tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8451793897479703642024-03-08T04:17:09.896-05:00REFLECTION & REASONArticles | Reviews | Commentary | NewsSM Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08482990885729317907noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-65008861112199693242024-02-16T17:35:00.016-05:002024-02-17T11:52:35.514-05:00Black Women in the Automotive Industry<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQJa83J-w2wL82RHbVdVQ8V93tZag3rjZ-38DpJGqU6g1AVz46Q8fzBdSJSoBXqGwFy_iHh7-RnzN1DYVahyU0AIiee8NhwlykqRjzHpy5DzSAnWtwxyAq6fc9jB7hF9d_8SYZUyEuLDx6njjU79-5-A7WA4YSDgfgJQ6cU4wSiG0Z4xYRdDeG6hffFNaZ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQJa83J-w2wL82RHbVdVQ8V93tZag3rjZ-38DpJGqU6g1AVz46Q8fzBdSJSoBXqGwFy_iHh7-RnzN1DYVahyU0AIiee8NhwlykqRjzHpy5DzSAnWtwxyAq6fc9jB7hF9d_8SYZUyEuLDx6njjU79-5-A7WA4YSDgfgJQ6cU4wSiG0Z4xYRdDeG6hffFNaZ" width="320" /></a></div>What's not to love about the automotive industry? Beautiful designs, luxury, and of course...an everyday need: transportation. I love to attend the auto show to check out the latest innovations, the artistry, and the creative concepts. Since the late 90's, I've walked the Metro Toronto Convention Centre floors annually to take a look at "what's new" and "what's hot" on the car scene. I've even purchased a specific car model that I first lay eyes on at the show, and always appreciate the opportunity to get the up-close look at the interior and variations as well.<p></p><p>I enjoy attending the event, even moreso now that I can participate in the Media Day, and share perspectives such as these. Beyond my lens as an amateur car enthusiast, I still walk away from each event wondering: <i>where are all the Black folks in this industry? </i>There was definitely diversity evident yesterday: I noticed a good amount of Asian, South Asian, and Caucasian folks present. Not many of "us." Mainly white men, overall, however. Yes, it was a specific event on a specific day, during a specific window of time (during a quick, dramatic snow dump in the city), but I imagine that this sample was reflective of the industry-at-large. And yes...I always do a racial head count--it's automatic, in most spaces. On most days.</p><p>Black women: 4. Including me.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPf-1FpcesqVz6gKXbFh4-z_GMjvF4tsgE8Jjzjn4GGbFZRtR6D7c1rKloGw_Z3p-ametFjaSGahhvVNmv2xQ0RpV66WgQ-WmYx2Rt1yA3NUSLlwSXIfv66xQF8XbV1ZfLUCZxIU_fEluawkoAfc7oDJs5Lhyqibsc86YfypejwwR1jW8qtv22v_vUa91M" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="765" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPf-1FpcesqVz6gKXbFh4-z_GMjvF4tsgE8Jjzjn4GGbFZRtR6D7c1rKloGw_Z3p-ametFjaSGahhvVNmv2xQ0RpV66WgQ-WmYx2Rt1yA3NUSLlwSXIfv66xQF8XbV1ZfLUCZxIU_fEluawkoAfc7oDJs5Lhyqibsc86YfypejwwR1jW8qtv22v_vUa91M" width="200" /></a></div>Having sat in rooms with industry executives and journalists (through a fantastic grad school internship with <a href="https://www.autonews.com/" target="_blank">Automotive News</a> in Detroit), I realized that "we" were few and far between in certain segments of the automotive world.<p></p><p><i>Pictured Here: Yolanda Biswah, Senior vice-president, general manager, Canadian Black Book (via Auto News Canada)</i></p><p></p><p></p>Auto News is also home to the <a href="https://www.autonews.com/leading-women-network" target="_blank">Leading Women Network</a>, "a community of automotive professionals, across all disciplines, working to educate, mentor and empower women currently in the auto industry, and promoting automotive careers as a rewarding option for a new generation of women business leaders."<div><br /></div><div>The network hosts an annual conference that "draws hundreds of business leaders who are committed to advancing the role of women in automotive."<p></p><p>In addition to being Auto Show month, it's also Black History Month in Canada, so I'd be remiss to not mention--or at least explore--the individuals, organizations, initiatives, and other processes in place to ensure that the future of the industry is reflective of the individuals who purchase, enjoy, and contribute to the continued existence of these vehicles.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj_jqO2oNw7y-BGyc_5te8X6BNlgtM1sqvTLH4y3ZOYvhcVPU9uXQHsg2dy9iAUiOASloxZ3i6dMg0zHwRTMho5B0aVGJJYTM5ZiNDtnxI_oWG8UR7BtCj-KPMGwcZoZWQfnM_gMn_R8kI5yJtwSQmDkHd5T6tIOkz_qSdlkhXtwDpUqI1H1HGu32i_Li/s1000/Jenell%20Ross%20DM_Dec-2018-1000x500-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnj_jqO2oNw7y-BGyc_5te8X6BNlgtM1sqvTLH4y3ZOYvhcVPU9uXQHsg2dy9iAUiOASloxZ3i6dMg0zHwRTMho5B0aVGJJYTM5ZiNDtnxI_oWG8UR7BtCj-KPMGwcZoZWQfnM_gMn_R8kI5yJtwSQmDkHd5T6tIOkz_qSdlkhXtwDpUqI1H1HGu32i_Li/s320/Jenell%20Ross%20DM_Dec-2018-1000x500-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Pictured: Jenell Ross - President of Bob Ross Auto Group and one of the few African American women in history to own a car dealership.</i><p></p><p>Here are some resources and references that can help to inform and inspire the current/next generation of car enthusiasts and innovators. Diversity is always a good thing, for the sake of creativity, perspective, and just overall development. In all sectors, during every month, and in a manner that reflects the community proportionately.</p><p><a href="https://mvro.ca/accelerating-change-for-black-women-in-auto/" target="_blank">Accelerating Change for Black Women in Auto</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sassyautochick.com/african-american-women-in-automotive/" target="_blank">Celebrating 7 African American Women in Automotive (Past and Present)</a></p><p><a href="https://canada.autonews.com/executives/accelerate-autos-new-mentorship-program-designed-attract-black-talent-auto" target="_blank">Accelerate Auto's new mentorship program designed to attract Black talent to auto</a></p><p><a href="https://blackstars.news/meet-four-black-women-executives-shaping-the-us-automotive-manufacturing-industry/" target="_blank">Meet four Black women executives shaping the US automotive manufacturing industry</a></p><p><a href="https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/news/black-women-in-the-automotive-industry/" target="_blank">5 Black Women in the Automotive Industry Empowering Confidence</a></p><p><a href="https://agirlsguidetocars.com/african-american-women-auto-industry/" target="_blank">Notable African American Women in the Auto Industry</a></p><p><a href="https://www.wocautonetwork.com/founders" target="_blank">Women of Color Auto Network - Founders</a></p><p><a href="https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/nissan-black-women-leadership/" target="_blank">Driving Diversity: A Team Of Black Women Are Helping Lead Nissan For The First Time In The Automaker’s History</a></p><p><a href="https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/executive_briefings/ebot_auto_worker_demographics.pdf" target="_blank">Demographic Diversity in U.S. Automotive Manufacturing</a></p><p><a href="https://canadianautodealer.ca/2022/02/auto-industry-experts-meet-to-champion-diversity-and-inclusion/" target="_blank">[Canadian] Auto industry experts meet to champion diversity and inclusion</a></p><p>PART ONE: "African American Women in the Auto Industry" (via MotorCities NHA)</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QXganoCh92c?si=1k6jF8w0MTLQebEF" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>PART TWO: "African American Women in the Auto Industry" (via MotorCities NHA)</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-fsR_Ue39Wg?si=TcV8AfeYMYU7TKov" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>The <a href="https://autoshow.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian International Auto Show</a>, presented by the Toronto Star, is the largest of its kind in Canada and featured 45 brands this year, with 30+ vehicles seen for the first time in the country (some, for the first time in North America). It's also the biggest consumer trade show in Canada. The special features for 2024 include: the Barbie Corvette, which is sure to be a hit for photo-ops, and also displays from Hot Wheels and Lego. Camp Jeep features a cool obstacle-course-like interactive driving experience, and there are also exhibits like the Red Bull Fan Zone, Outdoor Test Drives, and the Auto Exotica Luxury Boutique. </p><p>Car of the Year was awarded to the Toyota Prius, voted on by the <a href="http://www.ajac.ca/" target="_blank">Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC)</a>.</p><p>Here are a few of our favourite pics from yesterday's Media Day: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2OCRttH5nUMq940herZvlRl_kCTEJE2CKpfGJu_FaLKBSZ_ytymzIWlNBlhkGDUdmIYdryCAH4yb__eq_hR7t80Wh7vOUYl5aMkVTkb1DPil3m7oigZcNjriBORGLXvc9r7xwlusT8HHpicaMrUtPeRW-n5M_hyHJbW9XAporyIIjEXO6Zghxdss2BCp/s940/1.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2OCRttH5nUMq940herZvlRl_kCTEJE2CKpfGJu_FaLKBSZ_ytymzIWlNBlhkGDUdmIYdryCAH4yb__eq_hR7t80Wh7vOUYl5aMkVTkb1DPil3m7oigZcNjriBORGLXvc9r7xwlusT8HHpicaMrUtPeRW-n5M_hyHJbW9XAporyIIjEXO6Zghxdss2BCp/w320-h269/1.png" title="Maserati Grecale" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcuaxfNf63II00xCDOfE2waWXqM5LHIMF-jN-N7_LIudVNxARbiOdW8FFnBLCqLhCBXkEGwk1tWjHRzWbwCtS_Z3-KWp-dU96HyKfZkk6OH0rWozMJjJ040Fupfwni-5BxuxZ7t6jhNCmK11n3nii0QyludoGvccort01WJcEume043Qw62ozByfgWJJf/s940/2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcuaxfNf63II00xCDOfE2waWXqM5LHIMF-jN-N7_LIudVNxARbiOdW8FFnBLCqLhCBXkEGwk1tWjHRzWbwCtS_Z3-KWp-dU96HyKfZkk6OH0rWozMJjJ040Fupfwni-5BxuxZ7t6jhNCmK11n3nii0QyludoGvccort01WJcEume043Qw62ozByfgWJJf/w320-h269/2.png" title="BMW XM Label" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbA6UC-MJEcYim68oZQZK7AXjBdk10GkKcPOdSYjxHwLnRJpX8o2p-7DYe1vMemJzDMZlE0FoGrbDWYng8jiVBEF74HwtvQsA9roRW0IX8ORiuNXamxt9GFSgZEIhgQUOTDEQ-4O9d1UK9UUHq8krAp-PD0razsG8Kx1uDWJOBRg0sto6YFJkTbaBCCGi/s940/3.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbA6UC-MJEcYim68oZQZK7AXjBdk10GkKcPOdSYjxHwLnRJpX8o2p-7DYe1vMemJzDMZlE0FoGrbDWYng8jiVBEF74HwtvQsA9roRW0IX8ORiuNXamxt9GFSgZEIhgQUOTDEQ-4O9d1UK9UUHq8krAp-PD0razsG8Kx1uDWJOBRg0sto6YFJkTbaBCCGi/w320-h269/3.png" title="Lexus" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcwc0HNg3kP3ZCLMmQ8b5Xr3w73sZRdPosI9NbNUX7FUP77K7jlT8uzB5QNa7bqlFrjU8XT52KwlkEALcShX0Q-IXTycN0uT0VhsHarcABQ6wt1JpXVOFwgpQlnlyMwYLZALWfFHPKAaw9AvW2uLA2oh0Bs6mJ7Go7XGjvLnQ6fF5GdwWWnKa2ck3K4O8/s940/4.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcwc0HNg3kP3ZCLMmQ8b5Xr3w73sZRdPosI9NbNUX7FUP77K7jlT8uzB5QNa7bqlFrjU8XT52KwlkEALcShX0Q-IXTycN0uT0VhsHarcABQ6wt1JpXVOFwgpQlnlyMwYLZALWfFHPKAaw9AvW2uLA2oh0Bs6mJ7Go7XGjvLnQ6fF5GdwWWnKa2ck3K4O8/w320-h269/4.png" title="1967 Chevrolet Corvette" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZL4gMCVYoH3TDsn-KhCcooA1szQYVAT5jPohh1RBLppdWGQXZzVIKEUCczLM8PL7UnUhRZBl6fF7xKtLmnlWkPZZ5DJAqklpeJa2rWGJ-UP6DMAjcydpXoAFWYBPgYhBjXBOT9xkox3MdX-f7RcOQQdNVAX5GrRzym_iFhlAnVbr0N52CIZquG8clTbZ/s940/5.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZL4gMCVYoH3TDsn-KhCcooA1szQYVAT5jPohh1RBLppdWGQXZzVIKEUCczLM8PL7UnUhRZBl6fF7xKtLmnlWkPZZ5DJAqklpeJa2rWGJ-UP6DMAjcydpXoAFWYBPgYhBjXBOT9xkox3MdX-f7RcOQQdNVAX5GrRzym_iFhlAnVbr0N52CIZquG8clTbZ/w320-h269/5.png" title="Tesla" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV-T2MCM6Nj5e5rYIqmDC0KohxO2I4M_dsNnTGlHT06vnxwsUlEtCGucXI8uEWEuHmOYYYcMbo6Nn0GfqFOjfYESaaUFDQ6qheV79CxekGHzgahjzWsNMScqRvKyjhSTWlcJrlkNPiGjJFgl9HTeQM_oXIuFdLe14OdocmcMGeADjJP8T_jlEy93qmxq-/s940/6.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV-T2MCM6Nj5e5rYIqmDC0KohxO2I4M_dsNnTGlHT06vnxwsUlEtCGucXI8uEWEuHmOYYYcMbo6Nn0GfqFOjfYESaaUFDQ6qheV79CxekGHzgahjzWsNMScqRvKyjhSTWlcJrlkNPiGjJFgl9HTeQM_oXIuFdLe14OdocmcMGeADjJP8T_jlEy93qmxq-/w320-h269/6.png" title="Pagani" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nBPNpUSnkVcOMFgyNsd-IyyPzGE4VtnIrkIpWRK6i07cf8de061QDh0be8HXAZwgMPPgEMDlCrTjakMgCNe8IvlP3QpVUyTqP5Xg9vJQbHp5rLHzG-Hzze43vke4YaTRvXUF9QizEKiGSQ4DZ0noUX_inhAkeFM7KpTXq6kv7FWllDyISjZCc3YFkNV_/s940/7.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nBPNpUSnkVcOMFgyNsd-IyyPzGE4VtnIrkIpWRK6i07cf8de061QDh0be8HXAZwgMPPgEMDlCrTjakMgCNe8IvlP3QpVUyTqP5Xg9vJQbHp5rLHzG-Hzze43vke4YaTRvXUF9QizEKiGSQ4DZ0noUX_inhAkeFM7KpTXq6kv7FWllDyISjZCc3YFkNV_/w320-h269/7.png" title="CAR OF THE YEAR: Toyota Prius" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPnssrubiBgZv3ZkLvoyLSfUA5L4POf5kPtQ7-xOrDeDCA6vUHR5e9u-svY7KNIpwQyKrTFyIzbSIdpyTZq1sSDMhF4_JG6yw7okIL4yPPzYFYB1tBAeqTmD_ulHFViSh4d3xd2otCzSLqph_owhR5107aJDulVXX1DOlpy3hemwpnJWC_vg29pqxSLix/s940/8.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPnssrubiBgZv3ZkLvoyLSfUA5L4POf5kPtQ7-xOrDeDCA6vUHR5e9u-svY7KNIpwQyKrTFyIzbSIdpyTZq1sSDMhF4_JG6yw7okIL4yPPzYFYB1tBAeqTmD_ulHFViSh4d3xd2otCzSLqph_owhR5107aJDulVXX1DOlpy3hemwpnJWC_vg29pqxSLix/w320-h269/8.png" title="Toyota" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>If you have any particular stories or individuals you'd like to share, working to ensure Black representation in the automotive industry is advancing, please send us a message and let us know so we can help circulate the good stories and inspiration!</p><p>~ Stacey Robinson</p></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-2542996728507079232024-01-28T15:18:00.000-05:002024-01-28T15:18:07.001-05:00AFRICVILLE // Lessons in Resistance & "Righting Canada's Wrongs"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTtTuscASWsO4mkkRVWCOiHxoc-jz2N1gtTKW3kncliB2DSAp6HtIuxaVbSNBEcYF8LxZIBx6GXpoJO78czS_1GBxhDikMyNdEndIWspjR1LYyuSrk6jsXZ44WssOhIM4XpOJIvZWm05R9ft7054CYoImL1pABH5kMnWy5759qEVVAw-TZgzU_ezTATI/s768/lg180175_3841x2560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTtTuscASWsO4mkkRVWCOiHxoc-jz2N1gtTKW3kncliB2DSAp6HtIuxaVbSNBEcYF8LxZIBx6GXpoJO78czS_1GBxhDikMyNdEndIWspjR1LYyuSrk6jsXZ44WssOhIM4XpOJIvZWm05R9ft7054CYoImL1pABH5kMnWy5759qEVVAw-TZgzU_ezTATI/s320/lg180175_3841x2560.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's the time of year when we get an extra dose of reminders of all of the horrible atrocities committed openly against Black people here in Canada, and around the world. Reminders of the disrespect, the discrimination...and an annual reminder of how much more work needs to be done to attempt to repair the damages deliberately invoked on peoples of African descent.<div><br /></div><div>It would have been so wonderful to learn these stories in school from a young age, in addition to at-home lessons. To have everyone learn about the collective histories of settlers, and of the Indigenous, as we coloured maps of Canada and memorized capital cities in each province.<p>Now designated as a <a href="https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=1763" target="_blank">National Historic Site,</a> the spirit of the town of Africville holds so much more power and inspiration that geography class could have been enhanced with. Decades ago, had the truth been communicated openly.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8SVvClhP9ntNmGQcb3mW1MSzrso_GtUawA1sLKxgUt36qjcF1yCMl77Yb3RYxafSorlHiLZNUxOaf0ontZtusWEv2A8eQLOeQOBWtTeya6zV87J1wuXXgoRR-VNW7NlDExDctT7PMVXquA-j2zrrxfWi1Sdpl05_lfz0MODl1r5630XGyYcsygkHM_Y/s1600/RCW%20Twitter.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8SVvClhP9ntNmGQcb3mW1MSzrso_GtUawA1sLKxgUt36qjcF1yCMl77Yb3RYxafSorlHiLZNUxOaf0ontZtusWEv2A8eQLOeQOBWtTeya6zV87J1wuXXgoRR-VNW7NlDExDctT7PMVXquA-j2zrrxfWi1Sdpl05_lfz0MODl1r5630XGyYcsygkHM_Y/s320/RCW%20Twitter.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>James Lorimer & Co. Ltd., Publishing, 2021</i></td></tr></tbody></table>In the <a href="https://rightingcanadaswrongs.ca/" target="_blank">Righting Canada's Wrongs</a> collection of anti-racism resources for Canadian history and civics curriculum, Africville is just one of many topics explored through illustrations, historical photographs, maps, documents, and artwork. <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/righting-canadas-wrongs-africville/" target="_blank">The Africville edition, written by author Gloria Ann Wesley</a>, has an excellent collection of visuals to accompany learnings about the Maroons, the Easter Sunrise Services, the Colored League All Stars hockey team, and the various inhabitants and activities of the all-Black town.</p><p><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/righting-canadas-wrongs-africville/" target="_blank">Righting Canada's Wrongs: Africville</a> is a historical reference book, and also a reminder of the various symbols and stories of resistance. </p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILv5LeV-A-FtEKmy69M0s7OImYm9tO1g52waINLGlGq7iCs2K8rhj-PM9rKdtSGbtQJ970OkzdgPbHqSfFulej24jw5vMKc11EHnT1RZfg-CnMO1y9ZnDQcGuvuXyaIhBQYeTGROyBIxL4LqW7gEUfGBvhP49nhlmUoi5t4l-3NPGmAZChMYFVYTLtzs/s581/screen-shot-2012-03-02-at-5-10-43-pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="581" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILv5LeV-A-FtEKmy69M0s7OImYm9tO1g52waINLGlGq7iCs2K8rhj-PM9rKdtSGbtQJ970OkzdgPbHqSfFulej24jw5vMKc11EHnT1RZfg-CnMO1y9ZnDQcGuvuXyaIhBQYeTGROyBIxL4LqW7gEUfGBvhP49nhlmUoi5t4l-3NPGmAZChMYFVYTLtzs/w200-h153/screen-shot-2012-03-02-at-5-10-43-pm.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i> Eddie Carvery</i></td></tr></tbody></table>It was only the mid-1960s when the mass displacement, environmental racism, and general injustice occurred in this country. The community existed for 120 years, prior to its demolition, and an <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f_DLiIqqJs" target="_blank">official apology</a> wasn't offered to the residents and descendants of Africville until 2010. The pivotal Seaview United Baptist Church (bulldozed in the middle of the night in 1967) was recreated, and the replica building now stands as the <a href="https://africvillemuseum.org/africville-heritage-trust/" target="_blank">Africville Museum</a>.</p><p></p><div>These are the events and lessons that belong in the classroom. As much as it's important to learn about the contaminated water, the desegregation of schools, and the railway construction through the middle of a thriving community...it is more important to learn of the spirit of resilience and resistance that led the Africville community members to fight for their home, defend their land, and band together to preserve their collective history and legacy.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's particularly important to be reminded of the resilience needed to battle powerful forces like systemic racism and discrimination because it is still an issue. It is still pervasive, from Nova Scotia straight across to British Columbia. The Africville descendants are still fighting. Black Canadians are still recovering from policies and choices made, that were not made with the community's best interests in mind.</div><div><p></p><p>Inspiring continuous life to the spirit and emotion of this community, Canadian jazz musician <a href="https://joesealy.com/" target="_blank">Joe Sealy</a>, created the album "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lGUi_cowNGBlUx6cEKI1L_FDRUC1flF6Q" target="_blank">Africville Suite</a>," which won a Juno award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 1997. In 2010, Sealy was invested in The Order of Canada. The compositions are beautiful; here's a sample:</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03liMvXFHhM?si=rUseGVcEwfGLVXJx" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Ongoing works of art celebrating Africville also include a five-part podcast series, <a href="https://www.africvilleforever.com/about" target="_blank">Africville Forever</a>, co-hosted by Alfred Burgesson and Edward Carvery III, that was awarded one of the Best Podcasts of 2022 from Amazon Music. Many descendants of Africville are featured on the podcast, sharing their stories and experiences, contributing to the movement towards reclaiming land and raising additional awareness for the fight.</p><p>The last remaining home in Africville was destroyed in 1970; there is still work to be done, as community members and descendants still work to improve access to the historic site, created as part of the settlement of compensation. Many also continue to seek individual compensation for their lost homes, land, and impacts of these poor decisions, as highlighted here:</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ugFdNfIvuGo?si=-74xTD7gF2sfB2Qa" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><p>So many of the lessons and blueprints that are needed to continue moving forward have already been outlined, articulated, and shared. In these historical documents, reflections, and communities there is information and wisdom from ancestor and elders, that provide renewed awareness, and opportunities to continue the missions and re-ignite the messages.</p></div></div>SM Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08482990885729317907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-56692263872618298422024-01-26T17:30:00.003-05:002024-01-26T21:23:14.163-05:00THE HOOP AND THE HARM // An Enlightening Novel for Young Athletes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpe5grN2f00-4d_Ta2Ej8qWf0ZswkQPcYsJz_waZbHsqPI9m1g4vxZW-8Ucxh5p8e1y7L9BFmi5-up7Ly9h0ewfwTCWXCyNqwPrkibenKYmeEt-ddOnzfZN70HFYRrywvssuIpk0AoJGoQODQKVmk_-1BqTx_oIV6h9DwZDE1Bd8Zla4LSsA8BEWT10A/s1600/Hoop.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpe5grN2f00-4d_Ta2Ej8qWf0ZswkQPcYsJz_waZbHsqPI9m1g4vxZW-8Ucxh5p8e1y7L9BFmi5-up7Ly9h0ewfwTCWXCyNqwPrkibenKYmeEt-ddOnzfZN70HFYRrywvssuIpk0AoJGoQODQKVmk_-1BqTx_oIV6h9DwZDE1Bd8Zla4LSsA8BEWT10A/s320/Hoop.png" width="320" /></a></div>Inspired and informed by the experiences and journey of Canadian author <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepedican/" target="_blank">Jawara Pedican</a>, the YA novel <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/the-hoop-and-the-harm-2/" target="_blank">The Hoop and the Harm</a> features the life and internal struggles of a university student who has dedicated his life to the game of basketball. <p></p><p>Pedican, a former varsity athlete at McGill University and the University of Toronto, uses his wisdom to share the fictional story of Udoka (aka "Yoosie") Clendon, who is working to overcome challenges with his confidence, family influences, and his vision for the future...in addition to navigating everyday circumstances growing up in Toronto as a young Black man.</p><p>There are many energetic in-game descriptions that make this an exciting sports novel, but there is also a rare intimate look offered in this text, highlighting the thoughts and emotions of a star athlete with infinite potential for success.</p><p>Through discussions with his therapist, and special chapter segments focusing in on "Feldbrook's Lesson," there is amazing advice provided, and countless parallels that can be drawn for not only student athletes, but athletes at any stage of their development. It introduces ideas and challenges that all readers can relate to, but also brings a unique perspective to the role of an athlete and the effects that can have--positive and negative---on other relationships, processes, and life in general.</p><p>Most importantly, young athletes can use Yoosie's journey to guide their own development (particularly with goal setting, and navigating mental health concerns) and to frame their experiences as they transition from collegiate to professional athletic performance.</p><p>This book would be great for team discussion and reflection, as well as independent learning. It's available for order online <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/the-hoop-and-the-harm-2/" target="_blank">through the publisher</a>, or through Amazon. Indigo, and other booksellers.</p><p><b><i>Imprint: James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers</i></b></p><p><b><i>Publication Date: 4 April 2023</i></b></p><p><b><i>ISBN: 9781459417151</i></b></p><p><b><i>Page Count: 272</i></b></p><p><b><i>Interest ages: 13-18</i></b></p><p><b><i>Reading level: Grade 4</i></b></p><p><br /></p>SM Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08482990885729317907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-78738358143771000242024-01-20T14:33:00.001-05:002024-01-20T15:16:14.405-05:00REGGAE MONTH // Rebellion, Resistance, and Revolution<p>February is the time of year when I reflect on the essence of reggae music, how it has shaped and informed my life's activities, and how I can contribute to the conversation, development, and preservation of the genre. On a good year, that appears as a pre-February trip to Jamaica to attend the <a href="https://staceymarierobinson.blogspot.com/2023/01/rebel-salute-2023-reflection-on-reggae.html" target="_blank">Rebel Salute reggae festival</a> and immerse myself in the sounds, the atmosphere, and the legacy of the artists and environment. Most years, I reflect from the cold of Toronto, Canada, and give thanks for the music that gets me through the winter, the remaining months, and all of the occurrences that come with the changing seasons. In life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH2wQMbXZegLLiYiFN6Q3GHDPNe9nfozsa-EydadnMUuYJzYuXLrIr5Z4dcG18Z8NHS21SYx2MpAzqPXMebfZyR-oM6YMOPrhZEtXMdtByDLtEcUKIKP5o-g1ETP_ZeH_ZOWplmdtGpg61ghFjqPqYPt2_9Lr864ZvdeWHUsipN5iPMWV0gg2qJe3VSI/s1024/1_BuZtMUE4f5aOux5QOiy41Q.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpH2wQMbXZegLLiYiFN6Q3GHDPNe9nfozsa-EydadnMUuYJzYuXLrIr5Z4dcG18Z8NHS21SYx2MpAzqPXMebfZyR-oM6YMOPrhZEtXMdtByDLtEcUKIKP5o-g1ETP_ZeH_ZOWplmdtGpg61ghFjqPqYPt2_9Lr864ZvdeWHUsipN5iPMWV0gg2qJe3VSI/w320-h320/1_BuZtMUE4f5aOux5QOiy41Q.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>What I love most about reggae music is the intentional and transformational messaging that the genre is rooted in. In every iteration of reggae since its inception in 1960s Jamaica, the music continues to be a force of cultural communication, identity formation, and solidifying Jamaica's place in world history as a nation of trendsetters and creative individuals who are fearless and willing to lead change and set standards.</p><p>While writing my young adult novel <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/dancehall-rebel/" target="_blank">Dancehall Rebel</a> (available February 2024 through James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers), I thought about the young generation of Jamaican-Canadians in particular, and the ways in which they were enjoying and interpreting reggae music and culture. I thought about dancehall music, and how I had seen numerous videos on social media (TikTok specifically) from Caribbean-Canadian millennials and GenY & Z, who were sharing and celebrating the music of their ancestors, although the narrative and cultures are quite different.</p><p>Dancehall has evolved from, say, 1994 to 2024. The artists, the lyrics, the sounds, and the culture in general has gone through adjustments and developments. Now being on the side of culture that can observe the previous 30 years of the culture that I have experienced first hand, it's been fascinating to see the ways in which various communities interact (or reject) cultural expressions, lyrics, and intentions. We can also see the messages and sentiments that have stood the test of time, and continue to ring out as anthems and inspiration across generations (e.g., Bob Andy's "Unchained," released in 1970...performed in the video below in 2012).</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MN7TxPPCdGc?si=-pK4AY6arFrSZnG7" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>The commonality: reggae music continues to be a music that is cutting edge, and fearless in its approach. <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/dancehall-rebel/" target="_blank">Dancehall Rebel</a> is based on the spirit of resistance and revolution that are naturally embedded in Jamaican people and reggae culture.</p><p>As Katrina Lacey writes in her article <a href="https://hemisphericinstitute.org/en/emisferica-21/2-1-review-essays/rastafari-reggae-and-resistance-by-katrina-lacey.html#:~:text=However%2C%20despite%20its%20mainstream%20viability,social%20context%20of%20Jamaican%20life." target="_blank">Rastafari, Reggae, and Resistance</a>, "...despite its mainstream viability and entertainment value, reggae music originated as a deeply political form of protest and contestation against the colonial and imperialist forces operative in the social context of Jamaican life."