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RE: Reflecting on my recent visit to Jamaica

in Reflections2 years ago

to lose pride in your roots makes you feel rudderless

💯% and

Citizens and the wide diaspora feel this way now.
Yes, it's similar in Africa (SA especially).
When you say how people rally together and can see that the government is the problem there, that is why Jamaica is now at the lead for crime. People are fighting and killing off each other instead of standing up as a nation.💔

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Absolutely! It’s particularly weird that the government in Jamaica has banned reggae—because of the lyrics. The lyrics about violence don’t inspire violence; they’re inspired by violence that the songwriters’. AND the root of that violence is a direct result of government corruption, which has resulted in abject poverty. Shame for Jamaica, shame for S.A. 😢😢😢😢

Haha! The music has two "streams" if I could call it that. The main reggae brings out consciousness, speaks the truth, and encourages peace, love, and unity among each other. The "dancehall" which is catchy, lyrical, and has a great beat, is mainly from local artists from the slums, who put their talent to "good?" use.
The dances that relate to dancehall music are provocative (which is saying it nicely). The lyrics are vulgar, crude, and explicit.
The music divides the classes of people in Jamaica. Ex. Calypso/Soca which is prominent during Carnival season is highly accepted because it's an affluent crowd. Women dance provocatively in the streets with strings holding garments on their bodies, sometimes with arrangements with the police for protection (while they perv of course). Shapely women. It's a beautiful sight to behold. On the other hand, there is the dancehall side, highly associated with the ghetto/slums and the less privileged of society. Maybe not so pleasing to the eyes, but also of women scantily dressed dancing in a fashion that many men pay money for.
The songs that are banned, if they were translated, you would be shocked out of your wits... Still, it's a HUGE part of the culture. A strong identity. Jamaica is "nervous" because the "Afro Beats" which sounds similar, more refined in my opinion, with dance moves that look fun, will take over from the dancehall in the next 5 to 10 years.
When I say the island is in a crisis, I'm playing it down.
Jamaica is a "special" place.
When Jamaicans are good, they are unbeatable. When they are bad, they are also unbeatable!

You r unbearable. Glad to know you “unbeatable”. 🙃

😢😢😢