know my Black history. I was mentally enslaved as I was brought up to know everything about England. At the time, I had never heard of Marcus Garvey until I saw Amy Jacques Garvey talking about him and that is when I became interested in his Philosophies. I had never heard of the Kebra Negast - the Ethiopian story of the Bible.

Rastafari gave me so much and taught me that Christ was Black and about the history of the first Christian church at Axum. I came to see that Emperor Haile Selassie I is divine because he is a perfect example for us of how to be a good person.

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I was reborn when I went home to Jamaica.

Rastafari is the living light of the world and so many people know that fact.

People of all colours and people who speak all different languages know about Rastafari.

Reggae Film Festival 2011 Were you ever discriminated against because you are a Rasta woman?

When I found Rastafari, people thought it was the worst thing ever. To many people because I came from the uptown part of Jamaica they felt I was bringing shame on my father and family. I was told I wouldn’t reach anywhere. So I started writing about Rastafari partly to justify and explain why I had chosen the life I had.

You were one of the first campaigners to ensure the Rasta community were treated fairly. How much has changed since then?

There have been a lot of changes. When Bob Marley appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine that changed a lot of minds. When the then - Prime Minister Edward Seaga appointed me as a Senator, many people were shocked that a Rasta woman could reach so high professionally in Jamaica.

In 1984, I was appointed an Independent Opposition Senator in the Jamaican Parliament. I was the first Rasta to sit in Parliament in Jamaica, and still the only

HONOURING one. I served as an Independent Opposition Senator until 1987.

This changed a lot of peoples minds and it definitely did help to change a lot of people’s thoughts of what it meant to be a Rasta.

You decided to home school your son and was criticised for it, but your son turned out to be a genius! Tell us about this.

Yeah, I chose to home school my son and faced a lot of criticism and was told my son won’t amount to anything. But at the age of 13, he was appointed Youth Technology Consultant to the Minister of Technology.

My son has spoken at the United Nations twice and Harvard University. He has toured schools in the Caribbean doing talks. I am so proud of him.

Tell us about your current campaign regarding Emperor Haile Selassie I? My current campaign is to get the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to accord the Emperor divine status. The Russian Orthodox Church has granted the Tsar of Russia divinity. Other good persons have been recognized as Divine. I would like to see the Ethiopian Orthodox Church give the Emperor the divine status he has earned by bringing so many souls to God and Godliness.

Two thousand years after Christ came, people forgot about his ways, so JAH sent another example in the form of Emperor Haile Selassie I. He has made people around the word see God through Ethiopian eyes.

I am also determined to spread an antiracism message because sadly racism still exists in 2021. The problem with racism is that many countries do not know their history. For many European countries, there is a resistance to acknowledging their past. They still believe that they civilized and Christianized Black people - but they didn’t. We were Christian before King James created a version of the Bible and he left out most of the information. They think they did

TV reporter, THAMES TV ‘Today” 1968, with Jane Probyn us a favour in enslaving us but they didn’t.

We need an apology from all the countries involved in the slave trade.

What inspired you to become a writer and author?

The one talent I had was writing and I thought it would be best for me to use it to write about what I knew.

My book ‘Rastafari-The New Creation’ came about because I was asked to write five articles about Rastafari for the Jamaican STAR newspaper, as it had never been written about before. After I wrote the articles, I went to buy copies of the newspaper and found that they were all sold out, which made me realise people were interested in the Rastafari Movement.

So I took the four STAR articles and decided to turn it into a book. At the time, the Rastafari Movement needed an advocate, most of them didn’t know how to write an article and submit it to the newspaper. So I decided to be that bridge and use my name, my talents and contacts to document the movement. It was the first book on Rasta written by a Rasta.

JAH gave me the ability to write! He puts the energy into these ten points (fingers) and when they touch the keyboard they just go and go. The Father uses me and has blessed me with a wonderful life as a writer. I am just an instrument in the hands of the Most High.

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HONOURING What was the inspiration behind your book Growing Out? That book is about growing out of the hair straighteners and growing my natural hair. It is a book about Black pride. The Black Power movement inspired me to change. I was inspired by Angela Davis, George Jackson, Michael X and the Black Panthers.

What keeps you so young?

I am going to be 80 in June this year and I still wake up every morning and give thanks to JAH for life. I am always optimistic and I love nature. I love talking to little babies and raising my son has kept me going too. Also, ganja has kept me young! (Barbara laughs) I don’t smoke anymore but I use to. I find so much joy in the life JAH has given me.

Rastafari has been the greatest blessing in my life!

You have been on the frontline advocating for the legalisation of Marijuana in Jamaica. How do feel about the growing medical Marijuana industry?

Rastafarians have been given permission to use the herb for sacramental use. In order to get licensing for medical Marijuana there are a lot of rules and regulations because of the international laws against Ganja. But I would like to see Jamaica earning money from the herb, as we have the best herb in the world. We could finance housing, schools, hospitals and roads just from the money we could generate from herb. Depending on tourism is not a good idea for the future of Jamaica because most of the hotels are owned by foreigners and the money goes out of the country.

It is not easy to get a medical Marijuana license in Jamaica and most of the local Ganja farmers don’t want to go through the process. The law needs revising also because it can take up to a year to get a license.

You have worked in the Jamaican film industry also. What would you like to see happen next with the Jamaican film industry?

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Independent Opposition Senators, Jamaican Parliament, 1984

Press launch “THAMES TV “Today” show, With Eamonn Andrews & Jane Probyn I would like to see more films like ‘Rockers’ and ‘Country Man’. I would also like to see more feature films that use Reggae as a soundtrack. There is a great demand for documentary films about Reggae, but most of them are made by nonJamaicans. We should be making them. It is nice to see young Jamaican film makers coming up and really trying to capture the culture of Jamaica. We need more of that.

How much has the reggae music industry changed and evolved since you were young?

It has changed a lot. Reggae has come a long way, Peter Tosh’s song “In the beginning” is now sung in the Catholic church. Can you believe it? Nyabinghi is still the most beautiful and powerful music.

Shabba Ranks is my favourite Dancehall artist and I also love Capleton. But I don’t like music that has guns and sex as the

HONOURING main theme. Hip Hop music started in Jamaica and we now have our own type of hip hop called First Coast music. Dub poetry is also making a comeback. To me, Jamaican music will always thrive. But for me my favourite Reggae artist will always be Bob Marley.

You currently are the Cultural Consultant for the Ministry of Culture in Jamaica and you are adviser on Rastafari matters. Tell us about some of the biggest achievements you have had in this role.

I advised the government it was time to repair the harm done to Rastafari by the Coral Gardens incident 50 years ago.

They acted on that recommendation and the Prime Minister (Andrew Holness) apologised and announced there would be reparations. It took us two years to get that done but we managed to help many victims of the Coral Gardens incident.

I also proposed that the Government observes the Coronation of Haile Selassie I each year, and this has been implemented.