</p><p>Here are links to a few relevant readings and musical lists that demonstrate the various ways in which reggae music has been centered in change and movement. </p><p><a href="https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-reggae-protest-songs/" target="_blank">REBEL MUSIC: 11 OF THE BEST REGGAE PROTEST SONGS</a></p><p><a href="https://jamaicans.com/top-15-reggae-protest-songs/" target="_blank">TOP 15 REGGAE PROTEST SONGS</a></p><p><a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/damian-marley-on-5-great-reggae-protest-songs-115070/" target="_blank">DAMIAN MARLEY ON 5 GREAT REGGAE PROTEST SONGS</a></p><p><a href="https://www.dancehallmag.com/2020/06/06/features/ten-reggae-songs-that-best-narrate-the-times.html" target="_blank">TEN REGGAE SONGS THAT BEST NARRATE THE TIMES</a></p><p><a href="https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/63134ab4-1bdc-4780-935e-aca1c1d9749d" target="_blank">REBEL MUSIC: RADICAL REGGAE</a></p><p><a href="https://library.oapen.org/handle/20.500.12657/50841" target="_blank">THE DISCOURSE OF PROTEST, RESISTANCE, AND SOCIAL COMMENTARY IN REGGAE MUSIC</a></p><p><a href="https://hoodcommunist.org/2021/05/27/reggae-and-the-african-culture-of-resistance/" target="_blank">REGGAE AND THE AFRICAN CULTURE OF RESISTANCE</a></p><p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/program/witness/2017/5/22/indias-reggae-resistance-defending-dissent-under-modi" target="_blank">INDIA'S REGGAE RESISTANCE: DEFENDING DISSENT UNDER MODI</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ1BNJpVS5M" target="_blank">ROOTS, REGGAE, REBELLION</a> (BBC DOCUMENTARY)</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PQ1BNJpVS5M?si=L8oIXmeOgT33X0wx" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Happy Reggae Month to those who celebrate it warmly. May this music of our hearts continue to invoke progress, change, wellness, and strength in those who consume, create, and communicate it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>(AI-generated image above from <a href="https://medium.com/@sayele_39399/beats-of-bravery-russia-ethiopia-and-their-legacy-in-reggae-ragga-and-dancehall-5fd4e0c21f38">Medium.com</a>)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>SM Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08482990885729317907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-5403305390740171072024-01-12T13:37:00.004-05:002024-01-20T13:44:06.015-05:00Books for African Canadian Children & Teens from James Lorimer & Co. Ltd., Publishing (Canada)<p> </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV4xB9xPpu6rC0IadAASO8e_wy_OaEyoKAokoYkbdmP1uohdcTJYuzw4udICTyGu8KIxhATqEfHlOF4JbAZKSjYwup0nRSl9HsVz4hHULo6O5WJ7QlcwF8SLXKPVnwJ6ksRen0SqsEdtKXoW25RaYvYdxxfIH_NRwzqE8Eyi7juo4WR4snSodm8CTyngO/s300/Lorimer-Children-Logo-300x88.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="300" height="59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV4xB9xPpu6rC0IadAASO8e_wy_OaEyoKAokoYkbdmP1uohdcTJYuzw4udICTyGu8KIxhATqEfHlOF4JbAZKSjYwup0nRSl9HsVz4hHULo6O5WJ7QlcwF8SLXKPVnwJ6ksRen0SqsEdtKXoW25RaYvYdxxfIH_NRwzqE8Eyi7juo4WR4snSodm8CTyngO/w200-h59/Lorimer-Children-Logo-300x88.png" width="200" /></a></div>James Lorimer & Company Ltd. is an independent publishing house based in Toronto that publishes children's and teen fiction (and non-fiction) focusing on reluctant and struggling readers. Their titles are widely recognized and recommended by children's book reviewers in Canada and the U.S., with an adult list also focusing on contemporary Canadian social and political issues.<p><b>My forthcoming novel Dancehall Rebel will be available through Lorimer in February of 2024!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDnVUAApCjb4alFhCqSu4h1N7lNdFvlAQDb7cZiYrBdxh61VejT6tlRZUteqVUJa-xJkOu_MVDyKHUrqZk9jbltwvB4oQCaxgSps2W1as08YXUVnWjQWuLK_EAmA8HXzZr5IWsITaCAuw-5SAnXqlJKXy1-txx80oqWt1sg36LgfSHOGZy2ieqdfWtPqB/s1198/Dancehall%20Rebel%20(cover)%209781459418141-768x1198.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDnVUAApCjb4alFhCqSu4h1N7lNdFvlAQDb7cZiYrBdxh61VejT6tlRZUteqVUJa-xJkOu_MVDyKHUrqZk9jbltwvB4oQCaxgSps2W1as08YXUVnWjQWuLK_EAmA8HXzZr5IWsITaCAuw-5SAnXqlJKXy1-txx80oqWt1sg36LgfSHOGZy2ieqdfWtPqB/w128-h200/Dancehall%20Rebel%20(cover)%209781459418141-768x1198.jpg" width="128" /></b></a></div><b>In <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/dancehall-rebel/" target="_blank">Dancehall Rebel</a> (written by Stacey Robinson), a teen shares her dad’s vibrant Caribbean musical legacy but is burdened by the homophobia that comes along with it. She needs to find a new path for the music and for herself.</b><p></p><p><b><i>Publication Date: February 2024</i></b></p><p><b><i>ISBN: 9781459418141</i></b></p><p><b><i>Interest ages: 14-18 </i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>For a full listing of Lorimer novels with African Canadian protagonists (written by <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/books/?book_title=&book_author=&book_isbn=&book_age_from=&book_age_to=&book_grade_from=&book_grade_to=&book_pubdate_from=&book_pubdate_to=&book_year=&book_series=&book_subjects2%5B%5D=1698&book_subjects2%5B%5D=1660&book_format=&post_type=product" target="_blank">African Canadian authors</a>), please visit their <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/books/?book_title=&book_author=&book_isbn=&book_age_from=&book_age_to=&book_grade_from=&book_grade_to=&book_pubdate_from=&book_pubdate_to=&book_year=&book_series=&book_subjects2%5B%5D=1698&book_subjects2%5B%5D=1660&book_format=&post_type=product" target="_blank">website</a>:</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0G4BZpmsFtqnnDWbaK15AgiBq0DyPlL6VouDXeJNs_40apgAvCVapurbDyVuzKkVske-fUPAjwCdEBGC9dgFtvABjdzcYXmNAxhIdI7q0c8Zc3VWUegRss_eVghdsOIpW2BmyTn4VFuvUpvi9Z0YD7oUT-MRLx025Hwm66YitRWtbHomyCjE4JJQl9wO/s465/Ace%20and%20the%20Misfits%20-%209781459417519-300x465.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0G4BZpmsFtqnnDWbaK15AgiBq0DyPlL6VouDXeJNs_40apgAvCVapurbDyVuzKkVske-fUPAjwCdEBGC9dgFtvABjdzcYXmNAxhIdI7q0c8Zc3VWUegRss_eVghdsOIpW2BmyTn4VFuvUpvi9Z0YD7oUT-MRLx025Hwm66YitRWtbHomyCjE4JJQl9wO/w129-h200/Ace%20and%20the%20Misfits%20-%209781459417519-300x465.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/ace-and-the-misfits/" target="_blank">Ace and the Misfits</a></b><p></p><p><b><i>by Eddie Kawooya</i></b></p><p>New to Canada, Ace is battling ignorance, bullying, and a new culture. Now he seeks to regain his confidence and show himself he has the tools to make it in his new life.</p><p>In his debut novel, Eddie Kawooya presents a fish-out-of-water story of immigration and the pains and joys of integration into a new and sometimes frightening environment.</p><p>Arriving in Canada, Ace finds himself living in a basement apartment, having to integrate into a new community where he is the “African.” Struggling with his grades and his self worth, he finds ignorance and bullying at school until he falls in with a crew of international misfits who understand what he’s going through.</p><p>With their support, Ace starts to regain the confidence he lost in the move and his subsequent troubles. He wants to show himself and his misfit friends that he has the tools to make it in his new life. This book tackles self esteem and how it can be easily lost when one feels alone.</p><p>At the core of this story is the isolation a child feels after his world is snatched from him, and the journey of self worth and self confidence he must undertake to rise above it. (2024)</p><p><br /></p><p><b><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/not-talking-about-you/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-Nxoj3UO67BkELGYC3l_SaHxEg4iKX4J3SGQCyRUeooVdnakRuQA-qxvB8ijnbFhVCwCrolRBMsr4E0fW74Q9GwzldgF3KgLovMdaNR0UtpexzR0DSkP15ANyp5tynpxjL8AbSLIHqQ7hvqOQWSHuIrcihe_Bw4NI-JZEFaRrEQxhT4RtuLgkn-T0sfX/s462/Not%20Talking%20About%20You%20-%209781459417076-300x462.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-Nxoj3UO67BkELGYC3l_SaHxEg4iKX4J3SGQCyRUeooVdnakRuQA-qxvB8ijnbFhVCwCrolRBMsr4E0fW74Q9GwzldgF3KgLovMdaNR0UtpexzR0DSkP15ANyp5tynpxjL8AbSLIHqQ7hvqOQWSHuIrcihe_Bw4NI-JZEFaRrEQxhT4RtuLgkn-T0sfX/w130-h200/Not%20Talking%20About%20You%20-%209781459417076-300x462.jpg" width="130" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/not-talking-about-you/" target="_blank">Not Talking About You</a></span></b><p></p><p><b><i>by Kevin heronJones</i></b></p><p>Not Talking About You portrays racism as it occurs amongst young Canadians today. It explores the impact on the target and on bystanders who have to decide how to react when they find a racist youth in their midst.</p><p>Kevin HeronJones has written this book to reflect his and other young Black people’s experiences with racism in school. He sees an urgent need to talk about how young people exhibit racist behaviour, to portray it honestly, and to explore how young people can confront it and speak out.</p><p>Part of a well-off middle-class family living in suburban Toronto, Khalil moves for grade eight to a school that does not have many racialized students. He is befriended by school sports star Cameron, who convinces Khalil to play basketball. Khalil is uncomfortable with his friend’s racist statements and behaviour, despite Cameron’s professed admiration for Black culture. As his discomfort grows, Khalil is left with a choice: accept this as “reality” or take a stand for what’s right, even if it costs him friendships.</p><p>Not talking About You portrays racism as it occurs amongst young Canadians today. It explores the impact on the target and on bystanders who have to decide how to react when they find a racist youth in their midst. (2022)</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qZUt6k8GznCl8dOVbwg8XYlgZPZmBvUWqVNQwdlNNypopwBzRulVMOBYsf_z6NOgFhwDO3j6Og5I3ZtUICKe3BOCTs-8ZFUdPqhw9ACPlgunpUUIlDUF76oEDO-gYHuxzHRsg_jImoZd2zxoY7VWfA62adbAwEW-PUsgjX38jHiRO02Kr1yMZUBmbmgC/s463/Shades%20of%20Black%20-%209781459417267-300x463.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qZUt6k8GznCl8dOVbwg8XYlgZPZmBvUWqVNQwdlNNypopwBzRulVMOBYsf_z6NOgFhwDO3j6Og5I3ZtUICKe3BOCTs-8ZFUdPqhw9ACPlgunpUUIlDUF76oEDO-gYHuxzHRsg_jImoZd2zxoY7VWfA62adbAwEW-PUsgjX38jHiRO02Kr1yMZUBmbmgC/w129-h200/Shades%20of%20Black%20-%209781459417267-300x463.jpg" width="129" /></a></div><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/shades-of-black/" target="_blank">Shades of Black</a></b><p></p><p><b><i>by Carlos Anthony</i></b></p><p>Shades of Black is an honest and authentic portrayal of life as a young Black male teen in today’s culture and environment at an urban school in Toronto’s Etobicoke neighbourhood.</p><p>Romero, a Guyanese Canadian, is a sensitive kid who is just starting to attend an inner-city-style school with a large racialized population. Romero falls in with a friendly crew but finds himself in trouble when a shot is fired in the school cafeteria — and he gets stuck with the gun. Meanwhile, the police, often using brutal tactics and targeting young Black males, try to find out who the shooter was.</p><p>To humanize and critique the Black male experience and dispel the myth that vulnerability and empathy equal weakness, Carlos Anthony draws on his own recent experiences as a teen in school in Etobicoke. His novel is an authentic – and rare -- representation of Black youth culture and the experiences of Black teens in Canada’s public schools. (2023)</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fBCfHtafLKBQzuVmjiQgst7YWVjz6Rysv8KiorFYsaK8Ghw4ruC7ZF09uNuiecBzP2-4g0jUFlCMGn0g9OA1UdoVAytTW-zir37peT8ir9Ba3_QDCWV7t5mQe3xMrCZcPxXPSRX0YqtavsqKPVZIAZWnX3i5qMmiLszoVzsEUqCvgT2onlvDlXmkkCtx/s464/The%20Hoop%20and%20the%20Harm%20-%209781459417229-300x464.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fBCfHtafLKBQzuVmjiQgst7YWVjz6Rysv8KiorFYsaK8Ghw4ruC7ZF09uNuiecBzP2-4g0jUFlCMGn0g9OA1UdoVAytTW-zir37peT8ir9Ba3_QDCWV7t5mQe3xMrCZcPxXPSRX0YqtavsqKPVZIAZWnX3i5qMmiLszoVzsEUqCvgT2onlvDlXmkkCtx/w129-h200/The%20Hoop%20and%20the%20Harm%20-%209781459417229-300x464.jpg" width="129" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/the-hoop-and-the-harm-2/" target="_blank">The Hoop and the Harm</a></b></span><p></p><p><b><i>by Jawara Pedican</i></b></p><p>Udoka Clendon is a first-year university student and a product of basketball systems that have produced professional players.</p><p>From very young, he’s been pushed relentlessly by his family on a troubling pursuit for an athletic scholarship. He is burdened by expectations and self-doubt. Udoka tries to reignite his passion for the game. Now, he’s been given a final opportunity at the city-wide tournament to rediscover his confidence and his sense of purpose—all of which he fears he has lost forever.</p><p>With the clarity and poetic style of a seasoned writer, and drawing on his own time as an elite sports prospect, Jawara Pedican shows the trials and traumas of becoming fixated on a dream of sports stardom. (2023)</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcOQpA_OUpS6Lt0l3roo20o-FsjIH5CHLHOOOFUHZtPOU5eygWjozftyc4AVOyz16RIBGltx46dPTdE9ZOvHzoH9DRZNQPr1KML53dqpr9_eo5u_6CypwWz0e1pw0do6AVy4Vh6qZDTi-uurU1DCsA9YnvQnCjikvCh71CIS4hz925fz-u5r2ExzBz43B/s300/Lorimer-Children-Logo-300x88.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="300" height="59" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcOQpA_OUpS6Lt0l3roo20o-FsjIH5CHLHOOOFUHZtPOU5eygWjozftyc4AVOyz16RIBGltx46dPTdE9ZOvHzoH9DRZNQPr1KML53dqpr9_eo5u_6CypwWz0e1pw0do6AVy4Vh6qZDTi-uurU1DCsA9YnvQnCjikvCh71CIS4hz925fz-u5r2ExzBz43B/w200-h59/Lorimer-Children-Logo-300x88.png" width="200" /></a></i></b></div><b><i>Additional titles from African Canadian writers Johnny Boateng, Dirk McLean, Wanda Taylor, and Eric Howling are also available from Lorimer. We encourage you to <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/" target="_blank">visit the James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishing website</a> and view their full catalogue for powerful and culturally reflective narratives and characters.</i></b>SM Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08482990885729317907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-23437601714023194422024-01-11T13:35:00.009-05:002024-01-20T14:16:10.852-05:00DANCEHALL REBEL // YA Novel by Stacey Robinson<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp2y2YtYag4LFkKZedxXTax65SaatPFN6OaRRQcUDt9LDQzfeTmCEqwI_xxOJQVJx7S2wPAWmTuXogOxMfevfc5p7j9Smj1WlOPmlJt_ZB_AIuGi_AocuQxlefwkAEZ7VowH2yncxpgewVFdmfq3vyKZchYOdp_OWfQv1IwaeP2lJkHb1nTKw_IedGjE/s1600/DR%20Twitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp2y2YtYag4LFkKZedxXTax65SaatPFN6OaRRQcUDt9LDQzfeTmCEqwI_xxOJQVJx7S2wPAWmTuXogOxMfevfc5p7j9Smj1WlOPmlJt_ZB_AIuGi_AocuQxlefwkAEZ7VowH2yncxpgewVFdmfq3vyKZchYOdp_OWfQv1IwaeP2lJkHb1nTKw_IedGjE/s320/DR%20Twitter.png" width="320" /></a></i></div><i>My new book <b><a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens/product/dancehall-rebel/" target="_blank">Dancehall Rebel</a> </b>is rooted in a love for music, while looking at how this love can intersect with contradictory values, beliefs, or religious practices—across cultures. I hope this story can serve as a source of reflection, awareness, and a catalyst for conversation. Denise’s family represents many parents, cousins, or community members of all backgrounds who are unsure of how to navigate unfamiliar lifestyles or technologies. This story can be a tool and example, for those who need to explore these changes across generations, as Denise approaches her new reality with respect for her family and the culture she was raised in, while nurturing her independent journey into adulthood. ~ Stacey Robinson</i><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN50U8XvyavjCLTcx8PMKaRWhiAtQTrv5ONJMBCtiZxP6bvlLczgZe_8iTMvr4pXrPcdXZ5wGQmYNtPYX92SCSoL_mpYSMnl2eNCYQxeNhcSwXv5DcUh7t-gLCOkbFQRYiFhblRlFdHVEjK3OHC7UXocaZqY75izdCOhHOJ1aL3Tgs_C_ruc-Zo9jODh0/s1198/Dancehall%20Rebel%20(cover)%209781459418141-768x1198.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN50U8XvyavjCLTcx8PMKaRWhiAtQTrv5ONJMBCtiZxP6bvlLczgZe_8iTMvr4pXrPcdXZ5wGQmYNtPYX92SCSoL_mpYSMnl2eNCYQxeNhcSwXv5DcUh7t-gLCOkbFQRYiFhblRlFdHVEjK3OHC7UXocaZqY75izdCOhHOJ1aL3Tgs_C_ruc-Zo9jODh0/s320/Dancehall%20Rebel%20(cover)%209781459418141-768x1198.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><p><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">DANCEHALL REBEL</span></b></i></p><p><i><b>By Stacey Robinson</b></i></p><p><i><b>A teen shares her dad’s vibrant Caribbean musical legacy but is burdened by the homophobia that comes along with it. She needs to find a new path for the music and for herself.</b></i></p><p>Dancehall Rebel is a groundbreaking novel portraying a Caribbean Canadian teen challenging the ongoing legacy of homophobia in her musical and cultural community. Dancehall music and culture is undergoing a large shift. This book is a smart and savvy tale of a teen finding the confidence and voice to be an agent of change in her musical culture—and with her family.</p><p>Denise is a Toronto teen who was raised on Jamaican dancehall music; her dad is a leading local DJ who has imbued her life with a love of music. Denise has aspirations to follow in her dad’s footsteps, but there’s a problem: Denise identifies as queer, and the music she loves often reflects homophobia. Her mother and relatives are also not accepting. But when she moves to Ottawa for first year university school, encouraged by a sympathetic cousin, she finds a community of like-minded kids who love and cherish both music and diversity.</p><p>This lively true-to-life portrayal of teen lives and relationships puts a very contemporary spin on the cultural conflict often between more traditional families and their young family members.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1URXzQbHpn-W_4uTFb2p1s1ry3qFQWg4JJ5xhjIOUQhs2CfHLxj-XCKryaKqxYmWK-gL4DcTj6BlnCRJF16gnKglBwG3SVFKNtpTgv44dA-KTwvOtSzxnMxKRYP0AATYcSp-5b3uaNGZMUFosqnInUMtO1EScbhc1KCDMsuwAXdPORunXiOdQ77H0Hu8/s300/Lorimer-Children-Logo-300x88.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="300" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1URXzQbHpn-W_4uTFb2p1s1ry3qFQWg4JJ5xhjIOUQhs2CfHLxj-XCKryaKqxYmWK-gL4DcTj6BlnCRJF16gnKglBwG3SVFKNtpTgv44dA-KTwvOtSzxnMxKRYP0AATYcSp-5b3uaNGZMUFosqnInUMtO1EScbhc1KCDMsuwAXdPORunXiOdQ77H0Hu8/w320-h94/Lorimer-Children-Logo-300x88.png" width="320" /></a></div><i><b>Thank you to <a href="https://lorimer.ca/childrens-us/" target="_blank">James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishing</a> for the opportunity to share this book amongst their catalogue of socially conscious stories for children and teens.</b></i>SM Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08482990885729317907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-23217847863058696482023-11-01T14:45:00.000-04:002024-01-11T14:46:02.938-05:00Queer Caribbean Culture // Resources & Discussion<p></p><p><b>The Complexities of Queer, Caribbean Identities, and the Dangers of West-Centric LGBTQ+ Advocacy </b></p><p></p><p><i>Jenia Browne, International Affairs 2024</i></p><p>"In reality, threats to non-Western LGBTQ+ individuals are far different than those faced by Western LGBTQ+ individuals. The purpose of distinguishing these differences is not to compare the severity of these threats, but to acknowledge the differences in how they need to be addressed..."</p><p><a href="https://nupoliticalreview.org/2022/02/03/the-complexities-of-queer-caribbean-identites-and-the-dangers-of-west-centric-lgbtq-advocacy/#:~:text=The%20Dangers%20of%20West%2DCentric%20Activism,fighting%20queerphobia%20in%20their%20communities." target="_blank">Read More...</a></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3_WcQ0ez5_p9yu1Giybs4Cq-gVoM6-9M-DxgUrCgOCgtaojthBQskh_AFYkthh2RYJHnhq_b2Cu29cPVELbaBKtxabzSXFCbB9G3CaAsb3wIpfsmCHmS4c5ZzAlUGgJvaYRU3lb7j6u8eSmB4-BrvMSj-1uTLqfvh6KxwW6D9f3D6VfcMC5bHU_N9q2C/s320/carib1.png" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3_WcQ0ez5_p9yu1Giybs4Cq-gVoM6-9M-DxgUrCgOCgtaojthBQskh_AFYkthh2RYJHnhq_b2Cu29cPVELbaBKtxabzSXFCbB9G3CaAsb3wIpfsmCHmS4c5ZzAlUGgJvaYRU3lb7j6u8eSmB4-BrvMSj-1uTLqfvh6KxwW6D9f3D6VfcMC5bHU_N9q2C/s1600/carib1.png" width="320" /></a></p><div><p>Resilient and Proud: Accepting Queer Caribbean Identity: <a href="https://gomag.com/article/end-gay-just-kill-accepting-queer-caribbean-identity/">https://gomag.com/article/end-gay-just-kill-accepting-queer-caribbean-identity/</a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cjctjs4E34AanBzsAjPXq-MK-YO_8DV0g-YH09ZWM8OBexVMQsqEtQT8nN0-xRY4TLETWourAzgMtX5snSyNWn0MR5RXLae5F4NuprZUZ9UXTOHoWXyW04Zi2Q_F88c48ANljAo9RpIsqSvW_FntCFFW6DYeuWbYqk0r2xyj0t-NXaasgSX35_iJI8rQ/s320/carib3.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cjctjs4E34AanBzsAjPXq-MK-YO_8DV0g-YH09ZWM8OBexVMQsqEtQT8nN0-xRY4TLETWourAzgMtX5snSyNWn0MR5RXLae5F4NuprZUZ9UXTOHoWXyW04Zi2Q_F88c48ANljAo9RpIsqSvW_FntCFFW6DYeuWbYqk0r2xyj0t-NXaasgSX35_iJI8rQ/w320-h100/carib3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Young and Gay: Jamaica's Gully Queens: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILXVpFQVEbw&t=70s " target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILXVpFQVEbw&t=70s </a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx0mXf6bW6M_q0A3QiLmPQXkFTQksPYhnvzdh4MFT6_4BnXaf8Kbge_cMKKBYod6mUICFTx94dIrFH7_WKD3DBLMQOIetcS0jwaQCFeHgSAmaptiWH1Q3lIzIESGXLDb5i9XkY_IB-j-q1rFK4ZtGaGFcXDIz8J3xRY_LsxOrWba0tfo4BXPeEx2HWN_v/s320/carib2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx0mXf6bW6M_q0A3QiLmPQXkFTQksPYhnvzdh4MFT6_4BnXaf8Kbge_cMKKBYod6mUICFTx94dIrFH7_WKD3DBLMQOIetcS0jwaQCFeHgSAmaptiWH1Q3lIzIESGXLDb5i9XkY_IB-j-q1rFK4ZtGaGFcXDIz8J3xRY_LsxOrWba0tfo4BXPeEx2HWN_v/s1600/carib2.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>"<a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/queer-and-trans-african-mobilities-9780755638994/" target="_blank">Queer and Trans African Mobilities: Migration, Asylum and Diaspora</a>” by B Camminga and John Marnell</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xJqchIjPwWQ3rg9hJ20e5BbiDoH3fIssqjG9QGe3bSrFK1jilJoQRKFBkOG7RwewZPsF96sm1bjo2SVGxjYDhyphenhyphen3sknbOKWLo2TRAaXiHVQop0C1UOOg_cZP3C0cdQEahoJHDlrmdJWNkKAtofNxJntgC4Mx2XyXjYWyW3BavI8J_eQGl_sp0AHQgcVxJ/s320/carib6.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xJqchIjPwWQ3rg9hJ20e5BbiDoH3fIssqjG9QGe3bSrFK1jilJoQRKFBkOG7RwewZPsF96sm1bjo2SVGxjYDhyphenhyphen3sknbOKWLo2TRAaXiHVQop0C1UOOg_cZP3C0cdQEahoJHDlrmdJWNkKAtofNxJntgC4Mx2XyXjYWyW3BavI8J_eQGl_sp0AHQgcVxJ/s1600/carib6.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Music related articles and commentary...</b></p><p>Pamputtae brings dancehall to Toronto Pride — despite the anti-LGBTQ backlash: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/pamputtae-pride-toronto-1.6886271">https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/pamputtae-pride-toronto-1.6886271</a></p><p>Queer Caribbeans Speak Out About One of Dancehall’s Most Homophobic Songs: <a href="https://www.them.us/story/queer-caribbeans-speak-out-about-buju-banton">https://www.them.us/story/queer-caribbeans-speak-out-about-buju-banton</a> </p><p>Jamaica's Anti-Gay 'Murder Music' Carries Violent Message: <a href="https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2015/jamaicas-anti-gay-murder-music-carries-violent-message " target="_blank">https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2015/jamaicas-anti-gay-murder-music-carries-violent-message </a></p><p>Songs of Hate: <a href="https://www.eqfl.org/songs-hate-buju-banton-beenie-man-miamiheraldcom">https://www.eqfl.org/songs-hate-buju-banton-beenie-man-miamiheraldcom</a> </p><p>Reggae, rude boys and homophobia: <a href="https://theeyeopener.com/1998/04/reggae-rude-boys-and-homophobia/ " target="_blank">https://theeyeopener.com/1998/04/reggae-rude-boys-and-homophobia/ </a></p><p>BBC withdraws 'homophobic' reggae tracks: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/aug/30/broadcasting.bbc">https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/aug/30/broadcasting.bbc</a> </p><p>Dancehall Reggae Artist Under Fire for Anti-Gay Lyrics: <a href="https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3837073">https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3837073</a> </p><p>Fans and sponsors abandon reggae festival over anti-gay song lyrics: <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/fans-and-sponsors-abandon-reggae-festival-over-anti-gay-song-lyrics-1.3144210 " target="_blank">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/fans-and-sponsors-abandon-reggae-festival-over-anti-gay-song-lyrics-1.3144210 </a></p><p>Jamaica: Beenie Man Apologizes to the Gay Community: <a href="https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/jamaica-beenie-man-apologizes-gay-community">https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/jamaica-beenie-man-apologizes-gay-community</a> </p><p>Why Hate Reggae? When Reggae is Bigot Music: <a href="https://rootfire.net/when-reggae-is-bigot-music/ " target="_blank">https://rootfire.net/when-reggae-is-bigot-music/ </a></p><p>A Certain Kind of Slackness: <a href="https://www.afrosinthacity.com/home/2021/5/8/a-certain-kind-of-slackness " target="_blank">https://www.afrosinthacity.com/home/2021/5/8/a-certain-kind-of-slackness </a></p><p>No to hate: dancehall & gay-bashing lyrics: <a href="https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-82/no-hate-reggae-gay-bashing-lyrics#axzz81ARxwDRz">https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-82/no-hate-reggae-gay-bashing-lyrics#axzz81ARxwDRz</a> </p><p>Dancehall: What’s the deal with the sexist, and homophobic lyrics?: <a href="https://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/08/dancehall-whats-the-deal-with-the-sexist-and-homophobic-lyrics/ " target="_blank">https://caribbeannetwork.ntr.nl/2018/08/08/dancehall-whats-the-deal-with-the-sexist-and-homophobic-lyrics/ </a></p><p>A formerly anti-gay reggae star returns to Jamaica. This lesbian poet calls it ‘complicated.’: <a href="https://theworld.org/stories/2018-12-26/formerly-anti-gay-reggae-star-returns-jamaica-lesbian-poet-calls-it-complicated " target="_blank">https://theworld.org/stories/2018-12-26/formerly-anti-gay-reggae-star-returns-jamaica-lesbian-poet-calls-it-complicated </a></p><p>Lyrical Assault: Dancehall Versus the Cultural Imperialism of the North West: <a href="https://gould.usc.edu/why/students/orgs/ilj/assets/docs/17-2%20Nelson.pdf">https://gould.usc.edu/why/students/orgs/ilj/assets/docs/17-2%20Nelson.pdf</a> </p><p>Murder Music in Sharpstown: <a href="https://www.houstonpress.com/music/murder-music-in-sharpstown-6553817">https://www.houstonpress.com/music/murder-music-in-sharpstown-6553817</a> </p><p>Queen Ifrica, Stop hitting your black gay supporters below the waist: <a href="https://www.protemgl.com/articles/queen-ifrica-stop-hitting-your-black-gay-supporters-below-the-waist " target="_blank">https://www.protemgl.com/articles/queen-ifrica-stop-hitting-your-black-gay-supporters-below-the-waist </a></p><p>One Hate, One Fear: <a href="http://www.metroactive.com/bohemian/12.02.09/feature-0948.html " target="_blank">http://www.metroactive.com/bohemian/12.02.09/feature-0948.html </a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-KQskH5DX3uIgYnaF-AX-VnNg2ZX5r8uw1e2aQzWsB6QkPGn-ZPqRer44PtGHBQkQeVmW1Z7PzLeY4Oos_CZydLpEjDpDl9QSaeUQNXhtrJWRNFheuxZUm5yngU1BU7-OmzezHGifOl8ZgT4mGOCv3YbRVYdb5mpJw-g7O2yjRd6UdXUKkvTVdlHusPx/s320/carib4.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-KQskH5DX3uIgYnaF-AX-VnNg2ZX5r8uw1e2aQzWsB6QkPGn-ZPqRer44PtGHBQkQeVmW1Z7PzLeY4Oos_CZydLpEjDpDl9QSaeUQNXhtrJWRNFheuxZUm5yngU1BU7-OmzezHGifOl8ZgT4mGOCv3YbRVYdb5mpJw-g7O2yjRd6UdXUKkvTVdlHusPx/s1600/carib4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">“Caribbean queer people are resilient and courageous. We’re proud of who we are. We’re proud of ourselves for looking our parents in the face when we came out. We’re proud of our parents for at least trying to understand us. We’re proud of our culture despite its flaws. We’re proud of the activism we will continue to do in order to make sure our communities are safer for us all.” - Kori Williams</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">The Caribbean Equality Project: <a href="https://www.caribbeanequalityproject.org/">https://www.caribbeanequalityproject.org/</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Pride Trinidad & Tobago: <a href="https://caribbeanprides.org/trinidad-tobago">https://caribbeanprides.org/trinidad-tobago</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">J-FLAG / Equality Jamaica: <a href="https://www.equalityjamaica.org/" target="_blank">https://www.equalityjamaica.org/</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">758Pride St. Lucia: <a href="https://twitter.com/758pride">https://twitter.com/758pride</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">SASOD Guyana: <a href="https://twitter.com/SASODGuyana">https://twitter.com/SASODGuyana</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Pride Barbados: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pridebarbados/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/pridebarbados/?hl=en</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Colors Caribbean: <a href="https://colourscaribbean.com/">https://colourscaribbean.com/</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;">Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity & Equality: <a href="https://ecequality.org/">https://ecequality.org/</a></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><i><b><br /></b></i></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><i><b>We welcome any additions to this list of resources; please email <a href="info@kyapublishing.com " target="_blank">info@kyapublishing.com </a>with your recommendations.