I have set up a library of books about Rastafari and its issues for the use of anyone in Government who may want to do research. I also work closely with the Cannabis Licensing Authority and I continually raise concerns that are felt within the Rastafari community.

But I am politically independent and I don’t vote because there is no Rasta for me to vote for! I would like to see a Rasta in the Parliament, but it hasn’t happened yet.

What was it like finding out the Press Gazette were naming an award after you (the Barbara Blake-Hannah Award), to acknowledge up-and-coming journalists from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds?

That award has made lemonade out of lemons. For them to take an incident which caused me so much heartache 50 years ago into this award, is a blessing. I thought it was something people had forgotten about.

Growing up by Barbara Blake Hannah is out now!

The media has the power to change people’s attitudes to race and I hope my story can inspire people. Kuba Shand-Baptiste is the perfect first winner!

Tell us about your book Growing Up. ‘Growing Up’ is my story about the person I am now. I always say, if the lion doesn’t tell its story, the hunter will. This book is about my life as a Rastafari in Jamaica and it tells my story up to where I am now in my life.

It’s not over yet! ONE LOVE! Where can people reach you online?

Twitter: @BBlakeHannah Instagram: @Barbarablakehannah Facebook: Barbara Makeda Blake Hannah

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INTERVIEW

ROCKY DAWUNI

GHANA’S REGGAE SUPERSTAR

Photo by Treyz Kapture Studios

Interview by Sinai Fleary

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H

ow did you get your name, Rocky Dawuni?

My full name is David Rocky Nendo Dawuni, and I have my day name in Ghana which is Kwaku and means Wednesday born. My first name David, is after King David in the Bible, who was also a musician.

Rocky symbolizes my spirit, my mission and my belief that I am solid in what I believe and what I want to use my music for. Rocky represents foundation. Dawuni is my father’s name and also means a twin.

So when put together the name (Rocky Dawuni) represents everything that I am, being the evangelist to connect Africa to those in the Diaspora.

Growing up who were your musical influences?

I had both local influences and international influences. I come from a traditional royal home, my older brother is the chief of my people. We have a lot of connection to the indigenous music and ways and that was the first type of music I was exposed to. High Life music was the national style of music in Ghana and growing up that was the type of music which influenced me.

I spent a lot of time at the military barracks close to Accra and the Ghanaian soldiers were heavily into the music of revolution. In the barracks, the soldiers loved listening to Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Fela Kuti, Peter Tosh and I loved all of those artists. I also listened to James Brown and Curtis Mayfield.

I was drawn to any music that had a level of consciousness within it. I am also a fan of Tupac and Kendrick Lamar. I really loved the Neo-Soul genre and it instilled me with a new found sense of hope with artists like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. I love music which comes from a pure place.

I am a firm believer in balance, so I do love the great Pop records that will encourage you to get on the dance floor and dance.

INTERVIEW Tell us about your new EP, “Voice of Bunbon”?

On the new EP, I was really trying to express that sentiment of self-pride and cultural pride. I hope people are inspired by the message. The music is trying to bring people together to celebrate who they are.

Why did you call your EP the “Voice of Bunbon”?

Bunbon is actually my hometown in Ghana and it is so important for the youth not to relinquish their culture. This EP was to let people know the pride I have of my traditional tribe and our cultural ways. I want to elevate and celebrate my hometown and also honor indigenous people. I wanted to use this EP to shine a light on indigenous people who have been excluded from conversations which shape our humanity.

Tell us about your song “Woara.”

“Woara” is special to me and was recorded as a traditional Ghanaian High Life Choral track.When I play it for people they always say it sounds like Mento music from Jamaica, which again shows that we are in fact the same people.

Tell us about your song “Ghost Town.”

“Ghost Town” was written during lockdown last year. I was living in the Aburi Mountains in Ghana and was able to spend a lot of time in nature. The song also asks the question about how we got to the pandemic in the first place. Our lifestyles are very busy and modern but not healthy. I hope now people are using this time to address the over exploitation of the land and the fast food lifestyle and mentality. The song is about looking critically at where we are and how we can change our ways. There was

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INTERVIEW bound to be a breakdown, we were going too fast! We were living very stressful lives and were constantly using social media.

Now is the time for us to reset and become balanced human beings again. There is a great video for the song as well that I shot in Los Angeles that touches on these issues including homelessness.

What advice would you give to people in lockdown?

I would suggest to people to use this time to work on you and stay close to your God, your family and friends. This time is heavy mentally, spiritually, financially and we need to activate our human connection to help us through. We are all children of God and God is with us in this time.

You have a song about relationships on the EP called “My Baby”. What was the concept behind the song?

The song “My Baby” was a conversation that goes through everyone’s mind and I wanted to ignite the light aspect of relationships. It also is a way to show that relationships are meant to enrich people’s lives. The overall sound of the song is a sound which was pioneered from the coast of Ghana.

What is the Reggae music scene like in Ghana?

It has been a long struggle with getting Reggae into the mainstream here. But over the years we have seen the music grow and develop especially with the younger generation. Right now, the Ghanaian variants of Dancehall (and Afro Dancehall) and Reggae are the main music but High Life, Hip Life and Afrobeats is still very popular. We have a lot of great artists here in Ghana like Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale who are making the scene very vibrant.

For myself, it is always about staying true to the core meaning of Reggae. I am interested in expanding the spiritual aspect and social 30

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dimension of the music especially at a time where us (as Black people) need to amplify our voices more.

Speaking of Stonebwoy, you have a great collaboration with him called “Wickedest Sound”, how did this collab happen?

I wanted to change the dynamics because I didn’t have a lot of features before on my songs. When I wrote “Wickedest Sound,” I felt like it needed something else but I wanted to take my time and wait for the opportunity

Photo by Treyz Kapture Studios

INTERVIEW

to present itself to me. The song is a fusion of Afrobeat, Reggae and High Life music.

I wanted a voice that would be contrasting with me but also a voice that understood the cultural context from which it is coming. I saw Stonebwoy and I played the song for him and he loved it. He added his magic to the song and the final product is a beautiful piece that I am very proud of.

How important is it for you to use your music to address social issues?

Using music as a tool for social change is

very important to me. We have to recognize the times we are in. There are so many issues right now and we must use our voices to ensure that we are heard. A lot of the problems we face are systemic and need changing once and for all, like racism, police brutality and what we saw last year with the murder of George Floyd.

This is the time for Africa to start embracing our people in a real way. We must make those in the Diaspora feel like they are part of this continent and have always been a

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INTERVIEW part of it. We are all branches of the same tree and we must peel away the veil of colonialism in all of its forms.

We must write the next chapter of African history, together and united. We must step up and own that destiny.

How has the Rastafari Movement and Marcus Garvey impacted Ghana and the rest of Africa?

Marcus Garvey’s message and the early message of the Rastafari Movement did a lot of the groundwork of uplifting our people.

Our forefathers like Kwame Nkrumah had the same Pan-Africanist way of thinking but a lot of our modern African leaders have not embraced that message.

The Rasta Movement was perceived as a strange movement and wasn’t really supported by governments and institutions when they first arrived in Africa. This was because of differences in religious beliefs. But we have seen more recently in initiatives like the 2019 “Year of Return” in Ghana and the Joseph Project adopting the same ideas that Marcus Garvey and the Rastafari Movement had years ago and rebranding the idea of repatriation - so it is accessible to everyone.

The message remains the same it is just the vessel that has changed.

You spent a lot of time in America, what was that experience like for you?

I met a lot of great people while living in America. One of things that struck me was that many of our brothers and sisters in America do not have a lot of information about Africa. Many have been given a onesided view of Africa, which is creating a lot of barriers. Luckily, we live in an information age where we can find so much online, which can help to dismantle the damaging images that have been perpetuated by the media.

Many who visit Ghana for the first time tell me they feel deeply connected to the people, land and the spirit of the continent which is 32

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very encouraging for our future.

What advice would you give to those in the Diaspora about visiting Ghana and Africa?

This is the time for us to connect with each other. I would encourage them to come and feel the continent. When you come, your spirit will recognize the land and land will recognize your spirit, there is that genetic memory - which is everlasting! Now is the time to reconnect with Africa spiritually, mentally and physically. I would encourage people to understand how diverse and rich each country is. Ghana has over 75 languages and there are over 1000 languages in Africa.

We are a wonderfully diverse place! The new Africa is one of promise and hope.

How did it feel to be nominated for a GRAMMY Award?

Being nominated for a GRAMMY Award was a blessing! I was the first Ghanaian artist to be nominated for a GRAMMY. A lot of Ghanaian artists can now see that it is possible to reach that pedestal and it is an honor to be recognized for my work internationally.

What has been your career highlight so far?

For my 4th album “Book of Changes” I did an album launch and Stevie Wonder came and jumped on stage with me and performed the song “Wake the Town.”

A few years after, we were booked to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, which had 18,000 people in attendance. It was amazing!

Stevie invited all the artists to come back on stage and perform the finale which was his song “Higher Ground.” I remember looking at his album covers and hoping I would be able to touch people the way he has with his music. Stevie has done concerts in Ghana and we have been friends for some time. He is a wonderful artist.

Another personal highlight for me is

Photo by Treyz Kapture Studios

INTERVIEW

when I met Prince. He came to my club Afro Funke’ in Los Angeles. I created the club to book, promote and play African artists and music from the Diaspora because we were not getting booked at other venues. It became a place where everyone came and one day Prince walked in.We spoke about philosophy, God, Africa and so many things. He invited me to his home and he did a full-on private concert.

It was a blessing to my life to have met him and these moments have strengthened me in my work and my mission.

What else have you got planned for 2021?

I have a lot of community work with my foundation - the Rocky Dawuni Foundation, and I have recently launched tree planting initiatives in Bunbon and other areas throughout Ghana.We want to plant more trees in the cities to counter all of the traffic, pollution, create more oxygen,

shade, food sources, etc. I will be promoting the idea of people growing their own food and becoming self-reliant through my #GlobalGardenChallenge.

We are also planning new concerts for Ghana and other places around the world. I hope to release “Voice of Bunbon, Volume 2” and am planning a full-length album at some point soon. There is much work to be done!

Onwards and upwards!

What are your social media contacts?

Website: www.rockydawuni.com Facebbok: www.facebook.com/rockydawuni Instagram: @Rockydawuni Twitter: @Rockydawuni YouTube: www.youtube.com/ rockydawunimusic

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JUSTICE FOR JAWARA MCINTOSH, GEORGE FLOYD, BREONNA TAYLOR, AHMAUD ARBERY& JACOB BLAKE. 34

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END RACISM NOW JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

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REMEMBERING

REMEMBERING DR. MARCUS GARVEY III (SON OF THE LATE PAN-AFRICANIST AND BLACK NATIONALIST, MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY JR.)

HE HAD BEEN BATTLING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE FOR SOME TIME, AND PASSED AWAY IN DECEMBER 2020.

HE WAS 90 YEARS OLD. ACTIVIST, PHYSICIST, ENGINEER, MATHEMATICIAN, LECTURER. GARVEY III IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIDOW, HIS BROTHER, DR. JULIUS GARVEY, SONS, COLIN AND KYLE-SEKOU, STEPDAUGHTER, MICHELLE MORRIS, AND FOUR GRANDCHILDREN. FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS RISE IN POWER 36

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REMEMBERING

REMEMBERING EWART “U-ROY” BECKFORD, OD (21/09/1942 ~ 17/02/2021) ORIGINATOR, HERO, PIONEER, ICON. FONDLY KNOWN AS DADDY U-ROY, THE ORIGINATOR, FARDA U-ROY AND THE GODFATHER OF DANCEHALL. HE IS CREDITED FOR CREATING ‘TOASTING” (RAPPING) WHICH WAS LATER ADOPTED AND USED IN MANY GENRES OF MUSIC LIKE HIP HOP AND DANCEHALL. FOREVER OUR GODFATHER RISE IN POWER

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HAPPY AFRICA DAY

HAPPY AFRICA DAY

ANNUALLY ON MAY 25TH Africa Day was previously known as African Liberation Day. It is an annual celebration for the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union.

The OAU/AU was set up on May 25th, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The founding fathers were Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.

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POETRY

Poetry Corner My Locks

By Mount Zinai

M

y locks symbolise my identity,

They are an extension of me,

Just like the branches of a tree, My locks stand tall, as part of me, A source of strength, A source of pride and a story, simply look at their length, Many may scorn them, But I adore them, They symbolise resilience, And brilliance, When I enter a room, they announce my presence, A holy connection is embedded, within their essence, They connect me to my heritage and roots, They are unapologetic, they are my truth, Societies standards of beauty, Do not phase me, My head is held high, As the sun beams on my crown, from the beautiful sky.

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39

INTERVIEW

THE FUTURE OF JAMAICAN MUSIC:

MEET DAVID POWELL Interview by Sinai Fleary

I

ntroduce yourself for the Jus’ Jah Magazine readers.

My name is David Powell I’m also known by my nickname “Dai I”, which means beloved.

I’m a proud 24-year-old Jamaican singersongwriter.

How long have you been singing?

I’ve been singing professionally for ten years now. My dad used to carry me to the studio at a young age and I was an active member in the high school choir. I was told back then to take my singing seriously. With that bit of advice, I launched the start of my career and started doing gigs since I was 11/12 years old.

Photo Credit: Fostershots

Who are your main musical inspirations?