</b></i></p></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-52163426184334261902023-09-05T17:59:00.008-04:002023-09-05T18:22:43.837-04:00BLACK CANADIAN STUDENTS // Black Student Organizations on Campus<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHbwHfVH2ILaFEgsFXV0ET4b8_d5RlSA0jA8Xr269F1uHWTV58NYgZKxR0H8Z_M4Gm-EKsLXNX8sW1E-iDh5XXnMIZo6Go5ORT-77YpMpYsW2TemhYK8Tm1PjTGiKWfQVjCzg0lZi9DLiF8VJQSaNf0VsWmP4ofn7o3dKxrK1Yjpv3uXuqc5W4V0paTA=s365" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="365" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHbwHfVH2ILaFEgsFXV0ET4b8_d5RlSA0jA8Xr269F1uHWTV58NYgZKxR0H8Z_M4Gm-EKsLXNX8sW1E-iDh5XXnMIZo6Go5ORT-77YpMpYsW2TemhYK8Tm1PjTGiKWfQVjCzg0lZi9DLiF8VJQSaNf0VsWmP4ofn7o3dKxrK1Yjpv3uXuqc5W4V0paTA=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></p>Participating in a campus organization is a great way to enhance your post-secondary experience, to network with your peers, and to establish connections with individuals from across the country that can become lifetime relationships and professional resources.<p></p><p></p><p>Most campuses will have a list of organizations available through the Student Council/Government, or a dedicated day/week during the school year where you can learn more about the available groups and their mandates.</p><p>It's always great to build with your classmates outside of the classroom, and build upon your commonalities like hobbies, interests, programs of study, and culture. By joining culturally-specific student groups, you can also benefit from common experiences and histories that will bring you comfort and often empowerment as well when you discover you are not alone on this important academic (and social) journey.</p><p>Here is a growing list of Black student organizations at Canadian colleges and universities. Connect, support, and empower these voices throughout their studies and beyond.</p><p>Please be patient, as the list will be continuously evolving and expanding. We welcome your additions or adjustments, and can be reached at blackstudents@kyapublishing.com.</p><p><b>NOVA SCOTIA | DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY</b> (<a href="https://www.dal.ca/campus_life/student-societies-and-organizations.html" target="_blank">directory</a>)</p><p><a href="https://www.dsu.ca/ratified-societies/dalhousie-african-students-association?rq=african" target="_blank">African Students Association</a> | <a href="https://www.dsu.ca/ratified-societies/dbmsa?rq=black" target="_blank">Black Medical Students' Association</a> | <a href="https://www.dsu.ca/ratified-societies/black-law-students-association?rq=black" target="_blank">Dalhousie Black Law Students' Association</a> | <a href="https://www.dsu.ca/ratified-societies/dalhousie-caribbean-connection?rq=caribbean" target="_blank">Dalhousie Caribbean Connection</a></p><p><b>ONTARIO | UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO</b> (directory)</p><p><a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128595" target="_blank">African Students Association</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128844" target="_blank">Black Future Lawyers UTSG</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128048" target="_blank">Black Graduate Students Association</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128158" target="_blank">Black Social Work Student Association</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128902" target="_blank">Black STEM Network</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/127842" target="_blank">Black Students In Business</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128707" target="_blank">Black Students in Law and Policy</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/1847" target="_blank">Black Students' Association</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/1863" target="_blank">National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), U of T Chapter</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128374" target="_blank">University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) Black Literature Club</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128040" target="_blank">University of Toronto</a> | <a href="https://www.ulife.utoronto.ca/organizations/view/id/128040" target="_blank">Mississauga Black Students Association</a></p><p><b>ONTARIO | YORK UNIVERSITY </b>(directory)</p><p><a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/uci" target="_blank">United Caribbean Islands</a> | <a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/blackstudentsinpsych" target="_blank">Black Students in Psychology</a> | <a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/blackarthealsatyork" target="_blank">Black Arts Heals</a> | <a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/yorkuniversityblackstudentsalliance" target="_blank">York United Black Students' Alliance</a> (YUBSA) | <a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/bflyork" target="_blank">Black Future Lawyers</a> | <a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/ibpocaa" target="_blank">Indigenous Black People of Colour Organization</a> | <a href="https://yorku.campuslabs.ca/engage/organization/glendonafricannetwork2021_2022" target="_blank">Glendon African Network</a> | York University, Ontario</p><p><b>ONTARIO | UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR </b>(<a href="https://hub.uwsa.ca/club_signup" target="_blank">directory</a>)</p><p><a href="https://hub.uwsa.ca/student_community?club_id=24105" target="_blank">Caribbean African Organization of Students</a> | </p><p><br /></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-36261976901129614712023-09-05T17:57:00.007-04:002023-09-27T22:19:59.065-04:00BLACK CANADIAN STUDENTS // Recommended Readings about the Black Student Experience<p> <b>RECOMMENDED READINGS ABOUT THE BLACK STUDENT EXPERIENCE</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwuU0nNhbv77tJYRVOKsBkL1hQ25wkWt4Od02gdSVguSVeGH0IWWedUuquB-BZtQkGrax1Vek_81Vcsq2rrC9mFb2iGzQmTxNAHHCj0Z5M0AUUd6cTO6xWUJ6dAZ_6Db7drf1Bjcw8Z97nJnDKQq_Bp_skp0ovinOl2aH3lXw8M4vbImxbUbzuasDMAg=s640" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="415" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwuU0nNhbv77tJYRVOKsBkL1hQ25wkWt4Od02gdSVguSVeGH0IWWedUuquB-BZtQkGrax1Vek_81Vcsq2rrC9mFb2iGzQmTxNAHHCj0Z5M0AUUd6cTO6xWUJ6dAZ_6Db7drf1Bjcw8Z97nJnDKQq_Bp_skp0ovinOl2aH3lXw8M4vbImxbUbzuasDMAg=w130-h200" width="130" /></a></div><p>If you're interested in researching the history of Black student movements, from an African-American perspective, Ibram X. Kendi wrote <a href="https://www.ibramxkendi.com/black-campus-movement" target="_blank">The Black Campus Movement: Black Students and the Racial Reconstruction of Higher Education, 1965 - 1972</a>.</p><p></p><p>Here's the book's overview: "Between 1965 and 1972, African American students at upwards of a thousand historically Black and white American colleges and universities organized, demanded, and protested for Black Studies, progressive Black universities, new faces, new ideas--in short, a truly diverse system of higher education relevant to the Black community."</p><p>It continues to outline: "Taking inspiration from the Black Power Movement, Black students drew support from many quarters--including White, Latino, Chicano, Asian American, and Native American students--and disrupted and challenged institutions in nearly every state. By the end, black students had thoroughly reshaped the face of the academy."</p><p>In addition: "The Black Campus Movement provides the first national study of this remarkable and inspiring struggle, illuminating the complex context for one of the most transformative educational movements in American history, and providing a groundbreaking prehistory of black student activism from abolition through the 1960s. The book synthesizes records from more than three hundred colleges and universities, including documents from 163 college archives, into one national story. This authoritative study is essential to understanding modern American higher education."</p><p><b>HERE ARE A FEW MORE TITLES:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Fighting-Our-Place-Sun-Radicalization/dp/1433117703/ref=sr_1_5?crid=XI7599DTN58K&keywords=%22Black+Students%22&qid=1695516624&s=books&sprefix=black+students+%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Fighting for Our Place in the Sun: Malcolm X and the Radicalization of the Black Student Movement 1960 - 1973</a> | by Ricard Benson</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Student-Union-Advisors-Starting/dp/B0BF2PVDWC/ref=sr_1_7?crid=XI7599DTN58K&keywords=%22Black+Students%22&qid=1695516746&s=books&sprefix=black+students+%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-7" target="_blank">Black Student Union: An Advisor's Guide to Starting Your Very Own</a> | by Kenneth L Turner</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Black-Students-Matter-Duncan/dp/0197669263/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DIR383D04ALT&keywords=%22Black+Students%22+matter&qid=1695517012&s=books&sprefix=black+students+matt%2Cstripbooks%2C77&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Black Students Matter</a> | by Duncan</p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/why-are-all-the-black-kids-sitting-together-in-the-cafeteria-beverly-daniels-tatum/1120040647?ean=9780465060689&dpid=tds3rjqdu&mi_ecmp=8866fddd-5f6d-4318-9173-344815b7198e&sourceId=L000036218&sid=BDV&st=EML&2sid=230916_TD_BDV_BLACK_VOICES&mi_u=5a297093-5b12-55f0-9290-a4ca65869d43&hConversionEventId=AQEAAZQF2gAmdjYwMDAwMDE4YS1hMGE2LWNkMmYtYTBhZC03NjZlOTZjNjYwYTDaACQ4ODY2ZmRkZC01ZjZkLTQzMTgtMDAwMC0wMjFlZjNhMGJjY2XaACQ1MjJlZDE1MS0yOGQ3LTQyODctYmNjNC01Yzk2MjA2YTM3YzI3IOIOmqzz7vUDGPyRbwYibUL4NHVPphL17KFT_vKwxA" target="_blank">Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race</a> | by Beverly Daniel Tatum</p><p><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/punished-for-dreaming-bettina-l-love/1142827209?ean=9781250280381&dpid=tds3rjqdu&mi_ecmp=8866fddd-5f6d-4318-9173-344815b7198e&sourceId=L000036218&sid=BDV&st=EML&2sid=230916_TD_BDV_BLACK_VOICES&mi_u=5a297093-5b12-55f0-9290-a4ca65869d43&hConversionEventId=AQEAAZQF2gAmdjYwMDAwMDE4YS1hMGE2LWNkMmYtYTBhZC03NjZlOTZjNjYwYTDaACQ4ODY2ZmRkZC01ZjZkLTQzMTgtMDAwMC0wMjFlZjNhMGJjYzbaACQ0ZjZkMmEyMS0yMDVkLTQxY2QtYjEzYy00MDZkOTc2YzNmZjcDNW45WxOKkZojLaGMRGc_wdWOiHJsZQUTncPfLDu1Bg" target="_blank">Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal</a> | Bettina L. Love</p><p><br /></p><p><b>We will be populating this list over time; stay tuned!</b></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-390941564965478132023-08-08T17:32:00.007-04:002023-08-09T18:31:02.608-04:00Preparing your Teenager for Caribbean Carnival (in Toronto)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J76U8MBAzRfR8Fl9JSSRJAJRieOeiFsTEySPaYDuryL_36HCuTnt5K-G8qC-Qkvod_HhNgyL7YmAUK6oTN3N-GhjpYkCqYE-KuZ8VxzW4SUM6oO8wSkYpwfFqhHpYM0vXNICBk_FIQ9Ph5M11EUSlN3I-jPJTMgpcVb7KmOZ7uTjpNFR4ajLWi_Ws8JX/s4032/20230805_152855.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J76U8MBAzRfR8Fl9JSSRJAJRieOeiFsTEySPaYDuryL_36HCuTnt5K-G8qC-Qkvod_HhNgyL7YmAUK6oTN3N-GhjpYkCqYE-KuZ8VxzW4SUM6oO8wSkYpwfFqhHpYM0vXNICBk_FIQ9Ph5M11EUSlN3I-jPJTMgpcVb7KmOZ7uTjpNFR4ajLWi_Ws8JX/s320/20230805_152855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I love Carnival. I love Toronto. I love the combination of Carnival and Toronto, and always want what is best for our city, our Caribbean community, our participants, and our visitors.</p><p>Continuing to to stay connected to Toronto's carnival festivities over the years is very important to me. Along with my team of writers, we have planned <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/events" target="_blank">Kya Publishing</a> and <a href="https://tubookexpo.com/" target="_blank">Toronto Urban Book Expo</a> book fairs/events and activities around Emancipation Day weekend in Toronto for years, in celebration of the culture and to draw alignment between our intentions as writers and larger cultural objectives.</p><p>A part of our business model is to encourage international visitors to come to Toronto, interact and integrate with our creative communities (the writers in particular), and to continue to build Toronto as a hub for Black artists and innovators. So far, I've met some incredible, brilliant Black people as a result of this alignment.</p><p>We live in a beautiful, world class city, and therefore we all need to actively maintain Toronto's standard to the best of our individual abilities. We are all responsible for how the future looks.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ7wzow2BLhhSzmP1doKhj6f6obGFZhclfF-SwdxbO-bARTxPzk3SJQsDwrLb1uT8j7P39E_CS8_5NSZGX2ROblj8Z27MywtNu0oL9JiowvjLYVBoiXpzQwuyAQDArVsPElaIX_IlmPX6NYOHqieyS1pQoSpkVD9Wdb2XOOEYbvtkRNSwtdzvPplaWL-L/s320/C%20-%20Context.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ7wzow2BLhhSzmP1doKhj6f6obGFZhclfF-SwdxbO-bARTxPzk3SJQsDwrLb1uT8j7P39E_CS8_5NSZGX2ROblj8Z27MywtNu0oL9JiowvjLYVBoiXpzQwuyAQDArVsPElaIX_IlmPX6NYOHqieyS1pQoSpkVD9Wdb2XOOEYbvtkRNSwtdzvPplaWL-L/s1600/C%20-%20Context.png" width="320" /></a></div>I first played mas in 2010 with Toronto Revellers, and had a blast. That inspired me to <a href="http://wickedrevellers.blogspot.com/2011/06/" target="_blank">build mas for the first time in 2011</a> (for the Toronto Revellers, with a group of 3 others), and it was overwhelming and extremely fulfilling to see our 150 costumes on the road.<p></p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b8Y6tbsbr84" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</p><p></p>In 2014 I built a kiddies section for Toronto Revellers on my own (with the help of a designer, and seamstresses) and it was also a great experience to connect with the children in my section and their families.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf-QnKttbDQOWn0jrCqPgJDiSMjUPZDgZWAYfFUQLR8UoJCpgsSrxLUriRbne9HFXoTgvY51w4J95mO17BJ_dePMqh-lWfLZTQkKlS6kQFDGvhFFrwKfuN_r2727VrqKxmWiFUiUrD9T2iKdNn08aaEBkosnlF4lZn1gj2nvwX_WBWEJvRYr6Tih3JLfe/s320/C%20-%20Kids.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyf-QnKttbDQOWn0jrCqPgJDiSMjUPZDgZWAYfFUQLR8UoJCpgsSrxLUriRbne9HFXoTgvY51w4J95mO17BJ_dePMqh-lWfLZTQkKlS6kQFDGvhFFrwKfuN_r2727VrqKxmWiFUiUrD9T2iKdNn08aaEBkosnlF4lZn1gj2nvwX_WBWEJvRYr6Tih3JLfe/s1600/C%20-%20Kids.png" width="320" /></a></div>These past two post-pandemic years, my main goal with 'Caribana' was to ensure that my teenage nieces (who modelled as little girls in costume) had their first experience on the "road' with me. I have been calling it my Carnival Orientation, and I have been taking it very seriously. <p></p><p>The way you enter any cultural space--and your understanding of the overall structure and circumstances around you--will play an important role in how you perceive the event, how you approach the event, and how you sustain the event.</p><p><b>Documenting, sustaining, and building the culture means everything to me. And this is what I am hoping to teach my teenage nieces by example, and through references.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx-cHe3pRFOBEYhSTScEYp9w0RYAaGxDpsPdTLAmJVFr2Mgf3M6K3WVlxtfeTAFDvA2XjaT4ruX0i98xQr4Yygk4WE2472Ant87ocACsqx6JvWHO_v5Z89chAD5sRcHd5bBSLRS9jFv2Fl_QcSmCC4mEpJ3kdVGaZkfSHppvw5fm4TAoNafTECnaL__Jb/s320/C%20-%20Kiddies.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvx-cHe3pRFOBEYhSTScEYp9w0RYAaGxDpsPdTLAmJVFr2Mgf3M6K3WVlxtfeTAFDvA2XjaT4ruX0i98xQr4Yygk4WE2472Ant87ocACsqx6JvWHO_v5Z89chAD5sRcHd5bBSLRS9jFv2Fl_QcSmCC4mEpJ3kdVGaZkfSHppvw5fm4TAoNafTECnaL__Jb/s1600/C%20-%20Kiddies.png" width="320" /></a></div>My girls' first experience with Toronto Carnival was in 2014, when they modelled for my kiddies section "YabbaDabbaDoo," with their Pebbles & Bam Bam-styled peers. They participated in the band launch, they posed for photographs, and they joined us on the road during Junior Carnival 2014 in Malvern for the parade.<div><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1uxiL1JejCg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe><br /><br /></div><div>Now that they are older, and almost ten years passed since they participated in carnival activities, they were ready to take on the adult parade and I was happy to escort them to the Lakeshore. I didn't force them along the way...they both naturally formed an interest in the activities taking place downtown.<p></p><p>There is no formal "orientation," or training for these shared experiences and cultural events. We all learn the ropes informally from our parents, our ancestors, from social media, and our friend groups.</p><p>Me writing this formal account of carnival preparation is to ensure that not only are these thoughts documented , but that they are accessible for anyone else...in the event that they also want to approach their "teenager's first carnival" with a structured perspective. Or at least use these sentiments as a brainstorm or reference for their own teachings.</p><p>Here are a few fundamental thoughts I hoped to communicate this season:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT40Ynsd4Krv8hGNeuNNzrHTLZAWk_5zcYKF3aWw9qU4jUU3iNNjLShlxcdH14AKqkDfQ6-yfnVWDdFiSW5BxwRVFDRPD6feqGrmsy28j8J4rKs3uNuf81a2r8Aq2ZnbJEuWOzZw0I5DEtSVe-ysPEn2HaYaFsRqie2WzJaqBorU-60q3oe5cMB8Jry9u/s320/C%20-%20Tips.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT40Ynsd4Krv8hGNeuNNzrHTLZAWk_5zcYKF3aWw9qU4jUU3iNNjLShlxcdH14AKqkDfQ6-yfnVWDdFiSW5BxwRVFDRPD6feqGrmsy28j8J4rKs3uNuf81a2r8Aq2ZnbJEuWOzZw0I5DEtSVe-ysPEn2HaYaFsRqie2WzJaqBorU-60q3oe5cMB8Jry9u/s1600/C%20-%20Tips.png" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">01) RESPECT THE MAS</span></b> | Admire the costumes, the designers, the parade, the procedures, and the security measures put in place to make Toronto Carnival a beautiful and orderly parade for experienced masqueraders and first-time participants. <p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">02) LEARN THE HISTORY</span></b> | Research the various Caribbean Carnivals, and why we are celebrating emancipation in this way in Toronto, in the Caribbean, the UK, and so many other locations around the globe. Find out the origins of this celebration, the traditional processions, characters, and instruments, and the trends bringing us into future carnivals.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">03) GET FAMILIAR WITH THE PARADE ROUTE</span></b> | Get familiar with the parade route, the start and end points, and everything that happens in between. The fences, the entry ways, and how to access parking, public transportation, and the length of time it will take you to get from, say the Dufferin Gate to the Princess Gate. Traffic is hectic, on foot and in vehicles.</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>04) BE COMFORTABLE</b> </span>| Wear comfortable footwear that you can dance (and/or run if necessary) in throughout the day. You might even throw in an extra pair of socks, shoe liners, or other measures for extra comfort. Make sure you clothing is also comfortable because you're most likely going to be hot hot hot, and also have to navigate public restrooms in your selected outfit.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafj4qRjfBihsveznJ1Ajfl9wIlAy8tQaX7BNDZ3FP-MlCWERni9qWhjWVFbEPn0UDvHEVVhxJlk9oN9YnbjKcyc7-DQAWe2HyUUDwMOZXvpmG0A_ap7q-UwiLZOshSXQSRecXd9Kn4lrFfg_67tKAlfiFpf-xKwGKgPKQafceL26vPCWPD7E8qP2861WA/s4032/20230805_152403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafj4qRjfBihsveznJ1Ajfl9wIlAy8tQaX7BNDZ3FP-MlCWERni9qWhjWVFbEPn0UDvHEVVhxJlk9oN9YnbjKcyc7-DQAWe2HyUUDwMOZXvpmG0A_ap7q-UwiLZOshSXQSRecXd9Kn4lrFfg_67tKAlfiFpf-xKwGKgPKQafceL26vPCWPD7E8qP2861WA/s320/20230805_152403.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">05) PROTECT YOUR SPACE</span> </b>| Be aware of unwanted following, contact, or pressure to participate in the levels of bacchanal taking place. In particular: watch out for older participants who are not paying attention to age when seeking a whine. Also, beware of stormers and unexpected rushes of people/stampedes!<p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">06) PACK EMERGENCY ITEMS</span> </b>| Hand wipes/sanitizer, Tylenol, tissue, and walk with a water bottle and sunscreen if possible.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">07) CHARGE YOUR PHONE </span></b>| Phone signals are known to drop out when on the crowded Lakeshore Blvd, so ensure you not only enter the parade with a full battery, but that you have a charger...and even a portable charger on hand to ensure full communication access from the start of the day, until your long walk back out of the CNE grounds/area.</p><p><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeZ0ZLZbmrsrbudGhH1VitZ5QIsOANeH0rBrO5wh4fQPIqGy8xPXyOh09TtzwIEpGYOZ0xcbFDiRiyeyHvg1jnx8ku2KQFXZDqPHsYRg18X1hNgGProVInT89u6KLkdIb5KebydmemhCbxdnOGtdG0jtGKxT4b89t5sprNIOWPF0UpYZQtL8PdIP7DqLm/s320/C%20-%20Kids2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeZ0ZLZbmrsrbudGhH1VitZ5QIsOANeH0rBrO5wh4fQPIqGy8xPXyOh09TtzwIEpGYOZ0xcbFDiRiyeyHvg1jnx8ku2KQFXZDqPHsYRg18X1hNgGProVInT89u6KLkdIb5KebydmemhCbxdnOGtdG0jtGKxT4b89t5sprNIOWPF0UpYZQtL8PdIP7DqLm/s1600/C%20-%20Kids2.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">08) CHOOSE YOUR COMPANY WISELY</span> </b><span style="text-align: center;">| Go downtown with friends you know, trust, and who care about your well being. Friends that will stay connected to you, make sure you are safe, and who will do their best to make good decisions around you.</span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">09) STAY ALERT</span></b> | Try not to drink, smoke, or change your state of mind unless you are 100% familiar with the feelings and able to handle them in a loud, chaotic, and usually very hot/humid situation. Drinking at home/in a venue is a lot different than drinking outside in the heat...and smoking, well. I won't endorse smoking for teenagers, so that tip is to just not do it. And unless you're an 19-year-old teenager, you won't be drinking anyhow! So get some rest, and stay alert because there's a lot going on and you need to be in full control of your mind and body!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVdSDBiQ3fr5fY6mu6zlINPnVRx7vp-m8yw7CHoI-ADgaaon1HcNPTxMh6V0kOF9suVvbNqhKFs0izYgL9a2YXc6nlH6kRDDcfw0DJ_S1N0n0FhjjNjqckStIhiNo4tnX1AUz5stCpY001W-lTyg95fM62eTKBQESXRlauRM4FWiFRJ7Uk_Nu5z_PzvAV/s4032/20230805_140612.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVdSDBiQ3fr5fY6mu6zlINPnVRx7vp-m8yw7CHoI-ADgaaon1HcNPTxMh6V0kOF9suVvbNqhKFs0izYgL9a2YXc6nlH6kRDDcfw0DJ_S1N0n0FhjjNjqckStIhiNo4tnX1AUz5stCpY001W-lTyg95fM62eTKBQESXRlauRM4FWiFRJ7Uk_Nu5z_PzvAV/s320/20230805_140612.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">10) THE STREETS ARE WATCHING</span></b> | Anything you do might appear on CP24, the Toronto Sun, or on a stranger's TikTok feed or Instagram reel. You never know who is watching, recording, or observing your behaviours. There are drones, cameras, and tourists everywhere that automatically assume you're part of the show, once you hit the parade route.<p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">11) MONITOR YOUR ACTIONS </span></b>| Don't do anything you don't want your neighbours, classmates, extended family, or coworkers to see or hear about. There are thousands of eyes everywhere, so be responsible and respectable in your behaviour. And if you want to wil' out, dance, and get on bad...do it in a way that you won't be embarrassed about in another month, year, or few...always think ahead!</p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">12) HAVE FUN</span></b> | Enjoy the music! Appreciate the vibes! Smile! Your energy feeds the next person around you, and vice versa. Help to make Toronto Carnival a pleasant experience for yourself, and for others.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAh-YsGFEj6naqKHezUhyUsQgnG48wCuuWlzTTZY69lMyp-lwi7r8ZiqhVqO7UWMA7iFlBRbpYMKUkQ0IiKLPI1VpW2KGgGBl2vgWzVFzdj-PDckGYugQZ9VGXZ6JafZsrcCLZ8_HTcGyb-MZ96hK45_XAvrSY5NtI-Lss-oDEe-_H73AW8fXzqBn2X8G/s320/C%20-%20Lakeshore.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="320" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAh-YsGFEj6naqKHezUhyUsQgnG48wCuuWlzTTZY69lMyp-lwi7r8ZiqhVqO7UWMA7iFlBRbpYMKUkQ0IiKLPI1VpW2KGgGBl2vgWzVFzdj-PDckGYugQZ9VGXZ6JafZsrcCLZ8_HTcGyb-MZ96hK45_XAvrSY5NtI-Lss-oDEe-_H73AW8fXzqBn2X8G/s1600/C%20-%20Lakeshore.png" width="320" /></a></div>Give thanks that Toronto truly embraces this festival, time and time again. Other North American cities do not compare to the way in which the City of Toronto coordinates the road closures, public transportation, and understands what it is that is happening. There are events, food, music, and festivities across the city and it's a magical time of year indeed.<p></p>I love Toronto Carnival so much, that I wanted to capture a single fictional experience in Toronto and put it into a written narrative. <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Carnival-Spotlight-SM-Robinson/dp/0987919512/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&qid=1620784616&refinements=p_27%3ASM+Robinson&s=books&sr=1-6&text=SM+Robinson" target="_blank">Carnival Spotlight</a> is the name of my novel, written in 2014, about a young Jamaican woman/dancer and her first time taking part in the festivities.<p></p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN898Y-GWc-fvtzVAMWmK1BFShx6hqM3zThdKJNc9FwFyHJt2Kovc2M1SRE7zBV_sL-o-n8_DsX3QyJGLaBAHQRsPOLdQQvm6WmX7E3ZOBlU5tKqHIGxr7oYJn-ZS-XrfnUvltQcW--W55tt-FPqByB-Asf2eFiCseXxci-JzKk5ztuDlcRw6SwS9i7fYK/s2775/TORONTO%20ENTERTAINMENT%20COLLECTION%20-%20Carnival%20Spotlight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1832" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN898Y-GWc-fvtzVAMWmK1BFShx6hqM3zThdKJNc9FwFyHJt2Kovc2M1SRE7zBV_sL-o-n8_DsX3QyJGLaBAHQRsPOLdQQvm6WmX7E3ZOBlU5tKqHIGxr7oYJn-ZS-XrfnUvltQcW--W55tt-FPqByB-Asf2eFiCseXxci-JzKk5ztuDlcRw6SwS9i7fYK/s320/TORONTO%20ENTERTAINMENT%20COLLECTION%20-%20Carnival%20Spotlight.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>I had fun writing it, and hope that you have fun reading it. I tried to capture the essence of the preparations, with a little bacchanal, and relationship drama surrounding the event. <b>Here's a <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Carnival-Spotlight-SM-Robinson/dp/0987919512/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&qid=1620784616&refinements=p_27%3ASM+Robinson&s=books&sr=1-6&text=SM+Robinson" target="_blank">link to order it</a>, if you want to take a read!</b></div><div><p></p>Also for your Carnival reference, here is a link to <b>Kya Publishing's <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/carnivalspotlight" target="_blank">CARNIVAL SPOTLIGHT archive</a></b> of Caribbean-Carnival/Culture related articles, photos, videos, and communication activities that we've conducted and recorded over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also have an Instagram account dedicated to Caribbean Carnival and culture called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carnivalspotlight" target="_blank">@CarnivalSpotlight</a> that I invite you to connect with!</div><div><br /></div><div>Little by little, we all do our part to keep our beautiful traditions and future cultural presentations alive and thriving!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.<br /><br /><p></p><br /></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-68534441141568207342023-05-08T00:34:00.002-04:002023-05-08T00:38:38.057-04:00Take a Listen to Bitty McLean's New Reggae Album "Forward"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxo0_AbSW6h3X_4ejkuEvw3OjpB6HCBbkdFokmYV4JXkIJI_D9Qa9-mVj92MHRSoKKgotzeJb9grwZW031Il8Hin32y5codYJtjrzEmXOpaaUhOvFRD3ZmSEqDG4vowsh0164Vq4KPt_9xDwllKspt0KG3qQjImI0MJsn529PmkjYGe9SBhNe7cLKGQ/s500/Bitty-McLean-Forward.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxo0_AbSW6h3X_4ejkuEvw3OjpB6HCBbkdFokmYV4JXkIJI_D9Qa9-mVj92MHRSoKKgotzeJb9grwZW031Il8Hin32y5codYJtjrzEmXOpaaUhOvFRD3ZmSEqDG4vowsh0164Vq4KPt_9xDwllKspt0KG3qQjImI0MJsn529PmkjYGe9SBhNe7cLKGQ/w320-h320/Bitty-McLean-Forward.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If he never again wrote an original song, toured, or played an instrument, Bitty McLean would still be my favourite reggae artist. His voice alone is impeccable, a musical fact that is evident in any of his singles or albums from 2004's "On Bond Street" until his latest project, "Forward," that was released April 14, 2023 from TAXI Records. A special edition of the album was released in Japan in September of 2022.<div><p></p><p>His formula is as authentic and traditional, as it is innovative and modern. Clean, melodic, and deeply, deeply rooted in reggae music's most foundational and inspirational elements.</p><p>Bitty McLean consistently produces and performs good music, and stays committed to the sustainable elements of reggae music and culture. For this reason, he is always at the top of my list. </p><p>I admired his voice around the same time many others internationally were also powerfully introduced to him en masse, with "Walk Away from Love." </p><p>It's a song that can play in any dance, home, or event on any given day, and it still resonates. I think that's because not only is the artist talented, but also because his career (and character) have stood the test of consistency. As outlined in my written <a href="https://staceymarierobinson.blogspot.com/2019/02/reggae-month-honouring-melodies-of.html" target="_blank">profile of Bitty for Reggae Month 2019</a>, there are no gimmicks or pretenses with this singer. He remains unequivocally committed to the music, and it's evident in the final production, every time.</p><p>Here's a quick overview of the twelve-track album, with a link to the songs on YouTube so you can also take a listen:</p><p>01) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBO0KtVd9ys&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k" target="_blank">BE ACCEPTED</a>: Love this entry song, very spiritual with heavenly harmonies and full of scripture. A beautiful opening to the album.</p><p>02) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-j-STvxZdo&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=2" target="_blank">BACK IN MY ARMS</a>: The musicality is always refreshing, and I loved the instrumentals, the clean sound of the brass/horns, and of course Bitty's clear voice is the perfect complement. Everything sounds balanced and the melodies are sweet. </p><p>03) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk16VNnD-S8&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=3" target="_blank">LET'S MAKE UP</a>: Songs like this are meant to cultivate love and romance!</p><p>04) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etzd37z7aOY&list=RDetzd37z7aOY&index=1" target="_blank">THE BEST PART</a>: I keep coming back to this particular song. I love the classic dancehall rhythm, mixed with his sweet vocals, and the catchy chorus and melodies. The organs always add a nice touch. This is currently my favourite song on the album, because it's partially familiar yet still new and refreshing...optimistic and positive.</p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/etzd37z7aOY" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