My musical inspirations are Dennis Brown, Romain Virgo, Chiristopher Martin and a lot of early Chronixx. I enjoy listening to a lot of conscious music. My father would listen to a lot of Beres Hammond which shaped my musical preferences. My international musical influences are John Legend, Ne-Yo and Alicia Keys. I admire them as great songwriters because they are masterful at playing instruments.

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You also play the guitar, how long have you been playing?

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INTERVIEW

Photo Credit: Fostershots

I have been playing the guitar for about two years. It is a very interesting instrument.

Are you a self-taught guitarist?

Yes, I followed lessons on YouTube and taught myself to play.

Have you noticed any benefits of playing the guitar, when it comes to your songwriting?

Most definitely! It has helped unlock another part of my musical talent. It is such a great tool to figure out new melodies, ideas and is a great asset with my creativity as well. I would like to encourage any singer to learn an instrument.

What inspired you to write your song “Life Hard Heights of Great Men”?

The idea came to me when I was in The Bahamas for a live performance show. I was staying in a very nice place and I began to think about my life back home and how different it was. I do love where I am from, but it does have some challenges and I began to reflect on my life thus birthing part of the song.

I had the track for a few years, but couldn’t find a song for it. My friend sent me a couple of lines and I took some lyrics from my other songs. But it still wasn’t finished.

While in The Bahamas, my friend’s uncle (who was drunk at the time), said something that repeated in my head, he said “You have to stay true to your goal, have to keep that hunger in your soul” and that stuck with me because it was so powerful and it is a line in the song and the rest is history.

Tell us about your song “God Nah Sleep”.

Big up my pops, Wellington Powell! He was an aspiring singer and musician also, but he didn’t get to reach where he wanted

to. My dad would always sing this song called “God Nah Sleep”. I decided to write some more verses for it and to finish the song. I shared the completed version of the song with my father and he was pleased. Basically, my pops started the song and I just finished it.

How does your father feel about you pursuing a musical career?

He is very proud. Sometimes when I am singing and make a mistake, I will hear him shout from the other room “do that over again”. He is always listening to me practice.

If I am playing my guitar, he will knock on the door and pull up a chair and sit down and listen to me play. He is very supportive and loves music very much. I can’t leave him out, he is an important part of my team.

What have you been up to during quarantine?

I am doing a lot of songwriting and practicing. I am presently enrolled in a short course in audio engineering. I also play the keyboard and the drums, which has helped occupy my time. I am pleased to say that I have invested in some studio equipment because I wanted to utilize this time wisely by being productive at home.

How would you describe your musical sound in four words?

Passionate, uplifting, youthful and love.

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INTERVIEW

Photo Credit: Fostershots

I want to bring out these messages in my music.

What would you like to see change in Reggae and Dancehall?

I really appreciate the evolution of the music, but I would really like to see more improvement in the quality of some songs.

My critique I think that is from my audio engineering studies, I can tell when a song hasn’t been properly mixed. For my song “Life Hard”, I was present in the studio and saw the process of how songs are mixed.

Mixing “Life Hard” took four hours. I think the fast pace of life and the music business,

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is affecting the quality of songs.

What are some of the things you are most proud of when it comes to Reggae and Dancehall music ?

I love how the influence of Reggae and Dancehall has given birth to new genres of music like Hip Hop and Reggaeton. A lot of people have paved the way for me, so I want to ensure I do my best.

What’s your plans for the rest of 2021?

I have a new song coming out called “Up Ful Now”. This song is about being thankful and showing gratitude. I plan to do my best and lay a solid foundation for my music career. Less I forget I am managed by a group of remarkable people. Big thanks to Roael Entertainment for giving me an opportunity to pursue my dreams and for believing in me.

They have been with me every step of the way!

They have marketed me to the world and it is because of their relentlessness that I have been afforded the opportunity to share with Jus’ Jah Magazine today. Thank you Roael Entertainment you are golden.

What are your social media links?

Instagram: @Dai_ Imusic Roael Entertainment Instagram: @Roaelent Twitter: @Roaelent Facebook: Roael Entertainment

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REGGAE

THE WAILING SOULS RELEASE ‘BACK A YARD’

By Jus’ jah staff

T

he Wailing Souls are a band synonymous with Reggae, they have had an incredible career and have received a total of three Grammy nominations in the Best Reggae Album category, during their career.

The band have been instrumental in the evolution of Reggae music since the very beginning and they continue to do so in 2021.

The new album consists of 10 songs and features the group’s two longstanding members, Winston “Pipe” Matthews and Lloyd “Bread” McDonald.

In true Wailing Soul fashion, expect conscious messages, hardhitting lyrics and hypnotic Reggae rhythms. One of the songs on the album is “Stay Calm”. Another song on the album is “This Is the Time”, which is a stark reminder to seek joy everyday, which is something we will

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all appreciate at this time.

Both of these songs have been given a special Dub treatment, which works extremely well and takes us all back to when The Wailing Souls worked with Channel One during the 80s.

The new album entitled ‘Back A Yard’, has been produced by Reggae singer and Dub fan Alborosie.

The album is sure to please Reggae fans with its outstanding production.

Even though this is the groups 25th album, the energy on this could match any of their previous releases.

The Wailing Souls deserve a lot of love for their contributions to Reggae and should be honoured for their work. They have consistently delivered illustrious music over and over again and this new album is no different.

Make sure you get a copy!

Back A Yard by The Wailing Souls is out now!

REGGAE

Photo Credit: VP Records/ The Wailing Souls

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HONOURING

HONOURING

BOB MARLEY

By Sinai Fleary

T

he name Bob Marley is a name I have heard ever since I could remember.

He is loved and respected like a family member and is honoured around the world as prophet and messenger.

For me, Bob Marley was the first Rasta icon, the first Reggae icon and the first Jamaican superstar, I ever knew.

His music and stardom travelled around the world and helped to spread Reggae music and Rastafari globally.

I remember visiting Tunisia, North Africa, when I was 21/22 years old and even though the Tunisian people didn’t Photo Credit: @colinmurrayart www.colinmurrayart.com speak much English, when I saw them, they would point to my locks and smile and say “Bob When I visited Jamaica, I felt closer to Bob. Marley” and “Rasta”. I smiled everytime. I His music echoed through the hills of St Ann’s smiled beacuse even with the language barrier and in every parish they saw me for who I was - because of Marley.

I went to. But it was when I first went Very early on, I had an appreciation for good music and Marley’s music fell within that to the Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope realm.

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HONOURING

A street artist in Old Harbour, Jamaica, sketches a picture of Bob Marley Our editor, Sinai, sits in Bob Marley’s garden at 56 Hope Road, in 2018.

Bob Marley’s house taken in 2018, Kingston, Jamaica.

Road that I was spirtually moved. I got chills on my arms, as his songs played through the speakers attached to the roof of his home.

Walking through the gates at 56 Hope Road gave me a sense of pride as a young Rasta woman. I felt like I was finally somewhere where I belonged and was accepted.