<br /></p><p>05) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--AKs2W1Emc&list=RDetzd37z7aOY&index=2" target="_blank">LOVE HAS GONE</a>: Loved the dream-like background vocals, and classic lover's rock feel to this song.</p><p>06) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipwnw1njosw&list=RDetzd37z7aOY&index=4" target="_blank">ONE NATION</a>: Another pure reggae song; an anthem of love for the island of Jamaica. This song is a reminder of how smooth the album's entirety is, and how easy track transitions into the next without disrupting the flow or groove. The passion and love for the country is felt in the words and melody.</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ipwnw1njosw" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</p><p>07) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDS2az2k1N8&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=7" target="_blank">BEAUTY YOU ARE</a>: This song has a great dub feeling and bassline, and is a romantic yet uplifting vibe for women listeners in particular. Love hearing the melodica, as always.</p><p>08) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7z7Hiu8f7Y&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=8" target="_blank">THE NEED IN ME</a>: Another romantic composition, with beautiful lyrics and a sweet groove.</p><p>09) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZSpHr1PoPE&list=RDetzd37z7aOY&index=3" target="_blank">GLASS HOUSE</a>: This single, I believe is the first official release from the album, and heavy in lyrics. Love the bassline groove, the crisp instruments, bells, and most importantly the message. A great song.</p><p>10) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j54QQFmA7Ws&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=10" target="_blank">FAR AS EYE CAN SEE</a>: More melodica! I love it. This song gives a classic roots vibe, lyrics, and a clean mix overall. When I think about pure reggae music, this song personifies that feeling and sound.</p><p>11) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vbSkao6tyQ&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=11" target="_blank">WHERE IS YOUR LOVE</a>: Excellent drums, rhythms, and messages in this song.</p><p>12) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTHbrfSq9aQ&list=OLAK5uy_nJT5XtNirSKVMmpgWyPZUuA66QLOioZ_k&index=12" target="_blank">WHERE IS YOUR DUB</a>: A wonderful groove; love the intricate instrumentation.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQO6i8xwhtOleMnhfBN8DbRSyUjJ86HJlWdKVJB7xGmkdW4P8xd7k8D0jlgbXwTvlCXgPD5ReEHwuAfcU7CIHgU_ig2X49ChXO44gNafN-kgu_s_JrSKWykp_r0DpQZQJ3CNAYf1JXSjydG3auNpOwj6Qd4-LP7CSNbGHu5up47yzIINxCBtAdo6zvA/s1473/Sly%20and%20Robbie.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1473" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQO6i8xwhtOleMnhfBN8DbRSyUjJ86HJlWdKVJB7xGmkdW4P8xd7k8D0jlgbXwTvlCXgPD5ReEHwuAfcU7CIHgU_ig2X49ChXO44gNafN-kgu_s_JrSKWykp_r0DpQZQJ3CNAYf1JXSjydG3auNpOwj6Qd4-LP7CSNbGHu5up47yzIINxCBtAdo6zvA/s320/Sly%20and%20Robbie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Drums by Sly Dunbar and bass from the late Robbie Shakespeare. The consistency and magic of this particular trio's musical products are solid. There was an archive of riddims created by the group over the years, that were used to create this new project, in tribute to Shakespeare's legacy.<p></p><p>Some of the other musicians featured on this production: Dean Fraser on horns, Stephen Lenky Marsden on piano, and Bitty himself on organ and melodica. Multitalented and exceptional on all levels, this album is another great collection of work from this legendary singer.</p><p>Keep up with Bitty McLean, often performing in Europe and Asia (and hopefully soon returning to a Toronto stage): </p><p>Bitty McLean on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bittymclean/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BittyMcLean1" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBittyMclean/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></p><p>Download or stream "Forward" on <a href="https://music.apple.com/ca/album/forward/1666507227" target="_blank">Apple Music</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/1AIRz1KsEzGjh55J81z03F" target="_blank">Spotify</a> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-41052273501344050062023-02-16T22:30:00.013-05:002023-02-16T23:33:36.737-05:00The Canadian International Auto Show // Cars & Creativity<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI2FRvuv9YOxbElK2zG1UdtUJQrTGQ0q47KWtX5EoH7ZiAELqZvCX4ejfKC2IizpqN2B-pv5Kxi9Z3XGhmSdHUwGf91sJZ8NIRxQdHrXODVWpknNJmw9M8V0JEqSxhDE7UPHQ1lQzcvlFV9O3ewfsV7lozBZoCeGeOkr270LwxK2pSAq7kfi7uoqa2A/s4032/20230216_120904.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI2FRvuv9YOxbElK2zG1UdtUJQrTGQ0q47KWtX5EoH7ZiAELqZvCX4ejfKC2IizpqN2B-pv5Kxi9Z3XGhmSdHUwGf91sJZ8NIRxQdHrXODVWpknNJmw9M8V0JEqSxhDE7UPHQ1lQzcvlFV9O3ewfsV7lozBZoCeGeOkr270LwxK2pSAq7kfi7uoqa2A/s320/20230216_120904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love the Auto Show, and rarely (if ever) miss it. I love the lights and the reflections, the curves of the vehicles, the car enthusiasts sitting in the front seats and running their hands across the features, and I particularly love watching the designs evolve and the brands present themselves over time. I prefer to attend as close to opening day as possible, when the crowd is thin and the view is unobstructed. Needless to say, after a long two years' hiatus, I am happy to see the festivities resume.<p></p><p></p>A chapter in Donovan Watkis' book <a href="http://staceymarierobinson.blogspot.com/2023/02/reggae-month-cultural-capital-to.html" target="_blank">Cultural Capital to Financial Capital: Reggae-Dancehall</a> was on my mind all week, as I anticipated attending the <a href="https://autoshow.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian International Auto Show</a>'s Media Day on February 16, 2023. In this chapter "Dancehall's Love Affair with Luxury Car Brands," he wrote about the connection through music over the years, with a few examples of songs from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YujlcohUl3k" target="_blank">Beenie Man</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiRlqmYbweM" target="_blank">Popcaan</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5Qq5e9B_Bw" target="_blank">Bounty Killa</a>.<div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxwxw8Ks680YmTOsS-FgFgaYTUgVXduyvmYfQF8ZROdtEc8xPRLz1YC9u9T2gPccy6GCR5GA0eO9YHwOWVpaHVjEVUKfqtbQEn5-Sr3fzCrfQCDSMqpQfNMGbRuXOovqgRJ6xf7OMDSOKLvtkTw2ewplTnpUfke5ar3Do5XqRAlXbHe8puMvdxcbTYA/s1400/Koffee%20Pull%20Up%20Audi.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1400" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxwxw8Ks680YmTOsS-FgFgaYTUgVXduyvmYfQF8ZROdtEc8xPRLz1YC9u9T2gPccy6GCR5GA0eO9YHwOWVpaHVjEVUKfqtbQEn5-Sr3fzCrfQCDSMqpQfNMGbRuXOovqgRJ6xf7OMDSOKLvtkTw2ewplTnpUfke5ar3Do5XqRAlXbHe8puMvdxcbTYA/s320/Koffee%20Pull%20Up%20Audi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the same spirit as Watkis' reflections, my original intention was to solely profile <a href="https://www.audi.ca/" target="_blank">my favourite car brand Audi</a>, and I had selected a few favourite reggae songs to highlight, including Koffee's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvp9E12E4hQ" target="_blank">Pull Up</a>" where the brand is a major part of the chorus. Unfortunately, not only was Audi absent from the show, but luxury brands that I look forward to seeing like Jaguar, Benz, and BMW were also MIA, in addition to Honda, Ford, Volkswagen, Mazda, and a few other favourites (like Infiniti). A good portion of important car brands were notably absent from the dynamic displays.</div><div><p>Clearly downsized from previous years, it was probably not much of a surprise to the countless people waiting to even view or purchase new cars in Canada, restricted from global production issues and parts shortages.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRsJ3mtQWDlFVkE7AcpmMft2Vz5lsKjVBkPn_UWg8gSXT5nl95WYTaG8CVOqWziJffP2bDDmZC6QDUjJtFUOr82nPYFf-NUPtR_WYWNoO8ZoALTPaIKBJ-30Sqhl-I2c-5VvERONMJA90WvEd6WmeAvADlGb1ckC9Y_eFSa-boXLs8XWH6tFIxhndZQ/s2280/PicPlayPost1676574584768.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="2280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRsJ3mtQWDlFVkE7AcpmMft2Vz5lsKjVBkPn_UWg8gSXT5nl95WYTaG8CVOqWziJffP2bDDmZC6QDUjJtFUOr82nPYFf-NUPtR_WYWNoO8ZoALTPaIKBJ-30Sqhl-I2c-5VvERONMJA90WvEd6WmeAvADlGb1ckC9Y_eFSa-boXLs8XWH6tFIxhndZQ/w200-h200/PicPlayPost1676574584768.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Observing the hustle of the automotive journalists, executives, industry folk, and content creators, the intersections with Reggae Month and Black History Month were at the forefront of my mind. Particularly because I was only one of a handful of Black-presenting attendees at today's launch, and also because I was the only Black women that I saw during the few hours I was on the showroom floors.<p></p><p>Year-round, and particularly during "our" month, race is something that is always evident...unintentionally. It's just a reflex to notice, calculate, and analyze the racial make-up of various settings. Particularly new or occasional settings like the CIAS.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfADwNBPOAq8A9JBzJw20eBmUmXVenuOsO5ey6g26nOu2_yXvYqbwiRGZAoSnb180jiov4qKnms-nDHilN9YiWz4avd3bbjvSqi_ZRG4oIlzfBhYLABWwUevLEMoCwl5caIvuZ4Q18VSYK1mPRm8YhRD4oroLrWywoghKSYTgYv5VHWozT8be4zXqjw/s4032/20230216_122117.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfADwNBPOAq8A9JBzJw20eBmUmXVenuOsO5ey6g26nOu2_yXvYqbwiRGZAoSnb180jiov4qKnms-nDHilN9YiWz4avd3bbjvSqi_ZRG4oIlzfBhYLABWwUevLEMoCwl5caIvuZ4Q18VSYK1mPRm8YhRD4oroLrWywoghKSYTgYv5VHWozT8be4zXqjw/s320/20230216_122117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The lack of 'diversity' wasn't something that made me angry, or something that I could place blame on. Instead, it just made me think about all the ways that reggae music (and also hip hop and R&B music) praised and glorified cars--and particular brands--over the years. Much like the ways liquors and clothing brands were (and still are) given leverage because of their musical endorsements.<p></p><p>While we can now see and feel the emergence of clothing brands and liquors that are Black-owned, and we have lived to witness the transition of power from mainstream brands to brands developed for and by the Black community, I wonder if this will ever be the case with vehicles? And is this a necessary industry to look at with entrepreneurial expectations, through a racial/global lens?</p><p></p>They are praised and admired, and name-dropped relentlessly. Status symbols. Branding elements. Toys. Gifts. For someone that loves cars, they are everything and worth mentioning...for free. Without endorsement or partnerships.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaWqNKSD5kZOAqsMWQ4Rj_XexsMKWDdtZzjXrwmdGgvVjaAR_zowQ9FuUIIIaJcVvkMFM9dt3ZqeKcCBTb0nrrsFpAjl0QAUh76_ODyv6LOw0X-NpKYBG5o4LCKqJw7irgduHCPfdJhga44_I2RWurLA-AW31x6to3dAk3ap6c7Yo6XCQ7D0wKbB7zg/s4032/20230216_121559.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaWqNKSD5kZOAqsMWQ4Rj_XexsMKWDdtZzjXrwmdGgvVjaAR_zowQ9FuUIIIaJcVvkMFM9dt3ZqeKcCBTb0nrrsFpAjl0QAUh76_ODyv6LOw0X-NpKYBG5o4LCKqJw7irgduHCPfdJhga44_I2RWurLA-AW31x6to3dAk3ap6c7Yo6XCQ7D0wKbB7zg/s320/20230216_121559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I recall Rihanna's boo <a href="https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.68842/title.asap-rocky-mercedes-benz-awge-collaboration" target="_blank">A$AP Rocky joining forces with Mercedes Benz</a> last year for an apparel partnership, and imagine there have been conversations and mini-endorsements with a few other creative artists, but is this a lane that can be infiltrated with greater impact? Does the glorification (that I participate in, 100%) and name dropping of these vehicles have a future within the Black communities where reggae music and other genres originate?<p></p><p>This challenged my thoughts about the fascination in reggae-dancehall music with particular brands, and made me think about why I was so disappointed that the Benz and the Bimmas were not present at the show. I realize that while some are interested in the tourque, the horsepower, the gas mileage, and other technical features of the cars...I definitely appreciate this industry for its artistry.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6igsOxvJndNUPj1rAlFoOjZXGUs0RKbIIpVg1gJuBquXgZRECmHimvy2-a3gdoGOEm2j5q-c91unrBtpmj1iiw6hhwkA7gpNDawo-xvdLY2K4jMIFiP29TX_bcYucvX0TJNOda8CzbB6IU75qBfBWKZhrNx5mJQxoCE7uF10nEP5nDpblSw5BXS2wgA/s4032/20230216_120836.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6igsOxvJndNUPj1rAlFoOjZXGUs0RKbIIpVg1gJuBquXgZRECmHimvy2-a3gdoGOEm2j5q-c91unrBtpmj1iiw6hhwkA7gpNDawo-xvdLY2K4jMIFiP29TX_bcYucvX0TJNOda8CzbB6IU75qBfBWKZhrNx5mJQxoCE7uF10nEP5nDpblSw5BXS2wgA/s320/20230216_120836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I appreciate the innovation, the style, and the feeling it gives you on sight...much like new music can give you upon release. The creative energy is infectious in ways that mimic the transfer of feeling through melodies or basslines. I have concluded that the design and appeal of these particular vehicles serve as inspiration. Not only for financial reasons, showcasing the acquisition of wealth, or claiming one's perceived status...but also because of how the elements resonate with each individual. </div><div><br /></div><div>Despite the mechanics, and introduction of new technologies and innovations...automotive design is also an exquisite art form that other artists recognize and honour. From the inside out.</div><div><br /></div><div>While my career as an automotive journalist didn't expand much further than my grad school internship at <a href="https://www.autonews.com/" target="_blank">Automotive News</a> in Detroit, exactly 20 years ago (!!), I am still extremely motivated to stay tuned into the industry, year after year, and know that I will consistently receive the inspiration that I seek from shows like this. Even without seeing the Audi S8 break lights in action. Or their concept cars, Activesphere or Urbansphere. Or to see if/how they improved their World Car Awards Car of the Year from 2022, the e-tron GT. The sexy R8 that you rarely see on road. Likewise, the cute-but-elusive TT. It was still a pleasant day.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6ch-cbGF_pCglu79GxrzO77Hic6L5AiM2jRQqFZVmi3OwvRG7-lmkCilLXibu8FkFHHbaM7Ndb45kJ0jI_OXrm3F3BFr1fEvwcxH5Z-_2lZa7Q40ImOQYV-XKJ8BjukY38-oyt2ITCzF4Vxedwp3Yia8LGb6Vz9Gn60rg-bmxnB0jZZFCwwgv8ieDQ/s300/Auto%20Show.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6ch-cbGF_pCglu79GxrzO77Hic6L5AiM2jRQqFZVmi3OwvRG7-lmkCilLXibu8FkFHHbaM7Ndb45kJ0jI_OXrm3F3BFr1fEvwcxH5Z-_2lZa7Q40ImOQYV-XKJ8BjukY38-oyt2ITCzF4Vxedwp3Yia8LGb6Vz9Gn60rg-bmxnB0jZZFCwwgv8ieDQ/w200-h112/Auto%20Show.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This year's CIAS, runs until February 26 at the Convention Centre from 10:30am to 10:00pm daily. You can purchase tickets in advance through the show website <a href="http://AutoShow.ca" target="_blank">AutoShow.ca</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>__________________________________________________________</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-HBe2fQP1Y-8A_yPk1oDkbv2Bp3GHYufH5muj_YQA8hLZh_edAb1w6cFRJX3jZrG3Dqqd9rvAceRO5syfl0qSmFNfbOQHq-VkdCnIBUZ7gc_HVEusCoSxSGh7h4nctawdpwpZJpDOE3vAId--i62pQCstUh6axVk7fUj4JYmS644-NP-SltkzlnqCg/s2700/BMW%20i4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="2700" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-HBe2fQP1Y-8A_yPk1oDkbv2Bp3GHYufH5muj_YQA8hLZh_edAb1w6cFRJX3jZrG3Dqqd9rvAceRO5syfl0qSmFNfbOQHq-VkdCnIBUZ7gc_HVEusCoSxSGh7h4nctawdpwpZJpDOE3vAId--i62pQCstUh6axVk7fUj4JYmS644-NP-SltkzlnqCg/w200-h167/BMW%20i4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>The two major awards from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), presented this morning at the Convention Centre were for Canadian Car of the Year, given to the BMW i4, and the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year given to the <a href="https://www.hyundaicanada.com/en//home/coming-soon/2022-ioniq-5" target="_blank">Hyundai Ioniq 5</a>.</p><p>FYI, the <a href="http://www.ajac.ca/car-of-the-year.asp" target="_blank">2023 Canadian Car of the Year Category Winners</a> include:</p><p></p><ul><li>Best Small Car in Canada for 2023: Mazda3 </li><li>Best Large Premium Car in Canada for 2023: Genesis G90 </li><li>Best Sports Performance Car in Canada for 2023: Hyundai Elantra N </li><li>Best Small Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023: Toyota Corolla Cross </li><li>Best Mid-Size Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023: Mitsubishi Outlander </li><li>Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023: Kia Telluride </li><li>Best Mid-Size Premium Utility in Canada for 2023: Lexus NX </li><li>Best Large Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2023: Volvo XC90 </li><li>Best Small Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2023: Ford Maverick </li><li>Best Large Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2023: Ram 1500 </li><li>Best EV in Canada for 2023: Hyundai IONIQ 5 </li><li>Best Premium EV in Canada for 2023: BMW i4 </li></ul><div>_________________________________________________________</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FPE9rCtK2HcsM6nNKB769GzN6MzPhwlB0P-Ezh7iWEQqXXD4BHogUbnkA3_DVk_6iUeD9ieirY-wDtGAehmUNZJCT3FvKXKeKFxAXN4NuGaDpzdjX9by-actBG8QUBLTATTlGZcq9ZEkj1cnLp1a7Ga3NonJ6p4WIpEyq5I-xSB3fskoH3Drt-VUXg/s4032/20230216_222707.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FPE9rCtK2HcsM6nNKB769GzN6MzPhwlB0P-Ezh7iWEQqXXD4BHogUbnkA3_DVk_6iUeD9ieirY-wDtGAehmUNZJCT3FvKXKeKFxAXN4NuGaDpzdjX9by-actBG8QUBLTATTlGZcq9ZEkj1cnLp1a7Ga3NonJ6p4WIpEyq5I-xSB3fskoH3Drt-VUXg/w200-h150/20230216_222707.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>If you'd like to read my contributions to the automotive industry as a young journalist in Motor City, here are some of my bylines with Automotive News: an <a href="https://www.autonews.com/article/20030120/ANA/301200729/obituary-former-chrysler-exec-dead-at-84" target="_blank">obituary of Former Chrysler executive Elgar Laux</a>, my man-on-the-street <a href="https://www.autonews.com/article/20030324/SUB/303240709/sae-2003-face-to-face" target="_blank">interviews at the SAE World Congress</a> conference, a recap of a major <a href="https://www.autonews.com/article/20030224/ANA/302240779/blizzard-puts-sales-in-deep-freeze" target="_blank">snowstorm</a> that affected car sales in numerous dealerships across the country, and a <a href="https://www.autonews.com/article/20030324/REG/303240702/information-technology-beaming-to-a-vehicle-near-you-satellite-tv" target="_blank">preview article of the "new" satellite radio</a> for cars that was entering the scene. Another favourite: my interviews with 'Generation Y-ers' about car "<a href="https://www.autonews.com/article/20030407/REG/304070702/gen-yers-weigh-in-on-models-they-re-supposed-to-like" target="_blank">models they're supposed to like</a>," from the Detroit auto show floor in January of 2003. It was a year of automotive bliss that impacted my habits for a lifetime.<p></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/" target="_blank">Kya Publishing</a>'s "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p></div></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-2631602867547474742023-02-10T19:37:00.002-05:002023-02-10T19:37:22.250-05:00REGGAE MONTH // "Cultural Capital to Financial Capital" a Reggae-Dancehall Guide by Donovan Watkis<p></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TIWUKotDCysctOJKquCJJcrHLTOrG-MFvYFWS9Q43xtldKYnPWTFZ7vpZjkvozeHFZWso3lcIJGgf4vQ4Na0zloS29tf61r0KvFP2ZqjJowiYhU9puBzt2lr4Rf0rRCqiEYU5FPvLzHKJY8ZxkgAwd0ci5sh-dsN4Vmt73kniQQBA48W7EgV9lKvTw/s800/Cultural%20Capital%20to%20Financial%20Capital%20Cover%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TIWUKotDCysctOJKquCJJcrHLTOrG-MFvYFWS9Q43xtldKYnPWTFZ7vpZjkvozeHFZWso3lcIJGgf4vQ4Na0zloS29tf61r0KvFP2ZqjJowiYhU9puBzt2lr4Rf0rRCqiEYU5FPvLzHKJY8ZxkgAwd0ci5sh-dsN4Vmt73kniQQBA48W7EgV9lKvTw/w200-h150/Cultural%20Capital%20to%20Financial%20Capital%20Cover%202.jpg" width="200" /></a>Living in Canada, having an international perspective and appreciation for reggae-dancehall music is a natural occurrence. We can feel the impact from afar. As a Canadian of Jamaican descent, it is also evident how the culture is transferred from a distance, and how it inevitably changes across generations.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reggae music is a force, as is dancehall music. I have grown to appreciate it and appreciate the effects of Jamaican culture around the globe. The island has such a unique and infectious vibe that it is often imitated, circulated, and in some cases...appropriated. We know this, we witness this, but somehow the culture as a whole still hasn't received the full rewards...financially or otherwise.</div><div><br /></div><div>While it's nice to see artists like Kabaka Pyramid or Shaggy win Grammy awards for their creations, it is also natural to want the international force that is reggae-dancehall have a deeper impact on industry and infrastructure as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxJ760Ei5ic" target="_blank">An insightful conversation broadcast earlier this year with Ziggy Marley</a> on World Music Views brought me to the platform's creator Donovan Watkis, and eventually to his book published in 2022 "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Capital-Financial-Reggae-Dancehall/dp/B09XZ864W2" target="_blank">Cultural Capital to Financial Capital: Reggae-Dancehall</a>." </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTMxs7WSsgbAKFQTf5KdwA3virvZ4HbcD8ERhgz3xPuksRqIjqVKW9bNpZUMnXP8NsoFVvKOMvtsAzOb2n2vkYUpRfbpJNMiQrPwQAc8S4qyvDlFjIt6fSu-pdHa6_JA9uO-RZO8M86CWx4U8i_1Dg7BF-pVjxqZAKkdOaWC-Mamu9fB7dKi5go2UWg/s800/Cultural%20Capital%20to%20Financial%20Capital%20Cover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTMxs7WSsgbAKFQTf5KdwA3virvZ4HbcD8ERhgz3xPuksRqIjqVKW9bNpZUMnXP8NsoFVvKOMvtsAzOb2n2vkYUpRfbpJNMiQrPwQAc8S4qyvDlFjIt6fSu-pdHa6_JA9uO-RZO8M86CWx4U8i_1Dg7BF-pVjxqZAKkdOaWC-Mamu9fB7dKi5go2UWg/s320/Cultural%20Capital%20to%20Financial%20Capital%20Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p>A writer, television producer, and music business professional <a href="https://twitter.com/jrwatkis" target="_blank">Donovan Watkis</a> has compiled a guide outlining various elements of music, culture, and communications that can elevate and sustain the reggae-dancehall industry in particular. I believe this book is a significant reference and potential blueprint that should be in the hands of all reggae music industry folk from journalists, to artists, and executives in Jamaica...and right here in Toronto.</p><p></p><div>Within the chapters are insights and information designed to look at the musical genre not only as a source of entertainment, but also as a key element of a lucrative business model that can (and should) be applied anywhere that reggae music is consumed.</div><div><br /></div>There are interviews with industry legends, leaders, artists, and executives and ambassadors like Sean Paul, Jesse Royale, Walshy Fire, Tarrus Riley, Gyptian, and Alborossie.<p></p><p>Technological overviews also make this book a resourceful guide, by providing details on the various streaming platforms and their relevance in Jamaica over the years, in addition to projected trends and related results from unconventional methods of music sharing. From the Verzuz phenomenon during the height of pandemic lockdown, to the introduction of Spotify in Jamaica, the book is current and familiar for those who are looking to stay connected to the cultural climate right now.</p><p>Here's an interview with Donovan Watkis, speaking about this important text:</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UlYr1YN6jPk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Without taking away from the experience of reading the full text (available online at <a href="http://CulCap.com">CulCap.com</a> or via <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Capital-Financial-Reggae-Dancehall/dp/B09XZ864W2">Amazon.com</a>), here are a few highlights, quotes, and lessons that resonated with me.</p><p><b>IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"Organizing a team with the required expertise beyond music-making can put you ahead of the game."</li><li>The role of DJs and "other musical influencers who curate the music that enhances the listener's experience."</li><li>"Building and supporting your own media and music is the key to attracting money for the industry...create and support your own industry platforms and institutions."