Throughout my visits to Jamaica, Grenada, Carriacou and St Vincent, I have always felt welcomed and respected to the highest level as a Rasta woman. And it is that love that keeps me going back - along with the great vibes, food, weather, music and people. Marley’s music provides a song for every mood, every

A blue plaque placed in Ladbroke Grove, west London, in honour of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. thought and every meditation. One thing I love about him, he was unapologetic and he understood very early on, what his mission was. Marley’s energy and desire to educate, and uplift through his music is what still moves me today. Even 2021, his music has provided me with comfort, spiritual reckoning and happiness.

Happy 76th Earthday Bob Marley!

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REMEMBERING

REMEMBERING

MORTIMO PLANNO

M

By Sinai Fleary

ortimo (Mortimer) St George “Kumi” Planno was a revered Rastafarian leader and spiritual teacher. He was also a talented drummer and is considered one of the most important figures in the Back-to-Africa Movement, which was founded by Marcus Garvey in 1910s.

He was born September 6, 1929, in Cuba and was the youngest of four children.

Planno’s mother was Jamaican and his father was Cuban and a local tobacconist.

His mother took the family back to Jamaica when Planno was a young boy in the early 1930s.

It is believed he was three years old when he went to Jamaica.

Planno became interested in Photo Credit: @colinmurrayart www.colinmurrayart.com the Rastafari Movement very spiritual ceremony. The first “Universal early on and by the 1950s he had become a Groundation of Rastafari” was held in Backprominent teacher of the Rastafari faith in O-Wall in March 1958.

Kingston, Jamaica.

He is also credited with being a founding Planno’s work continued when we helped member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church create the Rastafari Movement Association. in Jamaica.

Planno was a gifted speaker.

At the time, Rastafari communities were He had a love for music and drumming often ostracised and forced to live in the hills and developed his craft and became known in Jamaica. Planno wanted to try and build as one of the most skilled drummers in the a more equal Jamaica, one which would Caribbean. embrace Rastafari as much as Christianity.

Planno was responsible for the first So he decided to approach educational “Universal Groundation of Rastafari”, institutions to include an official study of the which was a chanting, drumming and Rastafari Movement. He hoped this would 48

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REMEMBERING help to bridge the gap between the Rasta community and mainstream Jamaica.

As part of this initiative, he (along with some of his colleagues) were sent to various African countries. During is travels, Planno visited Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and other African nations in 1961. He was accompanied by other Rasta elders, they were Fillmore Alvaranga and Douglas Aiken Mack.

It was during this trip Planno met Emperor Haile Selassie I in Ethiopia. It would prove to be a very important trip and connection.

Planno went to Ethiopia with Alvaranga and Aiken Mack. According to Dr. Giulia Bonacci’s book, Exodus, Heirs and Pioneers, Rastafari Return to Ethiopia, the three Rasta’s gifted His Majesty with paintings and Planno gave him a red, gold and green scarf which he had made.

On April 21, 1966, Emperor Haile Selassie I visited Jamaica, this date is now known as “Groundation Day” in the Rastafari calendar.

On this historic day, Planno was called to help escort the Emperor off his plane to greet the 100,000-strong crowd.

Those in attendance were jubilant Rastas who were excited to get a glimpse of their Messiah but also other Jamaicans who wanted to see the Ethiopian King - who was being spoken about widely on the island.

Bob Marley was not on the island that day.

However, his fellow Wailers band members Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer were there and actually saw Haile Selassie I as he drove to the city. Rita Marley has famously spoken about seeing the Emperor that day and seeing markings in the palm of his hands.

Planno became instrumental in the teaching of the Rastafari ways to the next generation. He was keen to preach that God was Black and he had returned as Emperor Haile Selassie I. Haile Selassie’s full set of titles was: “His Imperial

Majesty Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of Kings and Elect of God,” girmawi qedamawi ‘atse hayille sillasie, mō’a ‘anbassā za’imnaggada yīhūda nigūsa nagast za’ītyōṗṗyā, siyūma ‘igzī’a’bihēr). His name Haile Selassie, means “power of the Trinity.”

Many regard Planno as the Rasta teacher to Bob Marley. For a while, he was Marley’s producer and manager and helped create his masterpiece single “Selassie is the Chapel”.

Planno went on to have an integral role in the historic One Love Peace Concert, which was headlined by Marley in 1978. The historic concert saw Marley bring together Michael Manley and Edward Seaga, the countries political rivals at the time.

Planno also encouraged members of the Rastafari community to learn Amharic, a language widely spoken in Ethiopia. Planno would give Amharic classes to those who were keen to learn.

During the 1990s, things had slightly changed in Jamaica. Rastafari was deemed more acceptable than during the 1940s and 1950s. Reggae and Roots and Culture music had taken the island and neighbouring Caribbean islands by storm and artists like Garnet Silk were widely adored for their music and spiritual connections to Rastafari.

Planno was celebrated for his work and was appointed a resident “Folk Philosopher” at the University of West Indies.

Sadly, Planno died on March 5th 2006 in Kingston.

Today, Ras Mortimo (Mortimer) Planno remains one of the most most significant members of the Rastafari Movement and one of our beloved elders and ancestors.

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REGGAE

GHETTO YOUTHS INTERNATIONAL

Photo Credit: Ghetto Youths International / Destine Media

RELEASE ‘SET UP SHOP VOL 4’

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REGGAE

hetto Youths International is a record label founded by Stephen, Julian and Damian Marley and at the end of 2020 they gifted us with ‘Set Up Shop Vol 4’.

The jam-packed compilation really showcases Reggae at its best! With the outstanding production this is a real treat for Reggae music fans.

ahead.

The 21-track compilation features the next generation of the Marley dynasty, with Jo Mersa and Yohan Marley. Both who are equally gifted with great voices and the ability to lyrically battle any MC. Jo Mersa and Yohan are ones to watch now, as they add to the talented Marley family legacy.

‘Set Up Shop 4’ takes you on a journey, touching all your emotions. We have a meditation session with Stephen Marley and Salaam Remi on the opening track, “40 Days & 40 Nights”. Then Black Am I takes us on a trip to praise His Majesty on his conscious track “Kings of Kings”.

Kabaka Pyramid delivers a blistering message on “Trample Dem” and legendary Reggae group, Third World, give us an upbeat track entitled “You’re Not the Only One”, which features Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley.

Answele provides uplifting messages for those struggling with the captivating “Jah is In Control”.This special compilation also features guest appearances from Chronixx and Busy Signal.

This entire compilation is outstanding and a MUST-HAVE! ‘Set Up Shop Vol 4’ will be part of our playlist for a very long time.

Set Up Shop Volume 4 is out now!

Christopher Ellis provides something for the couples with his beautiful song “Flame Against the Wind”.

Capleton and Yami Bolo team up for a memorable collaboration entitled “Chosen People”, which is produced by Damian Marley.

Julian Marley delivers a roaring performance on his song “Pages”.

‘Set Up shop 4’ also features a new track from Damian Marley which is entitled “Reach Home Safe”. This song is perfect for spring and summer and reminds us brighter days are

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SALUTE

SALUTE OUR ELDERS!

LINDSAY OLIVER DONALD

L

Interview By Sinai Fleary

indsay Oliver Donald is the former house photographer of Reggae Legend, Bob Marley. In this exclusive interview, with our editor, Sinai Fleary, he shares his story of how he became friends with Marley and how he managed captured some of the most iconic pictures in Black History.

Introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Lindsay Oliver Donald and I was born in Kingston, Jamaica. I was born on January 11th, 1952, so that would make me 69 years old.

I am a photographer and the former house photographer of the late great Bob Marley. I have self-published my book, Portrait of a Legend and other Folks, which is a portfolio of some of my photos of Bob Marley, his family and other notable figures.

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Tell me about your childhood.

My mum left me when I was nine months old, because she was a nurse and part of the Windrush Generation (who came to Britain to work and rebuild the country after World War II). She was one of the first Black nurses in Harrow Hospital. My mum worked very

SALUTE hard and went on to become a General Practitioner (GP). My mum got married to my stepfather, Mr Jackson and they had two children, my brothers, Michael and Carl.

When did you come to England?

I came to England when I was ten years old and I grew up in Harrow. In 1963, I had only been here for a year and then Britain had the worst winter ever! It was freezing and I would sleep with every single piece of clothes on! (Lindsay laughs).

In those days we never had central heating.

I cried because I didn’t like it here.

How did you settle into life in England?

When I came here, they would call me racist names like N*****, W** and C***. But luckily for me I was good with my fists! Once I knocked them out, they respected me and after that people would always say, “Don’t mess with Lindsay!”

From then, that is how it has been.

When did you notice a change in people’s attitudes towards Black people in the UK? I had to leave England in 1970 and went to live in Sweden for two years. While in Sweden, they treated me like God. I then travelled to Africa

and had a wonderful time. When I came back to England in the 80s, I noticed the change. When I left England in 1970, it was still No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs! (A racist sign which would be placed in public places like restuarants/pubs).

What was it like when you went to Africa?

I went to Morocco and I didn’t mean to spend so long there. While I was there I met some French guys who were going down into the Sahara Desert and I asked if I could go with them and they said yes. I was only meant to stay for three months but ended up staying for three years! I travelled around Morocco and then went across to Algeria. I went to Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin. I loved it and I had the best time of my life! Ghana was probably my favourite country.

Do you think the Black Lives Matter Movement with create change?

I don’t think so. We shouldn’t be begging them to accept us. We should just show them who we are and they will know.

How did you get into photography and did you always know you wanted to be a photographer?

In 1970, I went to the Isle of Wight music concert with my friend. We spent all day in a field and in the evening Jimmy Hendrix was playing at around 3 AM, but everyone else was stoned and half asleep. While Hendrix was on, I realised I didn’t have a camera to capture the moment. It was only after the concert, I realised I need to take pictures so I can remember all the people who I have seen.

I couldn’t afford to go to a photography school and my mum

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SALUTE wanted me to become an engineer.

She wanted me to get “real work”.

There was a photographer around at the time called David Bailey and I used to look up to him.

Why did you want to become a photographer?

I wanted to document who we are as a Black race and capture our icons in their elements. But also, I wanted to make people use their imagination when they look at my pictures.

Who have you photographed?

Bob Marley, Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Peter Tosh, Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, Jessie Owens, Rita Marley, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Bernie Grant, Third World, James Brown, Mortimo Planno, Freddie McGregor, James Baldwin, Eric Clapton, Marcia Griffiths, Smiley Culture, Lenny Henry, Maxi Priest, Ziggy Marley and so many others.

When did you first meet Bob Marley?

I met him in 1968/1969 in England.

later, I was hanging out in a photographic studio in Kingston. I met the guy who designed all of Bob’s album covers, his name was Neville Garrick and he was also Bob’s photographer. But he had too much work to do and came and asked me to take some pictures of Bob and that is how I got in.

How did you become his house photographer for seven years?

What did Bob Marley In 1974, I went back think of you becoming his to Jamaica. They were photographer? making a film called He was cool because he The Marijuana Affair knew who I was. All he and the guy who was was worried about is if I the photographer got was getting some good Portrait me a job as a Personal shots! (Lindsay chuckles of a legend and Assistant. Bob Marley again). other folks is out now! came down on the set I didn’t take any one day and I took a pictures with him photo of Bob. because he was my friend and I was there to When I went back to Jamaica a few years take pictures of him.

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SALUTE

Photo Credit: Lindsay Oliver Donald

You and Bob Marley became good friends, what was he like?

I was the first Rasta that Bob Marley met, who had been to Africa.

When I met him, he wanted to know everything I had seen and heard on the continent. He would ask lots of questions, he would basically draw out my brain! (Lindsay laughs).

Bob was such a great friend. He would always say “Lindsay yuh blessed.”

We would have reasonings on the steps of Bob’s house in the evenings and we would chat about everything.

Sometimes there was about seven or eight of us, sitting there smoking, talking and laughing. The idea behind these conversations was to educate ourselves.

We were playing football one day and he nearly broke my leg. He would play like it was the World Cup Final, he was always very serious about his football.

What I loved about Skipper (Bob Marley), was he was very serious and conscious.

Tell us about your book, Portrait of Legend and other Folks.

It is my self-published book that shows some of my photos I have taken of Bob Marley and his family. There are also photos of so many other icons in the book, in total there are 260 black and white photographs. I have plans to release two more books.

My book can be purchased at www. eyeriginalbooks.com Email: linkuplindsay1952@yahoo.com Twitter: @LinkupLindsay Facebook: @Lindsay Oliver Donald Instagram: @LinkupLindsay Photo Credit: Lindsay Oliver Donald

Do you do anything special to celebrate Bob Marley’s earthday?

I usually look at a photo that I took of Bob Marley cutting his birthday cake. In the photo you can see some of Bob’s children, Rohan, Ziggy and Cedella Marley in the picture. I feel so blessed that I was there to capture that special moment. Bob was very very conscious, he was setting up the first Rastafari newspaper called Survival.

Where can people get in touch with you or order your book?

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SALUTE

LINDSAY OLIVER

The late Mortimo Planno, the man accredited to teaching Bob Marley matters regarding to the philosophy of Rastafari.

Trench Town, Kingston, Jamaica, 1979.

Photograph © Lindsay Oliver Donald.

Two influential Jamaican Rastafari in the realms of art.

Oku Nagba Ozala Onuora, [AKA] the “father of Jamaican dub poetry”, left, and Carl Gayle, influential reggae writer who published the Rastafari fanzine of the early eighties, “Jahugliman”.

Kingston, Jamaica, 1979.