</li><li>"...collaboration over clash lets go get the cash."</li></ul><p></p><p><b>SOCIAL VALUE</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Reggae music as a inspiration, and perspective to solving complex social problems. At it's core, the music was rooted in progress and righteousness. This element is essential to the longevity.</li><li>Music as a tool for social influence, if used correctly.</li><li>"People and music. Both are Jamaica's ultimate resources..."</li><li>"...the values of superstarism sometimes conflicts with reggae music values."</li></ul><p></p><p><b>AUTHENTICITY</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>"It's about being true to the country and being true to what Jamaica is special for..." (John Baker)</li><li>"Stay authentic to who you are because the people who are in these cities are from where you are and they want to hear you as you are..." (Troy Mullings)</li><li>"...Jamaicans are purveyors of cool..."</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMjBQVXjw98FX1wler-fBHNWRGBmD25AsBrKX45I6FkKP0vKGU8rYB5n-yoJgHT54sOsoH_vIQGiwZ6-A06R_NkA5fVz6o2AHXine2_o5XYs5zg5bt7Vqgz8ZS4fqST4g50D-uZCjMwmUnQ7e8dvJLSx699wR9WV5rYxQZbBna5z9AoKFiBhqymQ8tQ/s2048/CulCap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMjBQVXjw98FX1wler-fBHNWRGBmD25AsBrKX45I6FkKP0vKGU8rYB5n-yoJgHT54sOsoH_vIQGiwZ6-A06R_NkA5fVz6o2AHXine2_o5XYs5zg5bt7Vqgz8ZS4fqST4g50D-uZCjMwmUnQ7e8dvJLSx699wR9WV5rYxQZbBna5z9AoKFiBhqymQ8tQ/s320/CulCap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We recommend that you purchase and read this book; you'll be sure to walk away with some new knowledge, insight, and lessons! After reading the text, explore the ways in which the concepts and technologies can be applied to your project, profession, region, or vision for the future of reggae-dancehall music: everyone has a role to play in the process of progress.</div><div><br /></div><div>For continued updates and insight, be sure to follow Watkis' platform <a href="https://worldmusicviews.com/" target="_blank">World Music Views</a> for the latest news and streaming data in reggae-dancehall. </div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/publisher" target="_blank">SM Robinson</a> for <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/" target="_blank">Kya Publishing</a>'s "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-17896741058309789932023-02-08T15:30:00.004-05:002023-02-08T15:32:21.862-05:00REGGAE MONTH // The Inaugural 'Island Music Conference' in Kingston Jamaica (Feb 8-12, 2023)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI0AXnuwks1oJIqX_blohH9L-pbUHEIvX2peREXTlC61wCzqR3OJiFjefLrKr10Sy8IYYzK2lGChYz56Xv7kOz7XXMdZNoJ5lD2Ad5mbWyScOb7MD9h0msPhgJJj354q1owJ4TAgOSOzXImkAaBoInv7KUEkS_48-ustG0a6UOQbCW309RKBpqi7uCA/s1024/IMC2023%20a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigI0AXnuwks1oJIqX_blohH9L-pbUHEIvX2peREXTlC61wCzqR3OJiFjefLrKr10Sy8IYYzK2lGChYz56Xv7kOz7XXMdZNoJ5lD2Ad5mbWyScOb7MD9h0msPhgJJj354q1owJ4TAgOSOzXImkAaBoInv7KUEkS_48-ustG0a6UOQbCW309RKBpqi7uCA/s320/IMC2023%20a.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>The beautiful thing about information is that it's readily available and exists in abundance. Whether through formal education, the historical transfer of cultures, or through curated events like this week's <a href="https://www.instagram.com/islandmusicconference/" target="_blank">Island Music Conference</a> (IMC) that are specifically catered towards a particular demographic.<p></p><p><a href="https://islandmusicconference.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Founded by</a> co-CEO's Sharon Burke and Judith Ann Bodley, and event Chairman Dr. Orville Burrell (Shaggy), the Conference is, "an Island meeting place where music professionals share experiences, forge alliances, expand knowledge base, expose new music and talent, and connect with the heartbeat of the global industry," as stated on the event website, with the intention of helping participants navigate challenges, network, and gain education on the business of the island music industry. The event takes place from February 8 through 12, 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.</p><div>Keynote speakers over the next few days will include Shaggy (reggae musician, singer, DJ, and actor), Kyle Bentley Evans (television writer, producer, director and actor), and Tom Poleman (Chief Programming Officer, President of National Programming Group at iHeartMedia Inc.) </div><div><br /></div><div>A range of presenters including recording artists, music executives, media personnel, and other professionals working in and around the field, will present on topics of interest to musicians and supporters alike. There will also be live performances in addition to artist interviews and workshops.</div><div><br /></div><div>Panel topics include (<a href="https://islandmusicconference.com/schedule/" target="_blank">view full presentation schedule and list of participants here</a>):</div><div><p><b>WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8</b></p><p></p><ul><li>We are all Creators (Content Producers)</li><li>The Power of the Pen (Songwriters and Producers)</li><li>YouTube 101</li><li>The Global Influence of Caribbean Music (Artists and Managers)</li></ul><p></p><p><b>THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9</b></p><p></p><ul><li>The DSP Strategy</li><li>Mastering Media</li><li>Pros and Cons of Owning Your Master</li><li>Mental Health and Nutrition for Artistes and Musicians</li><li>Of Copyright, Publishing and Royalties</li></ul><p></p><p><b>FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Where is the Disconnect</li><li>Content Evolution</li><li>Digital/Social Media Music Marketing</li><li>Kymani Marley - One on One Interview</li><li>Contracts</li></ul><p></p><p><b>SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11</b></p><p></p><ul><li>The Art of Event Production</li><li>Money Management, Investment and Insurance</li><li>The Marketing, Publicity and PR Imperative</li><li>Reggae to the World...Without Jamaica</li><li>Anatomy of a Record</li></ul><p></p><p><b>SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12</b></p><p></p><ul><li>The Beat of Style</li><li>The TikTok Tutorial</li><li>Touring</li><li>All About Make-Up Workshop</li></ul><p></p><p>IMC Festivities will also include a day market featuring Caribbean cultural merchandise, poetry night, a songwriter's workshop, and opportunities for cocktails and networking.</p></div><p>Jamaican-Canadian radio host Spex was present on Daytime Live on Jamaican television station TVJ along with conference co-CEO Judith Ann Bodley, to promote the event:</p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NcKTN2j_LPQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>"The #IMC will expand your knowledge of the entertainment industry by putting you in rooms with experienced individuals sharing information on how you can take your career to the next level!" ~ <a href="https://islandmusicconference.com/" target="_blank">Island Music Conference</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjttCPgOyvXDkmq92Nm1ju1PwZN5T74QLqK64aWT3-SWyE2RhF8KRSbqA8fPeRCAhaV0DyPVL-dCFTlxoVD7gqW3MFAGyDXddZTxNObX0QpIHdgrgEqF4BUBC-zx2bYomFYtTnA0e7xDvEYBg03LvpwN7Kn9NX5YS7BdnGWXN5Km2JHcmZoO43wVaHw/s1024/IMC2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjttCPgOyvXDkmq92Nm1ju1PwZN5T74QLqK64aWT3-SWyE2RhF8KRSbqA8fPeRCAhaV0DyPVL-dCFTlxoVD7gqW3MFAGyDXddZTxNObX0QpIHdgrgEqF4BUBC-zx2bYomFYtTnA0e7xDvEYBg03LvpwN7Kn9NX5YS7BdnGWXN5Km2JHcmZoO43wVaHw/s320/IMC2023.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>"It's the greatest ever convergence of music industry heavyweights from across the globe, to ensure that even our youngest entertainers can have access to one of the five members of YouTube that will be here, TikTok, Meta, Spotify, Pandora, Audiomack, BMI..." said <a href="https://www.instagram.com/judithannbodley/" target="_blank">Judith Ann Bodley</a> on TVJ.<p></p><p>If you're not able to be in Jamaica to experience the conference live this year, stay connect through their website <a href="http://IslandMusicConference.com">IslandMusicConference.com</a>, their Instagram live feed <a href="https://www.instagram.com/islandmusicconference/" target="_blank">@IslandMusicConference</a>, their Twitter account <a href="https://twitter.com/islandmusicja" target="_blank">@IslandMusicJA</a>, or their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@islandmusicconference" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> for updates, features, music, and an abundance of knowledge in support of the island music industry.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Compiled by <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/publisher" target="_blank">SM Robinson</a> for <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/jamaicancanadianzone" target="_blank">Kya Publishing</a>'s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamaicancanadianzone/" target="_blank">@JamaicanCanadianZone</a>.</p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-29661666522839710032023-02-01T00:30:00.000-05:002023-02-10T19:38:06.700-05:00REGGAE MONTH // Ready for a Canadian Reggae Renaissance<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK8_9mo0xBtc7L42YD_DN2GY6CCE2kwL-98LE13-OCU3sEWhZvEypxDxUqiWlNUs3gM9Pj9AQdXG1HHqXlZmoiZN_AD4Bwsl2OQrlJyMi2J5SQ5GZ56RMVvUyZFf_3J8_a6_uBAOBK8FqtbubJ-fjrQXFGUvP5sSQjjd08w4lL1wCt80BCadjXqBfGw/s360/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Reggae%20Month.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="360" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK8_9mo0xBtc7L42YD_DN2GY6CCE2kwL-98LE13-OCU3sEWhZvEypxDxUqiWlNUs3gM9Pj9AQdXG1HHqXlZmoiZN_AD4Bwsl2OQrlJyMi2J5SQ5GZ56RMVvUyZFf_3J8_a6_uBAOBK8FqtbubJ-fjrQXFGUvP5sSQjjd08w4lL1wCt80BCadjXqBfGw/s320/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Reggae%20Month.png" width="320" /></a></div>February is Reggae Month, established in 2008 by Jamaica's <a href="https://mcges.gov.jm/index.php/entertainment/itemlist/tag/Reggae%20Month" target="_blank">Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport</a>, and the <a href="https://www.jariaentertainment.com/reggae-month-tv-2022" target="_blank">Jamaican Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA)</a>. It has been a joy to receive this extra dedicated month of teachings, events, and specialized celebrations for reggae music that can be enjoyed globally. It's another opportunity to showcase the brilliance of Jamaican music, culture, and to witness the ways in which these elements can contribute to Jamaica's international impact and local development.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMbvi96YtMyS4Ycxiw-jZU9kP_haeagCZSnFKeMvbV4zYKYCwmGYzv6ZrZ2GpqbrWymx5Ap6FxuCkyaD-DX0GojQMGhc-QsadxLucPBSiTbZOXSwaaGBEarlKdGZzG637i94pV_OtLVXJFztwNJR74G-EDlB8KbykRyHYAUdpIWFx4H30GBw6zS3_iA/s680/Fn0oSWMXoAAkO1I.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="680" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMbvi96YtMyS4Ycxiw-jZU9kP_haeagCZSnFKeMvbV4zYKYCwmGYzv6ZrZ2GpqbrWymx5Ap6FxuCkyaD-DX0GojQMGhc-QsadxLucPBSiTbZOXSwaaGBEarlKdGZzG637i94pV_OtLVXJFztwNJR74G-EDlB8KbykRyHYAUdpIWFx4H30GBw6zS3_iA/w200-h200/Fn0oSWMXoAAkO1I.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A nice precursor to the month was the announcement of the artist nominees for Canada's 2023 Reggae Recording of the Year Juno Award: Ammoye, Celena, Exco Levi, Kairo McLean and Kirk Diamond, and also Kairo McLean and Finn on January 31. Take a look at this <a href="https://reggaenorthca.com/kairo-mclean-nominated-twice-in-reggae-category-at-2023-juno-awards/" target="_blank">ReggaeNorth.ca article</a> for the overview (Juno nominee image via Reggae North).<p></p><p>We're at an era in reggae music where it's just as easy to consume live music online as it is out in a venue. Nonetheless, the scope of reggae's impact and the innovations in the genre have become more exciting and accessible as a result of the yearly advances in music technology.</p><p><b>Our reggae music and musicians are essential; there's an important symbiotic cultural journey that the audience and entertainers are on...together.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOc5GfmJguEmkAkh2xBDGi_-Ck34xTxQ4mduGejQOI1DFCL3JDjqpjwAgo85tlFVkm9OhJpnbzRPOqE1OqwTI15ITRrFqHohVLF3GoCO4lcB6ZOB7KakiOMDEpCrxwYwbpvdZIILbaed--Xcji7qqOAK_SLmmD66q_s0CjisfTyDZWm7qKN4GYEobgg/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Reggae%20Month.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOc5GfmJguEmkAkh2xBDGi_-Ck34xTxQ4mduGejQOI1DFCL3JDjqpjwAgo85tlFVkm9OhJpnbzRPOqE1OqwTI15ITRrFqHohVLF3GoCO4lcB6ZOB7KakiOMDEpCrxwYwbpvdZIILbaed--Xcji7qqOAK_SLmmD66q_s0CjisfTyDZWm7qKN4GYEobgg/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Reggae%20Month.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I truly think it's time for a Canadian reggae music renaissance. A surge. I'd like to see our musicians, and DJs, and promoters thrive and excel on a newly invigorated international level. I want to experience a significant Canadian reggae era, just like we did with hip hop.<p></p>I took a look at the <a href="https://staceymarierobinson.blogspot.com/2019/03/reggae-music-in-canada-organize-and.html?q=reggae" target="_blank">Canadian reggae industry as a system</a> in January of 2020. Last year for Reggae Month I highlighted the numerous <a href="https://staceymarierobinson.blogspot.com/2022/01/reggae-month-canadians-djs-unite-music.html?q=reggae" target="_blank">reggae selectors in Canada who were sharing their music internationally through the Twitch platform</a>, uplifting music lovers around the world during the "indoor" segments of the pandemic in particular.<p></p><p><b>There are dozens of reggae music performers, promoters, and practitioners that are sustaining and elevating the culture through musical activities online, through events, and through constant innovation. We can't take this for granted, or fail to nurture and support these folks every step of the way</b>. As a collective.</p><p>How can the industry elevate, beyond its current position? Here are a few thoughts of action that don't require finances, huge sponsorship, or any formal process:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXTaCQfJtdC8nWA2X3IDSPMRbfIUaZ5knSNzqqWE02hSRekIJ5NEFC46NaVjPWDljUXZHZArPnYuF7jhzebznXLmEg7vuzML8w2EfWCctcabhfn9LZfN_MlPQAhUoC8D6vXec9_lTElWQO99yPioctUS_M-k61FchhNwu0A1c0b6XZhekCcOoPM4L0w/s360/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Support.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="360" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXTaCQfJtdC8nWA2X3IDSPMRbfIUaZ5knSNzqqWE02hSRekIJ5NEFC46NaVjPWDljUXZHZArPnYuF7jhzebznXLmEg7vuzML8w2EfWCctcabhfn9LZfN_MlPQAhUoC8D6vXec9_lTElWQO99yPioctUS_M-k61FchhNwu0A1c0b6XZhekCcOoPM4L0w/w200-h40/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Support.png" width="200" /></a></div>Support, support, support. Even if no one knows you're doing it. Even if you don't get anything in return. Do it for free. Do it for your friends, and for the strangers as well. For everyone who is on the journey of building Canada's reggae community and legacy...support them because they're headed in the same direction. Support them when they fall, and stick with them when they rise. Rather than viewing others as competition, embrace them as community partners on a bigger--international--journey.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BN5WFtyT2WWWyrQIQE75D9Mx9sJ2yGLrW_IVxRz2raIZmCmJKN6E-fxU3Mt0BC1N6ppmFqrH55ecHDZVjHbb6YFAhh-92FDvCf8K5PDG-zBN2NIKik1AWHcmFY2sX2jSQHS4xYCB84OYjZZvE-c3NU6g0Jadhh0bEKhDc3mgjNbBZiMPxcYwEwmyTw/s360/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Stream.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="360" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BN5WFtyT2WWWyrQIQE75D9Mx9sJ2yGLrW_IVxRz2raIZmCmJKN6E-fxU3Mt0BC1N6ppmFqrH55ecHDZVjHbb6YFAhh-92FDvCf8K5PDG-zBN2NIKik1AWHcmFY2sX2jSQHS4xYCB84OYjZZvE-c3NU6g0Jadhh0bEKhDc3mgjNbBZiMPxcYwEwmyTw/w200-h40/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Stream.png" width="200" /></a></div>Stream, download, listen to, and share the music of Canadian reggae music artists/DJs. (Even if some of them don't yet have the elite sound quality or musicianship of reggae's predecessors or peers). Stick with them and listen through the process as they develop, and grow, and perfect their craft. Lift them up as they publish and produce, and watch what the support and encouragement does to the overall product. And when they make it or level up...continue to support.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeaKnvungCLHXcbpx4mrnF8HLfEx5tEOAZneHZ-Egro2F09JLW8eNl2OwY2Gx0r-oVw9StZx7EL6cQvSLHAc1v50A0vRUdjW3KkdKdDNZq5vX-obLnxpYnDn_5ZutYkZmHVfvm_o-0PoRdkP7664NkU_FPQqHe95i1oYNRfU89_lThkrcq_H4xpudeA/s360/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Share.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="360" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKeaKnvungCLHXcbpx4mrnF8HLfEx5tEOAZneHZ-Egro2F09JLW8eNl2OwY2Gx0r-oVw9StZx7EL6cQvSLHAc1v50A0vRUdjW3KkdKdDNZq5vX-obLnxpYnDn_5ZutYkZmHVfvm_o-0PoRdkP7664NkU_FPQqHe95i1oYNRfU89_lThkrcq_H4xpudeA/w200-h40/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Share.png" width="200" /></a></div>Utilize Canadian reggae media and perspectives: <a href="https://www.torontoreggae.ca/" target="_blank">Toronto Reggae</a>. <a href="https://reggaenorthca.com/" target="_blank">Reggae North</a>. <a href="https://www.rebelvibez.ca/" target="_blank">Rebel Vibez</a>. <a href="https://www.canjammuzik.com/" target="_blank">CanJamMusik</a>. <a href="http://www.canadianreggaeworld.com/" target="_blank">Canadian Reggae World</a>. There are so many communicators and practitioners working "behind the scenes" in the industry who are dedicated to sharing the message and letting others know about Canada's talent. Read what they write. Recommend their pages to others. Like, share, and subscribe. Boost up the outlets that are framing the industry.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCkFgOvN0bNOnUIn6sZCg7H2F_e1EQHGS_CMV9UhcX9Nyo-YLVsA-KiFtG64Zc4sqkqUhuYP4AGC0rCcJlXGudGlN2UlkKvWjTNTzrry4FY_frDM-4A3JfeWD9o82bHXL-ORRZjHs7YKRM3j9RNW0B4-Kmw6GeKrDF0JJRlNrS0QoKi1HpeVrpoQnSw/s360/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Show.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="360" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCkFgOvN0bNOnUIn6sZCg7H2F_e1EQHGS_CMV9UhcX9Nyo-YLVsA-KiFtG64Zc4sqkqUhuYP4AGC0rCcJlXGudGlN2UlkKvWjTNTzrry4FY_frDM-4A3JfeWD9o82bHXL-ORRZjHs7YKRM3j9RNW0B4-Kmw6GeKrDF0JJRlNrS0QoKi1HpeVrpoQnSw/w200-h40/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Show.png" width="200" /></a></div>Each one, teach one. Show the youth the way. They're different, but they are the future and the sustainability of the industry relies on their ability to understand the past, appreciate the present, and care enough to bring it forth into the future. Increase their awareness as they begin their own journeys.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lfRZEJsj_bSnb6qPnUoL2G8Zn2xTTL_AD17PCB60uRWB5wkT1QVic-2l5XXjLVYs4ULEIarcYxVMc_pFWsQFkFA5m2vtQ9zbYa87Taul1XPV-C_lvCf2J9URP89I2Qs31x9Y6ZecBRuPFaGQLvoNXZicduPbeB-rH_aUbX2k-8zKvy_buEIx5GZVVA/s360/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Sustain.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="72" data-original-width="360" height="40" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lfRZEJsj_bSnb6qPnUoL2G8Zn2xTTL_AD17PCB60uRWB5wkT1QVic-2l5XXjLVYs4ULEIarcYxVMc_pFWsQFkFA5m2vtQ9zbYa87Taul1XPV-C_lvCf2J9URP89I2Qs31x9Y6ZecBRuPFaGQLvoNXZicduPbeB-rH_aUbX2k-8zKvy_buEIx5GZVVA/w200-h40/Reggae%20in%20Canada%20Image%20-%20Sustain.png" width="200" /></a></div>Respect those who came before us, and give credit to those who paved the way. Show them love! Share their work. Keep their names and contributions in conversation. Encourage them to continue and cultivate their messages and legacies along with your own. Build on the blueprint and look at the industry as a continuum that can only exist with a positive transfer of ideas and thought from the past to the present.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><b>There are enough like-minded folks in our country that love and respect reggae music that the vision should be simple, and direct. Support. Endorse. Encourage. Believe. The talent is already here.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Happy Reggae Month!</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for "<a href="https://kyapublishing.com/" target="_blank">Kya Publishing</a>'s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamaicancanadianzone/" target="_blank">@JamaicanCanadianZone</a> and the "Reflection and Reason" blog.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-71951023225415400232023-01-23T00:47:00.022-05:002023-01-26T10:39:32.746-05:00Rebel Salute 2023 - A Reflection on Reggae Music & Communicating Brand Jamaica<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmQXZSs-9oPC0bDz6yMX9N0P0SOosM8BhYzQqjTWx_4-CYQnfvYXOUHl9yUIGzy-or0447eV5fncBxrlrEEu-gS-se7P-UCAgBk7s5rEMsZqS6Wy_UqAeqoKArbT2i5-a6VMfbVlQHuemywvz_78D-BGnzL_-C4CCa0SsOBl2wPNKN_LndE85-PIFwg/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Sign.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmQXZSs-9oPC0bDz6yMX9N0P0SOosM8BhYzQqjTWx_4-CYQnfvYXOUHl9yUIGzy-or0447eV5fncBxrlrEEu-gS-se7P-UCAgBk7s5rEMsZqS6Wy_UqAeqoKArbT2i5-a6VMfbVlQHuemywvz_78D-BGnzL_-C4CCa0SsOBl2wPNKN_LndE85-PIFwg/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Sign.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">I truly believe that Jamaica is the most powerful, deliberate, and infectious national 'brand' on the planet. Yes, I am 100% biased. For the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CnzmC_pP8qx/" target="_blank">thousands gathered at Rebel Salute</a> this past weekend (many of whom were visitors) at the Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, they would probably agree: Jamaica is in fact a "real place," and a wonderful one at that. Artist Jahsii during his Friday night performance said that no matter how much he travels the world and experiences other locales, that nowhere else is sweet like Jamaica. Incomparable vibes, one might say.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Cultural impressions and perceptions of Jamaica tend to be associated with the impeccable cuisine, infectious rhythms, hypnotic lyrics both in music (and in conversation), confident style, and an overall unforgettable presence. Bob Marley and the kaya, too, of course.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">For those who don't live on the island, word of mouth, traditional media, and social media are go-to tools for experiencing the daily occurrences and advances (unfortunately, a few setbacks, too) that keep the country in constant movement.</span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp1O1viRtwzmBc_NKLpZ1OVJjiCLeBwcxUAlVNPehlcXfSFWlSAE43ffsEbWmAOJIWyT-QSWkb-rwV_1daAwlmBkbKbxSU0e6WoAbRteuP9fjh4QWg3G6OthGzjA8bHrMHkIcXUImXUgQJmXYjnTWnO_R6yP67ETo_eBaloVMGdaoUw7RIjfIxQhSEw/s2048/Flq6ZfXXoAAuEfM.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="2048" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZp1O1viRtwzmBc_NKLpZ1OVJjiCLeBwcxUAlVNPehlcXfSFWlSAE43ffsEbWmAOJIWyT-QSWkb-rwV_1daAwlmBkbKbxSU0e6WoAbRteuP9fjh4QWg3G6OthGzjA8bHrMHkIcXUImXUgQJmXYjnTWnO_R6yP67ETo_eBaloVMGdaoUw7RIjfIxQhSEw/w200-h154/Flq6ZfXXoAAuEfM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Rebel Salute reggae festival is rooted in "The Preservation of Culture" and has been named "The People's Show" for many reasons, but the strongest of all is the way the event adheres to honouring and sustaining the culture's purest traditions.<br /><div><br /></div></div><div>Completing their third decade of production, Tony Rebel and his team led the twenty-ninth staging of the Rebel Salute reggae music festival featuring an extensive gathering of musical masterminds ranging from those with decades of experience, to those touching a stage of that caliber for the first time. From the older to the young, one thing was consistent: reggae music is a beautiful and powerful force that drives the heart of this alluring island.</div><div><br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHPOhkyjDtmEZqAJfkv10Sm0Pxg7wxS5wMn9K8EfatnOR5nQ-6L9fSh-TvMnnEfwJYhlA_QFB76dSBBvm1vhd2lWXbGUntR5SUqRAXlpo56O1-vBycXrkagcwFT1Umaf1iMX47O8dpsSpUg8ehxibfenNOUzkuRW2BPXU-8lRw_tuz6tc971gviCafA/s825/BLOG%20-%20Brand%20Jamaica.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHPOhkyjDtmEZqAJfkv10Sm0Pxg7wxS5wMn9K8EfatnOR5nQ-6L9fSh-TvMnnEfwJYhlA_QFB76dSBBvm1vhd2lWXbGUntR5SUqRAXlpo56O1-vBycXrkagcwFT1Umaf1iMX47O8dpsSpUg8ehxibfenNOUzkuRW2BPXU-8lRw_tuz6tc971gviCafA/s825/BLOG%20-%20Brand%20Jamaica.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="825" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHPOhkyjDtmEZqAJfkv10Sm0Pxg7wxS5wMn9K8EfatnOR5nQ-6L9fSh-TvMnnEfwJYhlA_QFB76dSBBvm1vhd2lWXbGUntR5SUqRAXlpo56O1-vBycXrkagcwFT1Umaf1iMX47O8dpsSpUg8ehxibfenNOUzkuRW2BPXU-8lRw_tuz6tc971gviCafA/s320/BLOG%20-%20Brand%20Jamaica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDtugckIZJe8htGFNQbxiGVrT9zQaq9TCI9e_IcRmya87j9JbfEyIVu0lLu3jqv7xHWInM1AWyAQnXLmKGiae9YHR97hqz3mVoZuXlFVspxaKwitjXMAvH3aZPAICM1TwUP83-Y0-TrppI6GL487qIzKPUdih6Qn9ibb8BKxP-pSA7xV0x4QQQJdLYw/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Mutabaruka.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDtugckIZJe8htGFNQbxiGVrT9zQaq9TCI9e_IcRmya87j9JbfEyIVu0lLu3jqv7xHWInM1AWyAQnXLmKGiae9YHR97hqz3mVoZuXlFVspxaKwitjXMAvH3aZPAICM1TwUP83-Y0-TrppI6GL487qIzKPUdih6Qn9ibb8BKxP-pSA7xV0x4QQQJdLYw/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Mutabaruka.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You don't have to be a Jamaican native, descendant, or even a visitor to appreciate the impact of this Caribbean paradise. Even without ever knowing a Jamaican or travelling there, most are familiar with the impact Jamaica has had on the world. And while you study those particularly influential elements of the culture, there is most likely a driving reggae song or two tied to the moment. It could be Bob Marley. Could be I-Wayne. Could be Kabaka Pyramid. Nation Boss. Luciano. George Nooks. The commonality is that true reggae music practitioners and listeners are driven by the same forces: love, unity, spirituality, and social progress. Historical appreciation. Righteousness, without apology. And a confidently rebellious spirit beneath it all.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>What stood out to me throughout the Rebel Salute weekend was the deliberate passing of the musical torch and culture, in a time when Jamaican dialogue and rhetoric is heavy about the future of reggae music, the nature of Jamaica's current cultural climate (or lack thereof), and the pervasive (and profitable) influence of other musical genres on the island and worldwide.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQkIeG01XB38RBF8ho1rHVSXAwFV2pk2pmnvdsqGSHG26tcaw88LRV8tMc1b9EoQAMtiijqwr4nJOFvem65QLkl0XZf7Qh7QMBnrSf3xK-jUv4yVikSCgbYxEc6KQ0KBr5l9AqabF2FUrDkercdcPiyOoRrOM8v3bpoeaBve2QZo1OhVdtdsLkE6b6Q/s750/SALUTE%20-%20VIP%20Section.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQkIeG01XB38RBF8ho1rHVSXAwFV2pk2pmnvdsqGSHG26tcaw88LRV8tMc1b9EoQAMtiijqwr4nJOFvem65QLkl0XZf7Qh7QMBnrSf3xK-jUv4yVikSCgbYxEc6KQ0KBr5l9AqabF2FUrDkercdcPiyOoRrOM8v3bpoeaBve2QZo1OhVdtdsLkE6b6Q/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20VIP%20Section.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The heart of reggae music has always been a powerful force not only for its listening pleasure, but particularly for its power to incite political, cultural, and social ideas. There has been a constant undercurrent with reggae music that has motivated listeners to appreciate and revere the truth, Black/African values and practices, and a respect for nature's purest elements. Along with Rastafarian beliefs and culture, it is a force that permeates the world very strongly. We have known this since the 60s.</div><div><br /></div><div>The artists carefully selected to grace the Rebel Salute stage embody the elements of the culture that complement the international profile and the essence of Jamaican celebration that locals can appreciate and enjoy as well. It is an ideal pilgrimage for reggae music lovers, and cultural aficionados alike, with features to fulfill all reggae-related desires.