Photograph © Lindsay Oliver Donald.

Influential Jamaican Rastafari musicians.

From left; Burning Spear, Augustus Pablo, Tyrone Downie, Junior Marvin and Sky High.

56 Hope Road.

Kingston, Jamaica, 1979.

Photograph © Lindsay Oliver Donald.

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SALUTE

DONALD PICTURES

From Top left; Bob reasoning with a French film-maker in Kingston, Bob being interviewed backstage at Madison Square Garden, Bob greeting a fan backstage at MSG, Bob cutting his cake with his children, as he celebrated his 35th Earthday, and Bob and Mortimo Planno.

All Photographs © Lindsay Oliver Donald.

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INTERVIEW

REPATRIATION IS A MUST! MEET THE FOUNDERS OF JAMAICA VILLAGE GHANA Interview by Sinai Fleary

I

ntroduce yourself to our readers.

We are the established founders of Jamaica Village Ghana, my name is Makeda Abacha, from Kingston, Jamaica. My husband, Yakhafre Abacha, is from St Ann, Jamaica and we repatriated to Ghana with our daughters Makadah and Zahra in 2007.

What was your life like in Jamaica and what made you decide to move to Ghana?

Prior to coming to Ghana, I was a very Africa-centered person. I always looked to the Motherland as a source of strength, but I had no dream to live in Ghana. My husband and I had a herbal business and it was going very well. One day, we met someone and had a discussion about going back to Africa and within three months of our conversation they were in Ghana.

At the time it didn’t seem possible, before this person did it. We didn’t know anyone in Ghana nor did we know anyone who had moved there from Jamaica. When he called us to tell us he was in Ghana, we kept in touch. He told us, we should move our herbal business to Ghana and we would do very well.

After some time thinking about it, we decided we was going to and see Ghana for ourselves.

How did you prepare to make the trip?

We sold all the items within our home to raise funds for our journey. We put everything up for 58

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INTERVIEW sale! Our books, our furniture and even sold our beds!

A lot of my preparation came from moving from Kingston to St Ann. It helped prepare me because where we lived was a very rural area.

It helped me to get over all my fears of country life, especially being from the city.

We also started collecting seeds.

That was one of the most important things we did. We are italists and do not eat meat, so we wanted to be sure we could have all the foods we needed.

My husband had farming tools he had inherited from his grandfather and he didn’t want to leave them.

We sacrificed a lot of space in our luggage and ended up leaving for Ghana with very little.

How long did it take you to source all your seeds?

We spent around two months sourcing all our seeds and fruit trees.

We then had to prepare and pack them, which took some time.

What was people’s response to you moving to Ghana?

People thought we were crazy! My husband’s mother cried as if she had lost him. I had a Rasta sistren who was shocked we were actually going.

What was that flight like leaving Jamaica for Ghana?

Our route was from Montego Bay, to Amsterdam and then finally Ghana, that was a no visa route. Throughout the flight so many images flashed before me. I was nervous about not knowing

anyone there.

The flight in total was about 16-18 hours.

When we came out of the airport and looked around, that is when it hit us. We were overjoyed to have finally reached the Motherland. We were taken out of the visiting line and told to go into the returning residents line - as we were returning home.

What was your first impressions when you came out of the airport?

My husband and I jumped for joy! There was a great sense of familiarity and the

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INTERVIEW negative mental images painted in our minds disappeared immediately.

How did you settle and set up yourselves?

Within two weeks we purchased our land and signed our sales agreement. We knew we wanted land, where we could farm and grow our own food. As soon as we saw the land, we knew it was for us. At the time, it was a forest and there was no road - just a small track. My husband knew it was good and fertile land and persuaded me to choose that piece.

People from Ghana and Jamaica and the Caribbean have a special bond here in the UK and always seem to get a long. Is this something you have noticed since your arrival in Ghana?

There is definitely a special connection between us. I have seen so many similarities since being here. I have found we have similar mannerisms and sense of humour. They are very welcoming and whenever I say I’m from Jamaica, they always want to hear me speak Patois or want to talk about Bob Marley. Since being here, I have seen so many people who resemble people back in Jamaica.

Tell us about some of the challenges you faced in getting Jamaica Village to where it is today.

There is a very big difference between where Jamaica Village is now and what it was like when we started. We did find ourselves in an Anansi web, we got terribly cheated.

And this is something that puts so many of us (in the diaspora) off. The person we met, didn’t turn out to be a good person and we went through some bad experiences. At the beginning there was no light/electricity or water supply. We had closed the doors on Jamaica and was determined to make it work – do or die.

We started to plant our fruit trees straight away and they began to germinate. We had Soursop, Tamarind and Sweetsap.

How did you set up Jamaica Village?

Jamaica Village was named before we left Jamaica. I had a vision of purchasing land near a road. I am a trained Chef and 60

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Nutritionist, my husband is a Farmer and we knew we wanted to incorporate our skills into a business in Ghana.

We were very focused and determined. We wrote out our business plan and took it one day at a time. We were very resilient and we built a wooden shed within the village and worked every day. So many good people came to help us which has been wonderful – not everyone is bad.

People have commended our efforts, especially those who know where we started. We started an event called DE REEL JAMAICA SINTING, three years ago. It happens on the last weekened of each month and we showcase a full Ital/vegan buffet.

I fill the gap because these foods are not available here. My first event was big and now I am getting a steady flow of maybe about 100 people every month. I also make natural juices, traditional Jamaican pastries and patties. I make spices and yellow Cornmeal.

We also produce our own Honey. Most of the products are from things grown on our land.

What are top tips for those in the diaspora, who want to move to Ghana?

1) Come with a plan.

2) Open your mind and be open for opportunities.

3) Don’t be so anxious to trust to anyone you meet (but this applies to all countries).

4) Do your own research on any land you want to purchase (find out who the owner is, find out how much it is).

5) Talk to different people in communities you are interested in settling in.

Africa awaits its creators, is not a cliché,

INTERVIEW it is a reality. The development of Africa will be faster if more of us come back and bring our skills and experience. There is a space for us.

What similarities and differences do you see between the Rasta community in Ghana and the Rasta community in Jamaica?

I know some Ghanaian Rastafarians here and do get their support. There are some differences because the Rastafari movement started in Jamaica as a Backto-Africa movement, where as the Rasta’s in Ghana have never left – so there is that difference. I think overall the interpretation of Rastafari in Ghana is slightly different to what the Rasta community think in Jamaica.

What has been the best part about your move to Ghana?

It’s the freedom even beyond Jamaica.

I feel far safer here than I did in Jamaica.

Ghana has a mixture of the past, present and the future. Children still greet you in the street and that is my old Jamaica experience. There is a warmth here.

Children still have that respect for their elders and seniority. I remember travelling in a bus and two boys were fighting on the street and the driver stopped and stopped them from fighting.

Everyone was in full agreement and reprimanded the boys. No one complained that we are stopping our journey or had the attitude like it is nothing to do with us.

What is next for Jamaica Village in 2021 and beyond?

Jamaica Village is a work in progress vision.

Jamaica Village is meant to be inspiration and a beacon for our brothers and

sisters to return home to the Motherland. So far, the idea of Jamaica Village has been well recieved. It is intended to represent a likkle piece of di island inna di continent. It is the place where you will feel the vibration and energy of Jamaica.

It is the place where others can come and listen as we share our experience. Jamaica Village is in need of support, both finacially and physical in order for it to be what it is meant to be. Our family alone will not be enough. We are asking our brothers and sisters who can share this vision with us, to give us whatever support they can - it will be very much appreciated.

How can people contact you?

Phone/WhatsApp: Makeda +233 5420 11407 Email: jamaicavillageghana100@gmail.com

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REGGAE

SEAN PAUL

DROPS NEW ALBUM

D

‘LIVE N LIVIN’

In recent years, we have seen Dancehall influence popular culture, with music stars like Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Drake all using Dancehall sounds and components in their music.

Photo Credit: Dutty Rock Porductions/Sean Paul/Destine Media

ancehall legend Sean Paul has released a new album entitled ‘Live N Livin’.

The album will be one of two albums from the multiaward-winning Dancehall star.

The aim of the collaboration album is to showcase unity within Dancehall and features twenty artists on the project.

‘Live N Livin’ features some of the biggest names in Reggae, with Buju Banton and Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley making guest appearances. Dancehall veterans, Mavado and Busy Signal, also feature on the project.

The new generation of Jamaican artists will not be left out in the cold either, with many of them being giving the opportunity to show off their talent. Chi Ching Ching, Skillibeng and Govana will all be waving the banner for new Jamaican artists on ‘Live N Livin’. Dub Poet and Broadcaster, Mutabaruka, also features on the album, on 62

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a special remix along with Sean Paul, Jesse Royal and Stonebwoy.

The album dropped on March 12, and is executively produced by Sean Paul’s label Dutty Rock Productions.

It is distributed by ONErpm.

We are looking forward to listening to this and want to congratulate Sean Paul on this momentous release.

Live n Living is out now!

REMEMBERING

KITCHEN BRINGING YOU ITAL FOOD INFORMATION AND RECIPES

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ITAL IS VITAL

ITAL FOOD LOCKDOWN EDITION

By Jus’ Jah Staff

Ital food is the diet or way of eating and cooking developed by the Rastafari Movement.

In previous issues of Jus’ Jah Magazine, we have explained what Ital food is and what is isn’t.

During the pandemic, we all have had more time at home. For us, this has meant a lot more time to spend with family and of course in the kitchen. The extra hours at home have allowed us to experiment and try out new Ital recipes.

We made Ital Jamaican patties for the very first time and they were hit with the whole family.

We used wholemeal flour for the pastry, with a mixture of turmeric and curry powder to add some colour and flavour to our patty crust.

The time at home has meant a lot of reflection into our eating habits also. There is always room for improvement, even with an Ital diet.

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ITAL IS VITAL

We have been including raw foods to our daily food consumption, with fruit salads topped with Chia Seeds as a snack.

We have also baked a lot of Ital cakes, everything from coconut, carrot, vanilla and banana cake. We have tried Ital pancakes, which were delicious.

As many people are now forced to look at their diets because of the pandemic we would like to gently remind you, it is never too late to make improvements. Start by adding more fruit and drinking more water and take it from there.

Your mind, body and soul will thank you for it.

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RECIPE

JAHZARAH’S COOKING (AGE 10)

BANANA CAKE

YOU WILL NEED:

Wooden Spoon Mixing Bowl Greaseproof Paper Vegan Butter Golden Caster Sugar Vanilla Ground Mixed Spice Ground Cinnamon Self raising flour Almond Milk 2 very ripe bananas 1) Peel and mash two very ripe bananas.

2) Mix Vegan butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. The butter and caster sugar mix, should be so light that it doesn’t fall off the spoon.

3) Pour mashed banana into the sugar and butter and mix.

4) Add a little mixed spice, ground cinnamon and vanilla and mix.

5) Add self raising flour and baking powder and milk (we used almond 66

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RECIPE

milk) and mix.

6) Grease a cake tin or use grease proof paper to line the tin.

7) Pre-heat oven on gas mark 5 for 10 minutes.

8) Pour cake mix into tin and lightly smooth down.

9) Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked all the way through. (You can test this by putting a knife in the middle, if it comes out clear, it is ready).

10) Leave to cool for 15 minutes and then cut, eat and enjoy!

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COMICS

THE ASTRONOMICAL ADVENTURES OF ALIEN IAN

By Justice Dixon

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COMICS

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TWELVE

TRIBES CHART T

here are three main branches in the Rastafari faith. They are Nyabinghi, Bobo Shanti and Twelve Tribes.

These branches are often called Houses or Mansions. The Twelve Tribes of Israel branch

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was founded by Vernon Carrington, who is fondly known as Prophet Gad, in Kingston, Jamaica. The chart is based on Jacob’s 12 sons and corresponds with the ancient Israelite calendar.

WORD SEARCH

Reggae Word Search

Take some time out and relax with our word search. Try and find the last names for some of Reggae’s most loved singers and musicians.

BANTON BROWN ELLIS GRIFFITHS

HAMMOND HERITAGE HOLT ISAACS

KALONJI MARLEY MOWATT RANKS

RILEY SPEAR TOSH WAILER

JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

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HIS MAJESTY SAYS “T hat until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned.

That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the colour of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the colour of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and

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JUS’JAHmagazine | Winter 2020/21

unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.”- Haile Selassie I address to the United Nations, 1963, in Geneva, Switzerland.

ABOUT

THIS PICTURE This picture was taken at the annual Notting Hill Carnival, in London.

A young man sits down next to a huge set of Sound System speakers. Sound Systems are originally from Jamaica and were introduced to Notting Hill Carnival in 1973. Some of the best-known Sound Systems in the UK are Lloyd Coxsone’s Sir Coxsone Outernational, Channel One, Iration Steppas, Saxon Studio International and Jah Shaka.

In 1959, Claudia Jones, a Trinidadian Human Rights Activist based in London, put on an indoor ‘Caribbean Carnival’ at St Pancras Town Hall. In 1966, the first outdoor festival took place in the streets of Notting Hill.

Following the racially motivated murder of Kelso Cochrane (a 32-year-old Antiguan born Carpenter and aspiring Lawyer) in Notting Hill, on May 17th, 1959, many attempts were made by the Black Caribbean community to ease racial tensions. One of those ways was the children’s street fair which was organised my local resident and community activist,

Rhaune Laslett.

The small event in the mid 60s would evolve and grow into what we now know as Notting Hill Carnival - which is Europe’s largest street festival and is attended by approximately two million people every year.

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