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWrMtOl4Sq_N2i57oodtg2V4-mCGTVXnKc1LkLTgKSI1-k4W9LSZQwsb7cWBmCp5lMRWLv3KS9obIqoq23MrXDzH1DrX3MSObYvo5CS2hTWO2shAJaoQBfZIm4hbfQ_kot8EPmft5oBsYMVcm7vazpLUWoBPK8GN-z6isU9OtDSSUYdMeka5QY05DgA/s825/BLOG%20-%20Musical%20Legacy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="825" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWrMtOl4Sq_N2i57oodtg2V4-mCGTVXnKc1LkLTgKSI1-k4W9LSZQwsb7cWBmCp5lMRWLv3KS9obIqoq23MrXDzH1DrX3MSObYvo5CS2hTWO2shAJaoQBfZIm4hbfQ_kot8EPmft5oBsYMVcm7vazpLUWoBPK8GN-z6isU9OtDSSUYdMeka5QY05DgA/s320/BLOG%20-%20Musical%20Legacy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYC2ART42QVieEQUV0Wpu3a_pNsgTFj88cZcu8DqOYIGGCLOqYFRYfEuxJiAHnTQfZhnQD3gcmLZ7gu9PmM_T6SESZXkD2_bpFt3Hv2nbqYaA0JJkhTO3BIUJiXjUGOcFUv_bytfwJdZ1o7bCCfmf1ZTWx8YYwFNJP8LgMYWkdavyWBbXKkwr2LbGZw/s1080/IMG_20230115_112943_390.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYC2ART42QVieEQUV0Wpu3a_pNsgTFj88cZcu8DqOYIGGCLOqYFRYfEuxJiAHnTQfZhnQD3gcmLZ7gu9PmM_T6SESZXkD2_bpFt3Hv2nbqYaA0JJkhTO3BIUJiXjUGOcFUv_bytfwJdZ1o7bCCfmf1ZTWx8YYwFNJP8LgMYWkdavyWBbXKkwr2LbGZw/w200-h200/IMG_20230115_112943_390.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>With the recent passing of Jo Mersa Marley (rest peacefully, king), son of Stephen Marley, the musical torch is something on the minds of many. The descendants of the original reggae musicians like Jo Mersa, as well as the children of event organizer Tony Rebel (Abatau and Davianah) and Queen Ifrica (Imeru and Tanzie)--raised in the essence of Rebel Salute--were well represented at the festival. Sons of John Holt (Junior), Alton Ellis (Christopher), and Papa Michigan and his son Ramesh also represented at the show.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like the Marleys, the legacy has already been solidified, and the natural progression is to carry the light and message forth in the same spirit and with the same intention as their predecessor.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vkn1t-yuIIfTdQnYRvjxW4hs2N4o5wVea-PnHSof9ylhow1q_kz1xA17Iy33_5jRomT82jAIMUJjTthlJV7Btaj7l8RA0CJY9W4OYVHYt-uxuEDXC-aTLspPZAo1OVSP-ukY7bdRLUnyxdutdUHSdeOAXE_qRoR5yiSBAPfYHd5gW6CrX_F2XaY6eA/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Jahsii.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vkn1t-yuIIfTdQnYRvjxW4hs2N4o5wVea-PnHSof9ylhow1q_kz1xA17Iy33_5jRomT82jAIMUJjTthlJV7Btaj7l8RA0CJY9W4OYVHYt-uxuEDXC-aTLspPZAo1OVSP-ukY7bdRLUnyxdutdUHSdeOAXE_qRoR5yiSBAPfYHd5gW6CrX_F2XaY6eA/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Jahsii.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In one of the weekend's most significant appearances, 24-year-old artist Jahsii (Mluleki Tafari Clarke) was praised by Jamaican radio personality, poet, and community elder Mutabaruka, who encouraged the artist to keep his spirit of love and bring it forth continually into his community, and with his interactions with his peers. The moment signified all that is great and intentional about the festival: preserving the culture, as well as nurturing the minds of those responsible for its keep.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout the night, despite the high energy, vocals singing across the plantation, horns buzzing, and the peaceful attendee camaraderie, there was a tangible frustration expressed by some artists and co-signed in sound. Violence in Jamaica. Fear of the next generation's influences and bad habits. Worry about the future of Jamaica, its political leadership, and foreign ownership.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite worldwide uncertainty (that now defines the times), there was concern for the island in particular. To see the loving hug from Muta to Jahsii, the crowd's response, and the words spoken between songs to encourage those on site and those watching from home...it was evident that the music was--and continues to be--one of the strongest methods of communicating to the Jamaican people. Across generations, there was an unspoken agreement that this was an effective way to share messaging and encourage progress.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvM7QCoyG6E5E-F76xwvJjDLTfD4ZhwFVqi8C42VzUE-iJ51n7IWhEXc49zFajLQ-9-PSCmovlO5Z7rjBeXo0ItMC7xVYNRtQLAumDWqqs7giFu9mmIXNgcoWc4O6cWbqz5S4eA_eiXR9OjWq7phiXC89vhLOYE8xG2bzIWTWnk9rReTwudTn_oUd_w/s825/BLOG%20-%20Cultural%20Tradition.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="825" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvM7QCoyG6E5E-F76xwvJjDLTfD4ZhwFVqi8C42VzUE-iJ51n7IWhEXc49zFajLQ-9-PSCmovlO5Z7rjBeXo0ItMC7xVYNRtQLAumDWqqs7giFu9mmIXNgcoWc4O6cWbqz5S4eA_eiXR9OjWq7phiXC89vhLOYE8xG2bzIWTWnk9rReTwudTn_oUd_w/s320/BLOG%20-%20Cultural%20Tradition.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDRzSEJs2vXKxml-FFXBd08an3gSDPhSXLYhCo33mSFOpUdS4d41wJ1jq3xyYI6wMGdiCLqhhH0O-pkvtBT1x-VCqZdEM9uppGptPDpp7uLqK0qAVqsRqdQ7Z-TTLGUkDgQglgYOL0EfomSfgvGw18HEEog5oVMUax-AGnUeGYZLFvrRKCvCmFbg1mg/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Sanchez%20Richie.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDRzSEJs2vXKxml-FFXBd08an3gSDPhSXLYhCo33mSFOpUdS4d41wJ1jq3xyYI6wMGdiCLqhhH0O-pkvtBT1x-VCqZdEM9uppGptPDpp7uLqK0qAVqsRqdQ7Z-TTLGUkDgQglgYOL0EfomSfgvGw18HEEog5oVMUax-AGnUeGYZLFvrRKCvCmFbg1mg/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Sanchez%20Richie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Performers like Capleton, I-Octane, Sanchez, and Richie Stephens provided the audience with familiar hits and even a few new songs, like "Dream Girl" performed by Tony Rebel. With many of the audience members having witnessed the full career arcs and subsequent growth of the above-mentioned artists, it was comforting to see them continue to perform at the highest quality, with their voices still pure and strong, and that their words have impacted the lives of all who travelled (whether to St. Ann, or to Jamaica in general) to hear them projected through the beach-side outdoor venue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reggae is more than a musical genre--it's a lifestyle, and one that is rooted in principle. Connected so closely to the cultural fabric of Jamaica, it's important to see the artists continue to do well, perform, and recite the lyrics that have raised and nurtured many through life. To see Capleton still jumping, and Sanchez still crooning is confirmation that not only is the music still as powerful now as it was when these particular artists first emerged, but also that they still have the power to draw audiences and move feet and hearts.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j2zGsmH7vDPHkU6IfTNKEHN6bYnKheSHuxECbw7eqH-yZBJbAEoF_vyMU0iRtAf_E9FG6tsVZJuFYrb04X1rrojTsNWQCy1M3cFNU_U9vUoFDXEubXtNNE7AViGew3NElRjL0oeMUaDz95j-VSaiY5whE0MPv8XDBCjKvEuSW1oe_46TljNDMWbFeg/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Yaksta%20Nation%20Boss.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0j2zGsmH7vDPHkU6IfTNKEHN6bYnKheSHuxECbw7eqH-yZBJbAEoF_vyMU0iRtAf_E9FG6tsVZJuFYrb04X1rrojTsNWQCy1M3cFNU_U9vUoFDXEubXtNNE7AViGew3NElRjL0oeMUaDz95j-VSaiY5whE0MPv8XDBCjKvEuSW1oe_46TljNDMWbFeg/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Yaksta%20Nation%20Boss.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>In the tradition of the music of their predecessors, they prove to still be worthy of emulation and adoration. With the instant information era allowing folks to know and follow the artists closely, many supporters are not only familiar with the music, but also genuinely connected to the artists' words...and wish them well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Attending stage shows and festivals, while supporting the artists and accompanying vendors, are therefore important acts that the audience is expected to perform, where possible. While they play their role in creating, developing, and showcasing their music (and opening up their lives to reggae music lovers) …the other end of the agreement is the support, the travel, and listening to/purchasing/streaming tracks over the years. The tradition evolves technologically, and it continues.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLie3CpVPV5OZ-fsXBtasR5rFNrMOUTUvpiZzFLLBAoON7NQZeljS1YDOLRTDVhY0YCM3zUNfkgDcm0uyhh-GL8FlJiBnVEzsqVbZ0j0ifwHB4XoR9NdsHI3zA-L94tEnlAWdZy35rcPKoJ2n0tAqhYEtZMWwhwnQBZGYPc-P8Ezv22_CLSpp4h4e9Q/s825/BLOG%20-%20Festival%20Highlights.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="825" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLie3CpVPV5OZ-fsXBtasR5rFNrMOUTUvpiZzFLLBAoON7NQZeljS1YDOLRTDVhY0YCM3zUNfkgDcm0uyhh-GL8FlJiBnVEzsqVbZ0j0ifwHB4XoR9NdsHI3zA-L94tEnlAWdZy35rcPKoJ2n0tAqhYEtZMWwhwnQBZGYPc-P8Ezv22_CLSpp4h4e9Q/w320-h58/BLOG%20-%20Festival%20Highlights.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A few (of many) moments during Rebel Salute that delivered, and resonated:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3elylEy9Z4rVo-RO6uTsa8gMsahadO6PKh1nuk20Xcmw7zp4UtKvL_fH8k0SSwsDJOV6fXSO9m7nDUxeHEyNjpEU-tWKdBqUdFj4jOGWNJORQFmqq-GwjlmhXh93sVzfc-gsZHrCXM-jYjj6r31b19uyd9VTMBM-jNYDSAdFfgO7EbQCjx7VcnjpMpA/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Clash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3elylEy9Z4rVo-RO6uTsa8gMsahadO6PKh1nuk20Xcmw7zp4UtKvL_fH8k0SSwsDJOV6fXSO9m7nDUxeHEyNjpEU-tWKdBqUdFj4jOGWNJORQFmqq-GwjlmhXh93sVzfc-gsZHrCXM-jYjj6r31b19uyd9VTMBM-jNYDSAdFfgO7EbQCjx7VcnjpMpA/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Clash.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>1) The <b>sound clash </b>featuring South Sudanese selector/artist Dynamq, and Jamaican selector DJ Naz "Gurl Power." Entertaining, clever, and vibrant, it was a peak in the show and a break in the performance schedule that was welcomed by all. Dynamq was just as skilled and entertaining as when he was in Toronto at the 2018 World Clash; DJ Naz represented for the ladies and held her own on stage without hesitation or fear. It was a nice balance.</div><div><br /></div><div>2) Reference and words of <b>support for Usain Bolt</b>, which was likely on everyone's mind during the previous week when the news of his unfortunate financial situation broke. While the subject was used in jest during the clash, there were moments (particularly from Bounty and Beenie) of support and hope that the situation would soon resolve itself. Having Bolt as a noticeable presence of thought during the festival spoke volumes about the connection of the Jamaican community and culture, whether music or sport: all were affected, with the same sentiments. Disappointment, but hope that the situation would be resolved.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh0nLHzQyRYUvjwYis5TbWb_KDZdUFLkVpH8xf0wUck7jk9dK2KZDD4ct1isSdIz57K5BJVgFm5CvSNN3nPprcmbHcU5c2BnclybreLM3zAKaBDQcZO3L40R-py3ewKvKi6n3W_xCxKiqv9qWHg_9ltJzwgGeFdU8LEL8tO3c9v3C097NM0u08yoqGA/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Ifrica%202.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLh0nLHzQyRYUvjwYis5TbWb_KDZdUFLkVpH8xf0wUck7jk9dK2KZDD4ct1isSdIz57K5BJVgFm5CvSNN3nPprcmbHcU5c2BnclybreLM3zAKaBDQcZO3L40R-py3ewKvKi6n3W_xCxKiqv9qWHg_9ltJzwgGeFdU8LEL8tO3c9v3C097NM0u08yoqGA/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Ifrica%202.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>3) <b>Queen Ifrica,</b> in the midst of a great performance, will always throw in some food for thought, a message with meaning, and a strong word in support of Jamaica's highest morals, values, and expectations. She also led a chorus of her new song "Proud of Myself," and solidified the music's role in not only enjoyment, but also building of esteem and consciousness amongst listeners. It would be awesome to see more female performers, in future stagings of the festival.</div><div><br /></div><div>4) The <b>vendors and Herb Curb </b>were fantastic, and a perfect complement to the two nights of entertainment. In keeping with the event's no-liquor-no-meat policy, the refreshments and wares were also in alignment with the root of reggae music's essence. The commitment made to keeping the event solid, purposeful, and genuinely Jamaican made it a comforting and rewarding experience for those at home, and those travelling to have a few moments of authentic culture and live reggae instrumentation.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiGTf5IcnTvNKGQnn95f8vrsOYxrIJkdtxfpTyf18Ncmt9MIbID3OpsEp8sIhCqwWwd3IR-ODDPuAmiQTSqa2tE11jTgAUO5bsakKoNhj3FzYg71FH-vtkaRG7B4fFPUh7xbuRQPPUhrQBt48P7Z6KBL9lx_1rVYdy1ASv61KSQXRwwmZQfXaIZXWXQ/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Sugar%20Cane.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiGTf5IcnTvNKGQnn95f8vrsOYxrIJkdtxfpTyf18Ncmt9MIbID3OpsEp8sIhCqwWwd3IR-ODDPuAmiQTSqa2tE11jTgAUO5bsakKoNhj3FzYg71FH-vtkaRG7B4fFPUh7xbuRQPPUhrQBt48P7Z6KBL9lx_1rVYdy1ASv61KSQXRwwmZQfXaIZXWXQ/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Sugar%20Cane.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>5) One couldn't help but notice the media machine behind <b>Brand Jamaica</b>, in the television reporting, the social media posting, simultaneous interviews and connections taking place in the Media Village, and the consistency with which all of the documentation and dissemination took place. While the audience was able to feel the music's energy, the media practitioners were hustling in real time to be sure to convey every emotion, highlight, and move to audiences online, watching via broadcast and observing from around the world. Impressed with the fluidity of process, and widespread commitment to documenting the event, it confirmed just why Jamaica's brand is so tight, so well-loved, and so infectious: because of the Jamaican people who skillfully capture and communicate the details, intangibles, and vibration.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jn7giO9WoAA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </div></div><div><br /></div><div>The musicians aren't the only element of Jamaican culture to experience at Rebel Salute. Communications practitioners and content creators can also take a look at the creative masterminds behind Jamaica's appeal, and learn from those examples as well. Just like the reggae artists have mastered the art of conceptualizing, developing, creating, and disseminating the soul of the island through sound, the communications professionals also represent an elite level of cultural production through visuals and interviews.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jamaican content creators, bloggers, and social media influencers have a very strong presence and an important impact on the country's vibe. There are so many personalities and thought leaders surrounding the event that also help to "preserve the culture," as Rebel Salute practices. It's more than the music, it's an essential cultural export. A huge part of music that will not and can not be overshadowed, no matter what the current rhetoric surrounding dancehall or Afrobeats and the future of reggae is. The history and impact of reggae music is too powerful and Rebel Salute is designed to remind us of that at the beginning of each year.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3MVjmpAeM9xoQlisyE4J5tAu8obqVhRciigj9h-5G3t9E_JSsrZtox8j8QfxeGTJ0IK-ywRaXf1IdxbQGC1UlEBHONLFWMRVYztB96R0xnCGq-Ce95keJO1UPXvNP5CxQscrocZiT5MqjooDFMWA-FzOCpE4IPM2IuAq3ezFvI0_XePya0srMEVaSQ/s750/SALUTE%20-%20Shirt.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3MVjmpAeM9xoQlisyE4J5tAu8obqVhRciigj9h-5G3t9E_JSsrZtox8j8QfxeGTJ0IK-ywRaXf1IdxbQGC1UlEBHONLFWMRVYztB96R0xnCGq-Ce95keJO1UPXvNP5CxQscrocZiT5MqjooDFMWA-FzOCpE4IPM2IuAq3ezFvI0_XePya0srMEVaSQ/w200-h200/SALUTE%20-%20Shirt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Social media is pervasive enough that you don't have to be a communications professional to efficiently share personal messages and thoughts; the way that the Jamaican cultural media operates (from the outside looking in) is a phenomenon in itself. So while Rebel Salute is broadcasting for the two-day schedule, there are so many significant elements being captured and shared. </div><div><br /></div><div>The show was fantastic, needless to say. With so, so many legends, talents, and powerhouses on the roster, you really and truly couldn't go wrong. You know Rodney and Moses are going to electrify and entertain with decades of hits. You are prepared to sing along with the Abyssinians or Glen Washington. Viewers could expect excellence, because that is the standard in Jamaican entertainment. If you're not good, you'll know (or feel) …and there's no two ways about it. So to make it to that stage, you already know the quality of performance you're going to get. There were even moments of complete silence where the audience awaited another performance, or simply were not moved. With your eyes closed, you wouldn't even know you were surrounded by thousands of patrons: if there's one thing a Jamaican audience is going to give you, it's authenticity. That makes the cheers and forwards even sweeter, because you know they are well earned.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qGyj_Kam0EiSovu-URIOtpBI7VOBKUjC2p6Uz3IJFq7YLWGYi749PFiEHDNvSpTsxVMvOQTolSmL6FLkj3HRsuGmOHi1BaXaQ0DAwf9jVutAY1IQHD181ZYx1ec07Aa4lCEHkL2TBD7x0IanhMhgcCfzFWe4Sg-UqH0wbAJnaRmP_Y-5HlkoVnJTVg/s2280/IMG_20230123_033057_205.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2280" data-original-width="2280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qGyj_Kam0EiSovu-URIOtpBI7VOBKUjC2p6Uz3IJFq7YLWGYi749PFiEHDNvSpTsxVMvOQTolSmL6FLkj3HRsuGmOHi1BaXaQ0DAwf9jVutAY1IQHD181ZYx1ec07Aa4lCEHkL2TBD7x0IanhMhgcCfzFWe4Sg-UqH0wbAJnaRmP_Y-5HlkoVnJTVg/w200-h200/IMG_20230123_033057_205.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div>This is the culture that Tony Rebel and his team have been curating. Regardless of the artist lineup, potential controversy or industry politics that inevitably occur with any event or phenomenon of this size (in any country), one thing the show continuously provides is an outlet for dozens of performers at various stages in their careers, it promotes a pure and natural environment, and is uncompromising in its commitment to staying connected to the original essence of reggae music and culture.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rebel Salute didn't disappoint, and it definitely reaffirmed the authentic power of the island, the hope for the future of reggae music, and also that when it comes to talented musicians, heavy basslines, sweet melodies, and overall positive vibrations, there is literally no where else on earth that can do what Jamaica does. Consistently.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this weekend was a reminder to everyone that the music is rooted in the heart of the people, and despite all that feels gloomy or hopeless, that Jamaican people have throughout history managed to keep their heads high and spirits strong and continue to design and develop gold. Naturally.</div><div>____________________________</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Written by <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/publisher" target="_blank">Stacey Robinson</a> on behalf of <a href="https://kyapublishing.com/" target="_blank">Kya Publishing</a>'s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamaicancanadianzone" target="_blank">@JamaicanCanadianZone</a>, and "Reflection and Reason" blog. Stacey was born in Toronto; her parents are from Manchester, Jamaica, and moved to Canada in the 1970s.</i></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-68497690261633132022-12-23T15:04:00.003-05:002022-12-23T15:04:14.009-05:00Media Launch: Rebel Salute Reggae Festival Returns Live in January 2023 <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9qGLkcYvjN3LTo2ye6KpLqnwjOLBY1XA-HVB625CmVrsHAwWIzx0yxVlvbdeRqS2Df9e4BVd_Vufio6339LAy0bmsXGr4rynX8tjLIcDrPhlvG0vPb7LozjF10dpFo4D5-4ddJ9wSBBYy0fagXHOJRkAWSnqzvoJL19x6rbRyontovCFgPT6NukHlQ/s1080/RebelSalute04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9qGLkcYvjN3LTo2ye6KpLqnwjOLBY1XA-HVB625CmVrsHAwWIzx0yxVlvbdeRqS2Df9e4BVd_Vufio6339LAy0bmsXGr4rynX8tjLIcDrPhlvG0vPb7LozjF10dpFo4D5-4ddJ9wSBBYy0fagXHOJRkAWSnqzvoJL19x6rbRyontovCFgPT6NukHlQ/s320/RebelSalute04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Live from the ROK Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica on the evening of December 21, 2022, legendary Jamaican artist Tony Rebel and his team launched the 29th staging of the <a href="https://www.rebelsalutejamaica.com/" target="_blank">Rebel Salute</a> festival, taking place on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, 2023 at <a href="https://grizzlysplantationcove.com/" target="_blank">Grizzly's Plantation Cove</a>.<p></p><p>Moderating the evening's launch and connecting with special guests were livestream host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/your_host_aisha_prendy1111/" target="_blank">Iesha Prendy</a>, and on-stage host <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neishayen/" target="_blank">Neisha-Yen Jones</a> from TVJ's Daytime Live. Joined by media personnel and music industry supporters, attendees and online viewers were presented with the weekend's features, performers, and related insight.</p><p>As expected, the 2023 music festival promises to be yet another impactful "experience of reggae and consciousness and soul," according to media specialist and consultant <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carolebeckford/" target="_blank">Carole Beckford</a>.</p><p>Along with food and love, music is one of the top 3 reasons why individuals around the globe travel to Jamaica. Rain or shine, Rebel Salute will continue to welcome local and visiting attendees, and highlight the best of Jamaican culture with authenticity and excitement.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUpkwv3OiKGuyvRvHZUvdgnIeFqMGbk6WoqLMQ8l_vSpc1n_s_qeYIDCM4j00RXMR3vssjRG46M_3gUQEDqZCD3Kj17w5A4Vnc1bDAq8B-qZM6lpTIRG-h4N9JLQ-UiQYlnr46WCPvKggPDEsBIc9aedabi8BWLzIjuBmeIU1RGJpSJhBZp_KXaMJGQ/s270/HERB_Curb_Sponsor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="270" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyUpkwv3OiKGuyvRvHZUvdgnIeFqMGbk6WoqLMQ8l_vSpc1n_s_qeYIDCM4j00RXMR3vssjRG46M_3gUQEDqZCD3Kj17w5A4Vnc1bDAq8B-qZM6lpTIRG-h4N9JLQ-UiQYlnr46WCPvKggPDEsBIc9aedabi8BWLzIjuBmeIU1RGJpSJhBZp_KXaMJGQ/w200-h133/HERB_Curb_Sponsor.png" width="200" /></a></div>The Herb Curb feature will provide an educational and immersive cannabis experience, with the Arts Village and Food Village sharing the best of Jamaican creativity in the kitchen and through crafts and design. Keeping in alignment with the event's roots, there will be no alcohol or meats available on site (with the exception of fish), and all efforts will be made to continue to develop this unified atmosphere of music, culture, and camaraderie.<p></p><p>Since the first Rebel Salute festival in Mandeville in 1994, the event has welcomed over 800 artists to their stages from St. Elizabeth to Priory, St. Ann's, where the festival has now found a home since 2013.</p><p>With eager anticipation after two years' live hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2023 artist lineup preview was announced, including (but not limited to):</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0-1SKSdh93BXI7IEJHV4YfbFnZbfk7Yxq2WTJlg8YXyBcKM6n6nlqZG4D3yr7ACib-H6AsASXUgebcgWrS4xYUmwOz82y48GfqhCiTvFQr9ZgsBXk6PIJf0tAMFnegOq-Q38am1_EqBQ0L0eZRkkqS6ri1zT7I6iCYxoCZMtaXsLBRt38bdn79-gYw/s1360/RebelSalute02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0-1SKSdh93BXI7IEJHV4YfbFnZbfk7Yxq2WTJlg8YXyBcKM6n6nlqZG4D3yr7ACib-H6AsASXUgebcgWrS4xYUmwOz82y48GfqhCiTvFQr9ZgsBXk6PIJf0tAMFnegOq-Q38am1_EqBQ0L0eZRkkqS6ri1zT7I6iCYxoCZMtaXsLBRt38bdn79-gYw/s320/RebelSalute02.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><b>FRIDAY, JANUARY 20</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><i>Third World, Yaksta, Terry Linen, Duane Stephenson, Rytikal, Nation Boss, Kabaka Pyramid, Bling Dawg, Bounty Killa, Lady G, Glen Washington, Big Mountain, Tony Rebel, Pluto Shervington and Ernie Smith, The Abyssinians, Louie Culture, Horace Andy, Papa Michigan, Derajah, Yeza, Falcon, Raphie, Rock Top, Akuba (female band from England)</i></b><p></p><p><b>SATURDAY, JANUARY 21</b></p><p><b><i>Stone Bwoy (Ghana), Capleton, Sanchez, I-Wayne, Luciano, T.O.K., Leroy Sibbles, Christopher Ellis, Teejay, Beenie Man, I-Octane, Chessy Deck, George Nooks, Leroy Gibbons, Errol Dunkley, Josey Wales, Johnny Clarke, Imeru Tafari, Davianah, Tanzie, Naki Wailer, Ras-I, Five Star, Azalineage, Echo Minott, Junior Holt, Kevoy Clarke, Brimstone, Naija Boy</i></b></p><p><b><i>Saturday night will also feature a soundclash between The Crocodile from The Nile and Nas The Girl Power.</i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c65_WlIa-U7OWWUNT-DXCrtdOsBPjo3z4ehvsgzs5GD_Ntso_-aPlGKUj6ITqhSmbNWcPc0X1RGMW0esux8G4Ug5cz-uJ4dl5jtwus7QB9iq-9B66nkHeVE0hj1k2JEReQxEGaivOkrVgN8JThs33fm2XTDBlFbtCnD89Q1jRngxIG1JnKfjCKTj2A/s1361/RebelSalute03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c65_WlIa-U7OWWUNT-DXCrtdOsBPjo3z4ehvsgzs5GD_Ntso_-aPlGKUj6ITqhSmbNWcPc0X1RGMW0esux8G4Ug5cz-uJ4dl5jtwus7QB9iq-9B66nkHeVE0hj1k2JEReQxEGaivOkrVgN8JThs33fm2XTDBlFbtCnD89Q1jRngxIG1JnKfjCKTj2A/s320/RebelSalute03.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>At the Media Launch, performers complemented the announcements, speakers, and informational segments. Gracing the stage at the ROK Hotel were Yesus, Tanzie (Queen Ifrica's daughter), I-Wayne, Aza Lineage, Leroy Sibbles, Falcon, Kumar of Raging Fyah, and Imeru Tafari (Ifrica's son).<p></p><p>The launch also featured the following special guest speakers, demonstrating support from industries and organizations across Jamaica:</p><p><b>Japp van Dam, </b>general manager of ROK Hotel, spoke about the "revival of Kingston" and highlighting the experience of the downtown culture, where reggae music was birthed.</p><p><b>Peter Mullings</b>, Deputy Director of the Jamaica Tourism Board, reinforced how important live events like Rebel Salute were to promoting Jamaica as a destination, driving traffic to the island year-round.</p><p><b>Shawn Edwards</b>, Director of Sales and Employee Benefits at Sagicor, shared that Rebel Salute plays a significant role in "diversifying and developing Jamaica's culture," in areas of music, art, and cuisine in particular, quoting the late Peter Tosh to reiterate: "Reggae must be lived, not played. It is a lifebeat..."</p><p><b>Patrice Charles</b>, marketing and communications manager at Massy Distribution, the newest sponsor of Rebel Salute, said, "When you think about what reggae music does for Jamaica...it is something that we have to honour and celebrate. It's one thing to go away and tour and expose the brand to the world, but it's another thing to execute the show in Jamaica and build the Jamaican ecosystem."</p><p><b>Calvin Allen</b>, the JCF's Assistant Commissioner of Police for Area Two, provided updates to the traffic and overall safety accommodations being made for the weekend, and also praised the event's vibe, stating that: "one of the major positives about Rebel Salute over the past years is the type of atmosphere and people that it attracts and entertains."</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JCbHj60tHMSSHUXxU93H4YcZr0RzwdaLVFklmkGsPsowZ6QunZ8TSMgY7hIn5DIKcgDPyhbzsLIF3_7W-cQrSNPagEM1Or7mXKWxvhTDgnctsDYZ5ES55ZxkfD9yuz9dWIVtJY9yi1ZyN4bGpeumUoTp0JrkfBBW5clmYeHYTHWx-6BDs9pNqvLQYQ/s1080/ProjectStar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JCbHj60tHMSSHUXxU93H4YcZr0RzwdaLVFklmkGsPsowZ6QunZ8TSMgY7hIn5DIKcgDPyhbzsLIF3_7W-cQrSNPagEM1Or7mXKWxvhTDgnctsDYZ5ES55ZxkfD9yuz9dWIVtJY9yi1ZyN4bGpeumUoTp0JrkfBBW5clmYeHYTHWx-6BDs9pNqvLQYQ/w320-h320/ProjectStar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The evening's keynote address was provided by <b>Keith Duncan</b>, the past president of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica, who spoke about the connections between music and community. Expressing his lifelong love for reggae music, he commended Rebel Salute for sticking to their convictions with resilience, and for promoting "honourable, true, proper values to our Jamaican people, and people all over the world."</div><div><br /></div><div>Duncan showcased a brief video highlighting <a href="https://www.projectstarja.com/" target="_blank">Project Star</a>, an organization he co-founded--"a social transformation initiative for Jamaica." Sharing calls to action and inspiring messages, he encouraged community development, commitment to the youth, and outlined the various ways the organization was dedicated to the east downtown Kingston community.</div><div><br /></div><div>"We stand for upliftment, empowerment, and good clean honest values," said Duncan. In addition to working on skills development through job placements and other opportunities for youth, he said Project Star would also like to connect with the entertainment sector, particularly with the introduction of 'entertainment zones' in designated areas, exploring this as a concept for "social transformation and renewal."</div><div><br /></div><div>Highlighting a quote from Marcus Garvey, Duncan concluded: "If we as a people realize the greatness from which we came, we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves."</div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA0SWv-_urDIfnikGIJw6do_iBSYun2jG1XpgtYJM8MUYZ8TzSwNZO_vs5t1XQvX7a-f4m58jGGkqvWS_GVnr9ZMF9CrjU727NvTZVdFV0Q7hj0xeQPr7CIaeJGtaROUB7TCBWM_wLF8JSBrGBHzzSh1P346T0eQNJIyCm62GAhOYVP_5vCEloRaRag/s320/MCGES_Sponsor320x180-01-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA0SWv-_urDIfnikGIJw6do_iBSYun2jG1XpgtYJM8MUYZ8TzSwNZO_vs5t1XQvX7a-f4m58jGGkqvWS_GVnr9ZMF9CrjU727NvTZVdFV0Q7hj0xeQPr7CIaeJGtaROUB7TCBWM_wLF8JSBrGBHzzSh1P346T0eQNJIyCm62GAhOYVP_5vCEloRaRag/w200-h113/MCGES_Sponsor320x180-01-01.png" width="200" /></a></div>The Honourable <b>Olivia Babsy Grange</b>, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, congratulated Tony Rebel, his family and team, for ensuring Rebel Salute grows. "We have a music that has penetrated all corners of the world," she said. "Rebel Salute showcases not only those who have paved the way, but also the emerging artists providing conscious music."<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k7zvqm-TZ0G8CrVR4sUAnYrZQYW3-kCTURnjLYmXLf4xSMy6SZmIIDrDwpG4YNN8MuBZVCogd-zb2Q242004f-q3K8vi1ie05HrftT6k28DFErK2qALP1Z1jA2SIdSyhfAZSRN4645UzYvunXQFyxE09XysZUQpjNhEGtZtbMDOUcR-hlJvX9mIsWw/s300/JamaicaTouristBoard_Sponsor-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="300" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2k7zvqm-TZ0G8CrVR4sUAnYrZQYW3-kCTURnjLYmXLf4xSMy6SZmIIDrDwpG4YNN8MuBZVCogd-zb2Q242004f-q3K8vi1ie05HrftT6k28DFErK2qALP1Z1jA2SIdSyhfAZSRN4645UzYvunXQFyxE09XysZUQpjNhEGtZtbMDOUcR-hlJvX9mIsWw/w200-h120/JamaicaTouristBoard_Sponsor-01.png" width="200" /></a></div>Minister Grange also revealed a new insurance plan for artists and entertainers, much like a plan recently developed for Jamaican athletes. "This sector has contributed to building Brand Jamaica. Wherever you go in the world, they speak about our music. I felt it was important, as part of our Jamaica 60 legacy, that we ensure we introduce insurance coverage for our artists, writers, and cultural practitioners, to ensure that they benefit from what they have provided to this country in building the Brand."</div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XzGGFLM7HvvT_p-E6nxLrIX5np2ZhKb9UCPKFBSfABtlWsrKWXFOmqTx6xYmtM2iP9r2b909z8bId2wXtQbwRu5LwWSae-BhzE0XFOCvjJPQpYdyWbJd4XLG72YFmYLur5wBh5JW5K35zAEXokdwVS9IBeh1G6o03ZiNc0cc59p44_WB5tPEF5ZNhA/s1093/RebelSalute01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7XzGGFLM7HvvT_p-E6nxLrIX5np2ZhKb9UCPKFBSfABtlWsrKWXFOmqTx6xYmtM2iP9r2b909z8bId2wXtQbwRu5LwWSae-BhzE0XFOCvjJPQpYdyWbJd4XLG72YFmYLur5wBh5JW5K35zAEXokdwVS9IBeh1G6o03ZiNc0cc59p44_WB5tPEF5ZNhA/w317-h320/RebelSalute01.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>Tony Rebel's daughter, <b>Kenya Barrett</b>, spoke about the Rebel Salute Foundation, rooted in witnessing her father giving and lending community support over the years. Committed to supporting students, recycling programs, and contributing to a clean Jamaica, she stated that the Foundation is also actively merging Jamaica's music culture with the education system.<p></p><p></p>Before performing his new song, "Dream Girl," along with a medley of familiar hits, <b>Tony Rebel</b> spoke about the beginnings of Rebel Salute, and the journey to St. Ann's (which has allowed for more cars and more accommodations for visitors). "I want people to understand it's a holistic event, and always brings good artists," said Tony.<p>Tickets are <a href="https://www.rebelsalutejamaica.com/tickets/" target="_blank">now on sale</a>, for what is set to be an exciting and cultural night of entertainment and enlightenment. Thanks were expressed to event sponsors: Jamaica Tourist Board, Ministry of Gender, Culture, Cardiff Hotel, Jamaica Hotel, IRIEfm, Bridge 99fm, Irie Jam Radio, RJR, Fame, Hits 92, Knutsford Travel, New Impact Media, Visual Vibes, while a live DJ concluded the Media Launch.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPxmGOwWgxEGWFL_sSNb5a0GjLLtTh4WxJ2xLjIugPf_P8SapbnCm0tsoea1Qo70mhm63E8gmDmQraYy1SnAhW-rrO2mU_cGAIxNKPX2y0yerAMtOZfvGgwMflSJbCB6YbjI3XuVlAaxnNw3rh3nHYoKZG3NbRNwIMXNKlBdtoNkgnDbJf_XvGpRnlg/s1024/RebelSaluteTickets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPxmGOwWgxEGWFL_sSNb5a0GjLLtTh4WxJ2xLjIugPf_P8SapbnCm0tsoea1Qo70mhm63E8gmDmQraYy1SnAhW-rrO2mU_cGAIxNKPX2y0yerAMtOZfvGgwMflSJbCB6YbjI3XuVlAaxnNw3rh3nHYoKZG3NbRNwIMXNKlBdtoNkgnDbJf_XvGpRnlg/w320-h320/RebelSaluteTickets.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p><p><br /></p></div>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-87430368381147619782022-11-21T20:40:00.000-05:002022-11-21T20:40:36.725-05:00Wakanda Forever review, written by guest blogger Mutendei Writes<p><i><b>Wakanda Forever review, written by guest blogger Mutendei Writes</b></i></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With
reviewing a monumental movie like Wakanda Forever, just as I did for the first
Black Panther movie, any review must be held against what makes this movie,
just like the first one so important, and what better place to start than with
the title, <i>Wakanda Forever</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPyG0j3vIAKmOgjYutlFFU7s-YmueVGoT6p08Dx4PAOe5ZbmdWXEju8eVXc0RmjXibasYT2VWXK79zTVdGgfJcsPjV6OnZ9k_WkjcveI0XYnkLbjJlZxIrcp491LWURFZzPUKZyGbGJPv7qxlru6i_9eMwrRNoKoU5PbG4vGFMyJFcbBS-kT23ELkOA/s2500/Wakanda%20Forever%2001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGPyG0j3vIAKmOgjYutlFFU7s-YmueVGoT6p08Dx4PAOe5ZbmdWXEju8eVXc0RmjXibasYT2VWXK79zTVdGgfJcsPjV6OnZ9k_WkjcveI0XYnkLbjJlZxIrcp491LWURFZzPUKZyGbGJPv7qxlru6i_9eMwrRNoKoU5PbG4vGFMyJFcbBS-kT23ELkOA/s320/Wakanda%20Forever%2001.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>With the
weight of <i>Black Panther </i>and<i> Wakanda</i>’s historic and cultural
linkages to Black and African heritage, consciousness and communities, and
their inherent pro-anti-oppression and self-determination movements, the <i>Black
Panther</i> movie, and its sequel <i>Wakanda Forever</i>, cannot measured
without dissecting it through a multi-layered socio-political lens held against
a backdrop of global racial – geo-politics.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Consequently,
the <i>Black Panther</i> series as the wonderful first movie depicted is
steeped in the mythology of Black/ African political, geographical, and
spiritual independence, presented as a holistic haven construct, (akin to the <i>Afrolantis</i>,
Cornel West depicted in the foreword of his book, <i>Race Matters</i>), contained
in the embodiment of Wakanda and the symbolic stature and strength of the <i>Black
Panther</i>. A facet that probably inspired all the historic name dropping
throughout the film.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIseAt9tPy1agOORdamqWeBnQjXryB4HPGcI4uCJukSrTz4zUb6LlhiPBHUWZrNfVDD2T-f20b94PpD6qrvMuHscza3FKwLu2xoJynr4gylBZ2WAQgCCwY5MYVXiSq1BlgliFicnQvS9WNn6x0nZqC3gZc3NjuO7Q2HmfBDp2D_BRNMVsaNDgwslvjw/s800/dad415fa61bb19cfdbf66fc762642d88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIseAt9tPy1agOORdamqWeBnQjXryB4HPGcI4uCJukSrTz4zUb6LlhiPBHUWZrNfVDD2T-f20b94PpD6qrvMuHscza3FKwLu2xoJynr4gylBZ2WAQgCCwY5MYVXiSq1BlgliFicnQvS9WNn6x0nZqC3gZc3NjuO7Q2HmfBDp2D_BRNMVsaNDgwslvjw/w200-h200/dad415fa61bb19cfdbf66fc762642d88.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>However, as
we are aware, we tragically lost Chadwick Boseman, “The Black Panther” leaving
us with an unavoidable question that the movie tries to explore. What is <i>Wakanda</i>
without <i>Black Panther</i>? Against this uncertainty, the movie further
champions the slogan “Wakanda Forever” beyond the measure of its utilisation in
the first film.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It is clear
that “<i>Wakanda Forever</i>” is supposed to be a paradigm, but a paradigm by
what standard or measure? A consideration that is one gaping hole, out of many
holes in the well put together valiant attempt at a sequel without the titular
character and heroic on-screen and off-screen leadership of Chadwick Boseman.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At this
point, to not lose you in a long-winded spiel, let me say everything written
before this point is prologue, written to establish a baseline perspective with
which to move forward. Starting off, the best point to start to dissect the
ethos of the paradigm <i>Wakanda Forever</i>, is by recognizing that the
paradigm lacks a true ethos when compared to other paradigms banded around by other
unique civilizations of the MCU, particularly Asgard prior to its destruction
in <i>Thor Ragnarok</i>. “<i>Asgard is not a place. It never was. Asgard is
where our people stand</i>.” This paradigm and its ethos is clear in the
context and subtext of the compelling phraseology.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGdQ3Kj5PBAewst8ZwltWW-2Mzp--ZEhg1FFvEZcnqRyepHjYf6i2fhOgKEJwMAkF8rTyS_BQwLKKFCVfLkRC0anyeEV1hD1_H674BVeavslQ36OAx58hHhMYLbxLP_K9TjQ0xx3cK4QI-0EYioGPcgM4OUxDV3rPWSAdMQQXEARQN11UB09NMUzqxA/s2500/221107132741-10-black-panther-wakanda-forever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="2500" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCGdQ3Kj5PBAewst8ZwltWW-2Mzp--ZEhg1FFvEZcnqRyepHjYf6i2fhOgKEJwMAkF8rTyS_BQwLKKFCVfLkRC0anyeEV1hD1_H674BVeavslQ36OAx58hHhMYLbxLP_K9TjQ0xx3cK4QI-0EYioGPcgM4OUxDV3rPWSAdMQQXEARQN11UB09NMUzqxA/s320/221107132741-10-black-panther-wakanda-forever.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yet, the
phrase, <i>Wakanda Forever</i>, carried over from the first movie holds as an
empty marketing catch phrase. On the principle of standing for something, what
does Wakanda under the rallying call, “Wakanda Forever” stand for? Is it a
people or a place? At a very base level it communicates that “the kingdom of
Wakanda will always survive and thrive!”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But as
what? F’Y’all isolationists? Yet the real-life dominant power-axis of today’s
geo-political construct cannot allow an independent isolationist state, immune
and impervious to outside interference and influence to live free. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYD6rSwVNv0-JKQk4SeTBuZnD60lj0DH3JXXGRdOfzCekatBiZHtzu7JE0ZB40Msc7GteifEkpuI0DV-ItJ-bgq_mpOvL9AU82r3yg1bD5h_iOmFp12VxCdmiWVrSXDmYsH4q9NmKEvVlISso0m0YD6o6O_TzwFoHtDGmNDr-TFdxtb0U5PgHmm9p7w/s2000/nna8000_mp_v001.1024_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="2000" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYD6rSwVNv0-JKQk4SeTBuZnD60lj0DH3JXXGRdOfzCekatBiZHtzu7JE0ZB40Msc7GteifEkpuI0DV-ItJ-bgq_mpOvL9AU82r3yg1bD5h_iOmFp12VxCdmiWVrSXDmYsH4q9NmKEvVlISso0m0YD6o6O_TzwFoHtDGmNDr-TFdxtb0U5PgHmm9p7w/w320-h134/nna8000_mp_v001.1024_r.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It is
possibly in a direct response to this reality that <i>Wakanda Forever</i> hits its
first high note, with Queen Ramonda holding court at the UN, interrupting a
call for sanctions against Wakanda, and their “indifference to world problems,”
that their unique resources pose. A false flag and label, because it is not one
the Western Axis can exploit or pirate, as the Dora Milaje depict, giving the hired
mercenaries of one duplicitous member state the business end of their spears,
backing up the Queen’s bold pronouncements with the potency of their prowess.
Power does indeed give one “moral authority” and the film gets rolling with back-to-back
shows of force from the Wakandans and Talocans.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With a well
delivered <i>J’accuse</i>, Queen Ramonda and the Dora Milaje and Wakandan
military guard return to Wakanda, giving the West, free opportunity to explore
the seas for Vibranium where they first encounter the take no prisoner
Talocans, who, through physical and non-physical means, prove they are not to
be trifled with. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The breadcrumbs
left behind snowball into bigger problems as Namor shows up in Wakanda,
uninvited, for a face to face with Queen Ramonda and Shuri, on the close of
their mourning period, while suspicion lies on Wakanda for their attack, which
the US is seeking a means to respond to. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-avJgm_y9Yh17JVRmFHr1vPzWeXf_fI_iLwn3B6vb0-v2Cs2qZsEtnpC13qMypB12YTtepCNy2z1AThZUqazb_Xmqm1rGmzWugaUFhkaD4ODR35oWJGa36zrNpGCjse0ywUrF61P7gCm3IYFjP-xRrhOJZ2oBG1doSZTMgTQSHUVF479YHDS8J80aig/s3633/danai-gurira-angela-bassett-black-panther-wakanda-forever-1664979991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3633" data-original-width="2999" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-avJgm_y9Yh17JVRmFHr1vPzWeXf_fI_iLwn3B6vb0-v2Cs2qZsEtnpC13qMypB12YTtepCNy2z1AThZUqazb_Xmqm1rGmzWugaUFhkaD4ODR35oWJGa36zrNpGCjse0ywUrF61P7gCm3IYFjP-xRrhOJZ2oBG1doSZTMgTQSHUVF479YHDS8J80aig/w264-h320/danai-gurira-angela-bassett-black-panther-wakanda-forever-1664979991.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>I thought I
wouldn’t like Namor, but K’uk’ulkan (put a pin in this for later) wanted all
the smoke, earning a Killmonger level of approval from me, being neither sugar
or spice, or all things nice, but an otherworldly subtle menace, that sets
Wakanda on its backfoot, backpedaling from the threat of war from a superior
enemy, against the alternative of locating and handing over the creative genius
behind the Vibranium finder technology. Enter Riri Williams, who pretty much is
a blank slate. A girl has no name, or backstory or history or personal ethos,
beyond shouting “Let’s go!”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So go she
does, to Wakanda after an unexpected meeting with O’koye and Shuri, put in
motion by every Wakandans’ favorite colonizer, Everett Ross. However, before
they can start on the way back to Wakanda, they find they are not on the yellow
brick road or in Kansas anymore, as they get ambushed by the feds and then
Namor’s very own seal team six. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Talocans 1-
O’koye -O<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After an
amazing, intense bridge fight, back in Wakanda, O’koye faces a harsh judgement,
from the Queen, who strips her of rank and service given the sum total of her
transgressions, top among them having lost Shuri and Riri. Meanwhile under the
sea, Riri and Shuri are afforded dignified hospitality by Namor, who upon
realizing the Rubicon has been crossed, elaborates on his origin story weaved
with the fact that he wants to wage war with the surface, and in accordance with
the age-old mantra, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, expects Wakanda to help
him do so.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbcuEg3HWluUl2PcWbVmSaplzxlOmtGh0Mx2pBaKJKcdrntkarmgqq1tDTYxjEFisXBH-6r0Fh5i3bE2EpdiiAs96-xFYOin7pQsFqCm3AlBJQ5_cZzKJJbFGux8OkM6B_t2pVNKDSbL8WOqI39SPPl30-nL9P8cojeP6panYkSRWvT4d9tQy7Ih-Ag/s2922/MV5BZDc1YmFjMTYtNjA2ZS00MDcxLWFmMGUtOWY0NzgzYjViNGNhXkEyXkFqcGdeQWFybm8@._V1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="2922" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbcuEg3HWluUl2PcWbVmSaplzxlOmtGh0Mx2pBaKJKcdrntkarmgqq1tDTYxjEFisXBH-6r0Fh5i3bE2EpdiiAs96-xFYOin7pQsFqCm3AlBJQ5_cZzKJJbFGux8OkM6B_t2pVNKDSbL8WOqI39SPPl30-nL9P8cojeP6panYkSRWvT4d9tQy7Ih-Ag/w320-h181/MV5BZDc1YmFjMTYtNjA2ZS00MDcxLWFmMGUtOWY0NzgzYjViNGNhXkEyXkFqcGdeQWFybm8@._V1_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Shuri as
expected declines and is escorted back to her quarters to think about it while
Namor has another tete a tete with Ramonda on the surface. Yet the meeting is
just a pretext for the long absent Nakia to execute a daring rescue.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Returning
to learn of their treachery and fatalities left behind, Namor (Mr. speaking
about it and being about it), unleashes the wrath of Talocan, and boy does
Wakanda get a smack down. Subjected to another tragedy, Shuri must now deal
with rage, in the quest for justice and revenge, which she centers around
restoring the heart shaped herb courtesy of a fauna-based relic from Talocan
and getting on that Killmonger flow, after an awesome cameo from the man who
should have been king. N’Jadaka was right (read more about that here - </span><a href="https://mutendeiwrites.com/2018/02/17/killmonger-forever-black-panther-review/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Killmonger Forever</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> ).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As the
council debates in the house of M’Baku, the new Black Panther makes a glorious
return, and with co-opting everyone into her fold, launches a strategic plan to
“kill two birds with one stone,” by eliminating the threat to Wakanda and
simultaneously getting revenge, inspired to doing so after an ancestor realm
debate with King Killmonger.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Ez42oNE_GjK8j0ARBLBz4NSD0jw1wEx0FMElk59YojvLhKG8FRZ4H-io6ZfzHz2rgKo3gBBBKRIMiQGL3AZpVLnCZvipsIVYgIjRz3aQGf6DYs1ADn5YdSGmyRttfC6EriFi2Fv51c-k3kkLlRpTaioDrbqHd1GjR1nQSeq9bhouffB55vHNvBcPw/s1670/_methode_times_prod_web_bin_30fb4e38-5f72-11ed-80da-2c56e60527b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1670" data-original-width="1336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0Ez42oNE_GjK8j0ARBLBz4NSD0jw1wEx0FMElk59YojvLhKG8FRZ4H-io6ZfzHz2rgKo3gBBBKRIMiQGL3AZpVLnCZvipsIVYgIjRz3aQGf6DYs1ADn5YdSGmyRttfC6EriFi2Fv51c-k3kkLlRpTaioDrbqHd1GjR1nQSeq9bhouffB55vHNvBcPw/s320/_methode_times_prod_web_bin_30fb4e38-5f72-11ed-80da-2c56e60527b0.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>It is with
this new Black Panther that the film stumbles the most. In the first film we
are introduced to a teenage Shuri with a love for science and geeky fandom,
contrasted against other characters, Okoye, T’challa, Nakia, M’Baku and N’Jadaka
who have spent their whole lives training and becoming seasoned warriors with
real life practical experience. To have her go from a lovable quirky embodiment
of woman intelligence and humor to someone who can trade blows with the one
screen introduction of this Namor, regardless of the heart-shaped herb, in
under a week, is pure fallacy. This also substantiates my belief that Wakanda
Forever should have been a two-part movie, rather than just one, allowing us to
see more of a possible crash course training montage if any, of Shuri having
her barely existent fighting skills honed by Nakia and Okoye. It would have
also allowed us to see the hierarchy or relationships between Namor, Atuma and
Namora, all high notes that the film misses out on not exploring.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The heart
shaped herb provides the user with brute power and durability but not the
necessary skill required to take on someone like Namor. The factuality of this
has already been put on display in the MCU when Hulk received a vicious
beatdown from Thanos in the beginning of Infinity War. Brute force is not
enough to beat brute skill, and it’s surprising that this massive power
imbalance between a steroid enhanced, young woman and an over 400-year-old
warrior demi-god is ignored. Seeing Shuri learning how to knuckle up from
Wakanda’s best of the best, vis a vis Nakia, O’koye and yes, M’Baku, would have
made her toe-to-toe fight against Namor, a centuries old warrior god-king, much
more plausible.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It would
have been much more feasible and dramatic if Nakia had taken the new heart
shaped herb given her training and the legacy that she has a huge stake in
fighting for. A legacy that is revealed in the post credit scene. Shuri would
have been better of orchestrating the battle plans (something she again doesn’t
have experience in, and leaving the physical fighting to others, while laying
her best plans to fulfill her agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Yet as for the
best laid plans…things get thick very quick, with the Talocans once more giving
the Wakandans a dog fight. It is here that logic gap I previously mentioned
exposes itself, Despite garnering the strength of the Black Panther, without
the lifelong training that T’Challa underwent, Shuri is outside doing beyond
Simone Biles gymnastics in a minute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">New tech
along with The Midnight Angels costumes are revealed, as Wakanda digs in, while
Shuri having found Namor’s weakness, exploits it to make their well-choreographed
beach fight as even as it could possibly be. Namor however drops more beats
than Dre, and Shuri only wins out by her perseverance and fury driven determination
(aided comically again by technology), in a manner that is a stretch.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Using the
business end of Namor’s own spear, that she was made real intimate with, Shuri is
urged to “show him who you are”, by Obi-Wan Ramonda, and forges an alliance
between Wakanda and Talocan, effectively ending the war and keeping Talocan’s
secret, in return for mutual aid if they both should ever encounter problems
with the surface world. A surface world that has a pending unfulfilled course
of action; destabilization, initiated against Wakanda by America. Another logic
plot hole…satellites anyone?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">All in all,
this was a good movie, despite the multiple logic gaps and the ignored
backstory which would have been better served by a two-part movie like Infinity
War and Endgame.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Doing so
would have allowed for Riri Williams to have a back story, which will maybe
give <i>What If?</i> The opportunity to bring my pre-release fan theory to
life. My money was on Riri-Williams having been Killmonger’s daughter who built
her own iron heart suit to attack Wakanda in a bid for her own revenge and get
the ball rolling. Alas, one can only hope. I do hope they give her more
gravitas, as she felt too much like Shia LaBeouf’s Transformers character in
his dorm room drama phase in the second Transformers movie.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It would
have also allowed for them and the multiple facets of Wakanda to be explored
and utilized in line with the narrative, rather than being rendered
superficially non-existent. That however doesn’t happen, which also would have
been better served by my other fan theory, Nakia taking on the Black panther
legacy when no one else is capable, allowing Shuri to remain her lovable tech
genius self, as Nakia protects T’Challa’s legacy with her superior physicality,
for … drum roll please … T’Challa’s son, Prince T’challa or Toussaint as he
first gets introduced as.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The film
ends with Shuri turning away from rage, honouring the warrior code of peace her
brother embodied, leaving M’Baku to claim the throne and rule with the gravitas
and honour he has portrayed throughout both films. A turn of events that
presents an interesting terra firma for the unknown direction the third Black
panther film will take, if we ever have a third film.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Final
Verdict: Wakanda Forever is well worth the watch, and the best film of phase
four, despite its multiple logic flaws, supported by the wonderful introduction
and embodiment of Tenoch Huerta’s K’uk’ulkan, aka <i>Mr. You better ask
somebody</i>, aka Namor and Angela Bassett’s performance as Ramonda. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I give
Wakanda Forever a solid 7 out of 10, and end with a final note to recast T’Challa.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-35421417249766373752022-11-05T15:00:00.008-04:002022-11-05T17:27:31.193-04:00Jamaican-Canadian "Relationship Chat & Vibes" Creator Javaune Ledgister goes TikTok Viral Giving Advice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEemYfkPtW5c-_W9F5MNKi_IxOU318-I0jHGuMnaXFAZT_wxGVWH6s90R01tfoUuq1mA2xF6gfvpOAekW9QioBkdXTy82UTTi-czQT8mSKXYrkvquu5asLJk_APnr1qp9nRdisArgojpsGYRyUHHthRTkI-toUBAVEKBDRuTtLyNDjEB6d37AIRxQ-Zw/s1024/IMG_20391.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="475" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEemYfkPtW5c-_W9F5MNKi_IxOU318-I0jHGuMnaXFAZT_wxGVWH6s90R01tfoUuq1mA2xF6gfvpOAekW9QioBkdXTy82UTTi-czQT8mSKXYrkvquu5asLJk_APnr1qp9nRdisArgojpsGYRyUHHthRTkI-toUBAVEKBDRuTtLyNDjEB6d37AIRxQ-Zw/w93-h200/IMG_20391.jpg" width="93" /></a></div>We invited Jamaican-Canadian content creator Javaune Ledgister to contribute to our Reflection & Reason blog, after viewing <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ygmtrillionz" target="_blank">his viral content on the TikTok platform</a> where he is known as <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ygmtrillionz" target="_blank">@YGMTrillionz</a>.<p></p><p>A series of posts offering relationship thoughts, perspectives, and advice have been featured on his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ygm_trillonz/" target="_blank">social media</a> platforms over the past few months, with many <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ygmtrillionz/video/7156039256710860037?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank">viral moments</a> as he addresses issues of infidelity, relationship maintenance, and encourages a positive and progressive dialogue overall through his real-talk persona, patois-infused commentary, live chats, and straightforward interactions.</p><p>Javaune has founded the <a href="https://thercvpodcast.com/" target="_blank">RCV Podcast</a>, and has also entered the YouTube platform with a range of his commentaries and videos, with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1FTmQPh964NAZJ5_jOcUlQ" target="_blank">The RCV Podcast YouTube channel</a>.</p><p>Most importantly: his genuine approach and clean heart are evident. He's here to help. He's here to inspire. And he believes in love.</p><p>Javaune's first contribution as a Kya Publishing guest blogger is based on single motherhood.</p><p><a href="https://thercvpodcast.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjBu62erHnzn8VfEInukU8MciHPI1bRXa_2p923u5NDiBglJ-xmSHtNaKFtjwfQzh77LH8pHFiJsgZ3CE7u6Fe62HQx4yywBtB6wuaZiUy9TH4fbrIJoXi-XGsz_QZ-6-F3f_G48NWQ8hABVslv2YyXOC9ROwkJJ-sFpv9icDUOCQoDRR6KPMU_TTBw/w400-h134/ygm_trillonz.png" width="400" /></a></p><p><b>SINGLE MOTHERS HAVE BEEN OVERLOOKED IN MODERN DATING</b></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Single mothers need love and respect as much as women without kids do.</p><p>I find that the majority of males in Toronto (the Greater Toronto Area) look down on females with kids, and it needs to stop because it’s the same men that get a lot of these females pregnant, and often walk away due to cowardice, a lack of morals, or just the simple fact that some just don’t want the responsibility of having to raise a child.</p><p>Most females that are single mothers did not get pregnant, go into a relationship, or get married with the intentions of being a single mom. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7CXxto-nIEiBX4vq9wLJHvtxC2D-kvVn1mmBRrWdP4bf9E3cSFsjblIxw-ZvbdnQcfbhe2vDMMv_LrkMU7YfwiZ436LPBlV2WMVgzrLRg_2Isg5giWsluIkVfPwH1iRn-Gx04A4Q-oM23wzgBzu-rnh8g-poAcOYxv2K2093S0_X-iGD2zKRlda87Q/s640/IMG_20401.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="516" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7CXxto-nIEiBX4vq9wLJHvtxC2D-kvVn1mmBRrWdP4bf9E3cSFsjblIxw-ZvbdnQcfbhe2vDMMv_LrkMU7YfwiZ436LPBlV2WMVgzrLRg_2Isg5giWsluIkVfPwH1iRn-Gx04A4Q-oM23wzgBzu-rnh8g-poAcOYxv2K2093S0_X-iGD2zKRlda87Q/w161-h200/IMG_20401.jpg" width="161" /></a></div>Statistically, 8 out of every 10 men in Toronto would rather to not date a female with kids because of preference—which is OK, but mainly it’s because kids are a huge responsibility. The mother won’t have enough time or freedom for them, and the needs and wellbeing of the kids will always come first.<p></p><p></p>To clarify, the goal here is not to persuade you to date a single mom as there is nothing wrong with having a preference of who you want to date, but my goal is to change the narrative of how we view single mothers today in modern dating.<p></p><p>Most single mothers today are strong, loyal, resilient, hardworking, self-sacrificing, and persistent providers for their kids.</p><p>I will always use my mother as an example of the strong single mother described above, as she always says: “Mother’s baby; Daddy’s maybe.”</p><p>Mothers always do what they have to for their kids.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Written and formulated by: Javaune Ledgister</span></b></h3><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GvWmL0BqIMI" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-89239082208526445102022-10-04T20:25:00.004-04:002022-10-08T17:15:01.507-04:00Movie Review: The Woman King (by guest blogger Mutendei Writes)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>The Woman
King review, written by guest blogger <a href="https://mutendeiwrites.com/" target="_blank">Mutendei Writes</a></i></span></p>
<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">GO WATCH
THE WOMAN KING!</span></h1><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNTxv-EHqZuAHN4eVgRAdHkG-Te9a-IWmLADCXpMOhKzaQOJRHBJNy4CO88igSZZgzylIPVOcLwbwFeBjZq89ISXHPSIc541WHdo5Kn87sMJsNc4qzXOqdWfszm_XRYhQpI4KUdZ-n8s7x-bc3s44x22l3BWJQ0RJrqsEMr1QRJkWtxdAeRjLeOHPpA/s700/poster_the_woman_king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="470" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNTxv-EHqZuAHN4eVgRAdHkG-Te9a-IWmLADCXpMOhKzaQOJRHBJNy4CO88igSZZgzylIPVOcLwbwFeBjZq89ISXHPSIc541WHdo5Kn87sMJsNc4qzXOqdWfszm_XRYhQpI4KUdZ-n8s7x-bc3s44x22l3BWJQ0RJrqsEMr1QRJkWtxdAeRjLeOHPpA/w134-h200/poster_the_woman_king.jpg" width="134" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN-US" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Having done
a second watch, The Woman King is definitely a masterpiece of cinematography,
the remixes on history notwithstanding. The highpoints of the movie are the
scale and splendour of the sets, alongside off course, the Agojie warriors. The
Dahomey Kingdom we are presented with, clearly and courageously depicts how
well organized pre-colonial Africa was, both culturally and commercially (the
slave trade still a meaty bone of contention for the movie.) With all the good
though, there are some considerable diminishing faux pas that must be addressed
as much as the movie deserves celebration.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Let me
start with tackling two prominent concerns that jumped off the screen.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The
Woman King should have been a series. <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Given the
money-politics of Hollywood that feature as a point of contention in several cast
interviews about its creation, I can concede that just getting the movie made
was a huge win. Why do I say a series? Because there was so much subtext and
unexplored context that would have propelled this movie into being “The G.O.A.T
Mould” for all African warrior films way beyond the high bar the film achieves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So lets get
into the subtext and context.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE SLAVE
TRADE.</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Show more
of Dahomey’s culpability and how it changed and grew in prosperity as a result,
by visual depiction and character reflections. If Ghezo’s brother sold their
mother, what other lengths did others in society do. Were unruly daughters like
Nawi also sold off? Failed recruits of the Igojie too? We needed more of a for
and against discourse and to see who was lining their pockets from it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE AGOJIE
CULTURE.</span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKEU1P69PKRCKct0iAcHZvat_HMd2b1tMbSI52PxQEyAcGnY6s1pespf3Tmk5YnXcwPXygxNAMtE4pvycT1c50YmUrEvCEHkfzXfp1OLC7LxmitjSfb2YiCZU9rYxYsZdNpVogka_ZFMDeyQ-2YLczaWHn3vPWBPbuPogj5IVmLh204LEREdnMDqz_rw" style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="1280" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKEU1P69PKRCKct0iAcHZvat_HMd2b1tMbSI52PxQEyAcGnY6s1pespf3Tmk5YnXcwPXygxNAMtE4pvycT1c50YmUrEvCEHkfzXfp1OLC7LxmitjSfb2YiCZU9rYxYsZdNpVogka_ZFMDeyQ-2YLczaWHn3vPWBPbuPogj5IVmLh204LEREdnMDqz_rw" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“The first
rule of training is to obey/liste</span>n to what Izogie says. I am Izogie.” We needed
to see more of the culture behind the Agojie. How did they begin? How did they
become a traditional institution?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The new
recruits walk into female gladiator camp without any hazing? I mean, come on! We
didn’t need to see them have happy walks in the village until they had bonded
and achieved a high level of aptitude. Weren’t they supposed to be secluded anyway?
Where is the mental jostling and feather ruffling of recruits by themselves and
their predecessors, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>trying to transform
themselves into Agojie badassery glory. There was a great opportunity to bring
this to life in the barely hinted at rivalry between Nawi and Ode, which would
have been great to explore as the quintessential answer to the Krixus and
Spartacus rivalry from the masterpiece gladiator series by Starz. We only see
slight rivalry in one moment of wrestling and the final test race competition.
We don’t see their particular growth through mistrust, hate and competition
into friendship, although they do make that journey with other actors. We do
however get enough glorious Blood and Sand in this movie from the Agojie, just
not in the training. The reason for both omissions probably being (I hope),that
they were left on the cutting room floor due to time constraints.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The missed detailed
representation of the advanced training the Agojie undergo was much needed and
hopefully will show up in a series if one ever gets made as opposed to a
sequel. The recruits barely do anything outside of a few simulations before
they get to stand side by side by the baddest of the baddies, trio of Nanisca,
Amenza and Izogie. There are no preliminary missions for them to harden their
teeth on, and show their warrior and battle skill progression and combat
situational awareness like the wonderful training montage we saw in the first
wonder woman where a young Diana is taken through the ringer by Amazons ahead
of her in years and skill before Antiope humbles her hard.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Why
are they following Dude?<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I respect John
Boyega as an actor and he excellently portrays Ghezo as presented by the movie
narrative (minus the accent accidents), but who is Dude though? What makes him
worthy for the Agojie to follow him? What was the reason for the coup he is
mentioned in relation to? Why and how did he win out? What transformational
thing did he do, before jumping into the war that forms the base of the movie’s
fighting conflicts? All I really saw at the beginning of the movie is Ghezo
rolling seven wives deep. I counted seven, correct me if you counted a
different number. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Giving
credit where credit is due, John Boyega’s embodiment of the character deftly
outwits the Portuguese slaver Santo Ferreira portrayed wonderfully by Hero
Fiennes Tiffin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With those
points out of the way lets jump into more of the good stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">IZOGIE!!!!</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvLIP_3I2h-41UBvzXMvUqLZRUhNQxiz1cSzRYyyZOBQ9r9bIgIdScZRLeRazSGxmSWLEuxX0afmIJBPG_FUH7oAZanhZJ11zjmp2iwIM_hfJc2cEjVaxIRkJrNAGQ6HGl-q54uoaSt_wIIH5gPDmGr4EPXPyW19_ADNHigYh72Sst2F8C7Oe4_4P1LA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="857" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvLIP_3I2h-41UBvzXMvUqLZRUhNQxiz1cSzRYyyZOBQ9r9bIgIdScZRLeRazSGxmSWLEuxX0afmIJBPG_FUH7oAZanhZJ11zjmp2iwIM_hfJc2cEjVaxIRkJrNAGQ6HGl-q54uoaSt_wIIH5gPDmGr4EPXPyW19_ADNHigYh72Sst2F8C7Oe4_4P1LA" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“The first
rule of training is to always obey/listen to Izogie. I am Izogie.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If I see
Lashana Lynch give me that “Izogie” look on the street, best believe I am
crossing to the other side. In as much as this was Viola Davis’s tour de force
(literally and figuratively in the movie) it was also another artistic coming
out party for Lashana Lynch. I don’t know if her role fits into supporting
actress territory but I would definitely give her a nod for it. Lashana Lynch’s
Izogie is all parts “don’t speak about it, be about it” on screen as Izogie
seeks to follow in Nanisca’s trailblazing and eventually become Migano.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Her
performance substantiates my position on why their should have been a more
defined hierarchy among the Agojie in terms of age sets and skill sets, and
kill sets, yet in the battles, this necessity of order and differentiation was
thrown out the window. Jumping from basic training into the Agojie special
forces team just didn’t make sense to me. Alas, like other unexplored facets in
the movie, time (and I hope not willful omission) was probably against this.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE
COSTUMES!!!</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The academy
award for costumes and design needs to go to the production team who excellently
combined African traditional colours and functionality of the Agojie and Dahomey
uniforms, save for the Oya blight that sticks in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I cannot hold
the same reverence for the costume of Oba Ade, alongside the costumes of the
Oya soldiers, despite Jimmy Odukoya’s strong performance as the Oya general.<i>
The Mummy Returns </i>called and they want their Lock-Nah costume back.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jokes aside,
there are several instances where this film perhaps due to its own stride for greatness
and great performances of the cast, seem to channel other great movies, which
is not a slight but an observation of everything coming together perfectly.
Should they get a pass because of the history gaffe? No, but we need to discuss
the good with the bad of the movie, so we can set the bar for what not to do
and what to do with such stories and hopefully have it dictate Hollywood’s and
independent films direction on the same.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">In this
regard, the discourse and antagonism between Santo Ferriera and Malik, calls to
mind the same level of guised hate and intolerance that was witnessed between
Guy Pearce and Jim Cavizel in The Counte of Monte Cristo. It would have been
wonderful to see the development of Santo’s villany in contrast to Malik’s
earnest persona. Hence my appeal for a series instead of a sequel/prequel movie.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE BATTLES</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTzlNpIAJTRjKOrapSv1gJ9LtycoI969IHx6U_rXrV00tf-w-VsE3xCq4_cTDYOgFBT-B4sZPjCWuicW-uA6ux3qizKYgKZG_Y43tHwDcBw4XlD6-dSfH_-8Jad5MSLfQf8Hee1QD1FF-AFW5zrFGelplFZ6MNNJE6zs-J4qs1xsh_T0IC4q1P45i0EA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="1280" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTzlNpIAJTRjKOrapSv1gJ9LtycoI969IHx6U_rXrV00tf-w-VsE3xCq4_cTDYOgFBT-B4sZPjCWuicW-uA6ux3qizKYgKZG_Y43tHwDcBw4XlD6-dSfH_-8Jad5MSLfQf8Hee1QD1FF-AFW5zrFGelplFZ6MNNJE6zs-J4qs1xsh_T0IC4q1P45i0EA" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When I said
there was Blood and Sand (insert your own happy, gleeful chuckle instead of
mine if you have watched the movie), there was Blood and Sand!!! The way the
Agojie give and trade punches while steam rolling their adversaries, was such a
satisfying arc on its own, showing the capability of pre-colonial Africa
without the white lens. If you thought Thanos’s “Great White Shark” like
entrance at the beginning of Avenger’s endgame was bad, these ladies rising out
of the grass at the film’s beginning to show you why they “are enough” just
like Thanos, is (excuse my french) hot shit!!! The mayhem that ensues sets a
solid tone for the entire movie and affirms the fact that the Agojie are not to
be messed with, despite Jimmy Odukoya’s powerful presence as the opposing
force, which he maintains wonderfully till the end.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Seeing the
terrible trio of Nanisca, Amenza and Izogie work in tandem to carry the day
repeatedly, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a key motivator in
watching the movie twice.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The end I
feel was a bit mired by Ghezo mansplaining away. I have never seen mansplaining
on screen until dude started yapping, but given the context of that moment it
can be rationalized. With this as a segue, I do have to circle back again to
what I felt was missing and why this needed to be a series.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE SECOND
ACT TWIST</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This was
wonderfully<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>teased and executed, but
again like other mentions, opened the door to the inclusion of much more
background. Let me say it again. Do a series next and not a sequel/prequel.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">AFRICAN
VERNACULAR</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm3WNMSTR4SK0-EnWgJn2inkhF6GuOG5i6N6bWUO1-qnFBSnuHoVV5bTd-JwqvuR4cSBtNxtt-G3Dsw4gamzCimgQzoYmVVLvLo_ti7LGCO0S81UHmXN88sb2mnR3DXLVfvjKWIEeb0SnEaEZ4nbrJMVFsRSQ9pJif0UVJi2m6Z6IYXHYSrGd4ag0uaA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm3WNMSTR4SK0-EnWgJn2inkhF6GuOG5i6N6bWUO1-qnFBSnuHoVV5bTd-JwqvuR4cSBtNxtt-G3Dsw4gamzCimgQzoYmVVLvLo_ti7LGCO0S81UHmXN88sb2mnR3DXLVfvjKWIEeb0SnEaEZ4nbrJMVFsRSQ9pJif0UVJi2m6Z6IYXHYSrGd4ag0uaA" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The entire
movie should have been in African Vernacular with subtitles. I get that it had
to premiere to an American audience but like I said earlier, making this movie
the go to “G.O.A.T mould” for African sword and sandal movies would have been
more attainable with this linguistic construction. The actors may have put a
lot into it, but linguistic representation with actors learning the languages
should have been part of that commitment, a sure fore way to counter the
horrible accents of many. The change was done for the Portuguese characters and
should have been done for the African dialogue. It would have added to the
movie’s colourful cultural base and further shown the diversity and knowledge
sets of Africa before colonialism.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE
POLITICAL RIVALRY BETWEEN NANISCA & SHANTE</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Where did
it originate from? How has it festered and what have been the wins and losses
between them in their battle for favour? The background of the stakes could
have been developed a bit better, like the antagonism and rivalry between Lucretia
and Illiythia from Spartacus. For demonstrative purposes, what if Shante was a younger
recruit that got banished and fell out, and after getting expelled, found her
way into the kings favour on count of her beauty and wiles, despite having
failed at women warrior hood, and as the King’s favorite wife, become a staunch
political enemy of Nanisca and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
Agojie? What if she tried to manipulate naive Nawi against Nanisca and her
fellow Agojie, like Lucretia used Navia and Navia’s predecessors. The obvious
answer again would be time constraints furthering the need for a series.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">WHY DID
THEY LEAVE THEIR DEAD BEHIND?</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This
baffled me given that the Agojie were presented as such a strong sisterhood and
protective of each other. This needed to be explained or explored further.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">NAWI’S MISSING
HARD LIFE AND MUSCLES. </span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg771DUusooxhuT-x7HhHz93ewB_BX45uEh7sgzUf846WFtPniirbwZg2S03HS2Y_bM3zrzHYvSo_CAFOsP7hZfIaRRk2OMVeWjC7zTHt4r2JUil1SVoiObd-fXIu5_qQmkE5ZuKpzFz8sxZ0mGRLn_eihUMMGgDzPX7Eu-EgTIsBVjpBxOAgnLHXxg9g" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="1087" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg771DUusooxhuT-x7HhHz93ewB_BX45uEh7sgzUf846WFtPniirbwZg2S03HS2Y_bM3zrzHYvSo_CAFOsP7hZfIaRRk2OMVeWjC7zTHt4r2JUil1SVoiObd-fXIu5_qQmkE5ZuKpzFz8sxZ0mGRLn_eihUMMGgDzPX7Eu-EgTIsBVjpBxOAgnLHXxg9g" width="320" /></a></div>I focus on
this, not as a knock against the amazing acting performance and effort of Thuso
Mbedu in bringing Nawi to life, yet having gone through a tough regiment of
training to become a military warrior, her physique did not seem to change (to
me) in contrast to her Agojie sisters, both her immediate peers, and those
ahead of her. The final form of Nawi that goes into war falls, behind in
comparative physicality to the other Agojie, newbies and seasoned veterans
alike. We also don’t see the hard life that breaks her down several times,
setting off water works. “I’ve had a hard life!” Boo, hoo! Show us, don’t tell
us! That hard life is not reflected at all in her appearance or mental persona.<p></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">WHAT
EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO BE THE WOMAN KING AND WHAT DOES IT ENTAIL? </span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">How would
this change life for Nanisca and the rest of the Agojie? Does the Woman King
have any official duties? What made it a coveted position for Shante?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE
CONTROVERSY (WHITEWASHING) OF THE
HISTORY</span></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am a
history buff and this is a sore point for me, and this movie can be held to be
a case of the white producers behind the film using Black/African girl magic as
a gravy train, but the game has to be played in order to tip the scales in
favour of African/Black creators and narratives. If you want to say build our
own table, okay but that’s not going to produce tangible results in the
immediate. This movie can be a springboard to that if we let those involved
(actors and producers) know by harsh dissections and ridicule of the film.
Boycotting it could be one way, but that shuts the door on getting it right and
I would not do that myself. As a creative, I always say if you are going to
complain about the wrong, don’t stop there. Create the right. If you are
wondering why I don’t attack the history narrative presented, the article by <i>Bounding
Into Comics</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>does it profoundly, negating
the need for me to harp on it myself. </span><a href="https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/09/16/the-woman-king-review-a-fantasy-that-runs-from-the-truth/amp/"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/09/16/the-woman-king-review-a-fantasy-that-runs-from-the-truth/amp/</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With the
good said, and the downsides mentioned, go watch THE WOMAN KING<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-80571228071032272742022-09-05T14:00:00.012-04:002022-12-23T20:50:04.192-05:00Studying the Sounds of the African Diaspora, from Toronto<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCJs9fQKDB8VZ1HRmxH87-I8o4Xreq49wb4Ni4sdvYuN5TldUjfef0_wJCBAVbxMeXUfQk0DNz0F8tjg12iX6ZZCtj-bbhAAK7TO-QZn4wYqnk5_a6L4PQILGIdjvEXwdZko8e8w5gUbhgMCkj7zia5nG1VL5AYluCnd5V3KByu_LdOlpNbPBJXfNoQ/s750/ed0d55631db502e1ab995499ad78f4c5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCJs9fQKDB8VZ1HRmxH87-I8o4Xreq49wb4Ni4sdvYuN5TldUjfef0_wJCBAVbxMeXUfQk0DNz0F8tjg12iX6ZZCtj-bbhAAK7TO-QZn4wYqnk5_a6L4PQILGIdjvEXwdZko8e8w5gUbhgMCkj7zia5nG1VL5AYluCnd5V3KByu_LdOlpNbPBJXfNoQ/s320/ed0d55631db502e1ab995499ad78f4c5.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>As I write this, I'm listening to an Amapiano mix online from Jay Tshepo. Amapiano, a genre I knew nothing about a few years ago, and could have never predicted the way it would capture me. I am pleased that we can still be amazed, impressed, and discover new sounds, practitioners, and audible movements. Continuously, with infinite amounts of song combinations accessible to us. <p></p><p>As we inevitably become closer, globally, the exposure of sounds is also becoming closer. The great thing about African-based sounds gaining newfound popularity in this current era of music, is that it's so much deeper than just one country or aesthetic. South Africa has a buzz right now, but Nigeria does also.</p><p>Music of the African diaspora feels comforting to my soul. Instantly. It reminds me that we all groove to the same heartbeat (forgive the obvious analogy), but that even within our similarities, there are such important, intricate details that make each demographic even more special. Each country. City, even. Borough. Block.</p><p>I decided to see how many genres I could research and list from the Continent and the Caribbean, and was blown away by how long the list quickly became (I capped it at 40), and also how within each of the 40 listings, there was the possibility to break most genres down even further.</p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j7NZNbwIZsU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p></p><p>Multitudinous.</p><p>Hip hop, for example, has many lanes of distinction, that we've become familiarized with over the years. Most music lovers can differentiate between a West Coast sound, a Down South sound...or a Midwest vibe. Toronto style. New York energy. UK spirit. We're familiar because of the music, and also the performers who have personified these energies.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABzdexT6XVtas-aiN4HwGQI8z0z09lvY189WTn0DkpFlvaOTyvkZQ6YqHhXSO62D6Bl3DbbB3_oMbuwG2bL44tRK0-hpOuQHyPrwOU8E-CKOYyDC_piO59DzZmbx2qIzINSVOWDoHHnjXyqSdhmuZQCXPs00PTk-dSH0EIRoY5D9W2UQlVPeQTA0hFA/s640/psquare-.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="640" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABzdexT6XVtas-aiN4HwGQI8z0z09lvY189WTn0DkpFlvaOTyvkZQ6YqHhXSO62D6Bl3DbbB3_oMbuwG2bL44tRK0-hpOuQHyPrwOU8E-CKOYyDC_piO59DzZmbx2qIzINSVOWDoHHnjXyqSdhmuZQCXPs00PTk-dSH0EIRoY5D9W2UQlVPeQTA0hFA/s320/psquare-.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>So to now start to feel the difference (for example) to distinguish between Amapiano, and house music, and then also learn how Afrobeats can be further broken down into regional sounds...Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria of course, and other countries like Cameroon also have their own sound.<p></p><p>That's just within the continent of Africa. Over in the Caribbean, we can do the same. We know the differences fundamentally between reggae/dancehall and soca/calypso, let's say. But as we go deeper, we can break reggae into multiple categories (lover's rock, ska, rockas, etc.) and we can take soca into different levels based on island (Trini soca is definitely a different vibe from Grenada's). Bajan soca. Even Jamaican soca has a different-but-similar vibe. Then we have Jab Jab. Chutney Soca. We know this, if we've lived to see and feel the difference in sound, instrumentation, movement, and use.</p><p>Which brings me to my list of genres. I let hip hop and jazz, and our more mainstream and familiar Black/African musical genres exist on the list without going into their subgenres. But I did take some time to list many of the genres found within the continent of Africa, and also from specific Caribbean islands and countries like Columbia as well. Puerto Rico.</p><p>Here are 40 I selected, that were of interest to me. Many I knew, and many brought fresh sounds to me that I have previously not been able to identify, or appreciate.</p><p>The list is for sure not comprehensive, but it is definitely extensive...in sound and composition.</p><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 312px;">
<tbody><tr>
<td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Afrobeats/pop<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Nigeria</span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Amapiano <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">South Africa<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Assiko<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cameroon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Bachata<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Honduras<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Benga<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Kenya<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Blues<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">United States<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Bongo <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Tanzania<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Bouyon<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Dominica<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cabo-Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cape Verde<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Calypso<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Trinidad<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Chimurenga<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Zimbabwe<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Chutney<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Guyana<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cumbia<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Colombia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Dancehall<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jamaica<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Gwoka<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Guadeloupe<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Highlife<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Ghana<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Hip Hop<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">United States<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Hiplife<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Ghana<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jab Jab<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Grenada<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jazz<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cuba<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Juju<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Nigeria<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Junkanoo<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Bahamas<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jwe<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">St. Lucia<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Kaseko<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Surinam<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Kizomba<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Angola<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Kompa<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Haiti<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Kwaito<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">South Africa<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Makossa<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cameroon<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: 1pt solid windowtext; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 85.5pt;" valign="top" width="114">
<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Mbalax<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Senegal<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Mbaqanga<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">South African<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Merengue<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Dominican Republic<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Punta<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Belize<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">R&B<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">United States<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Reggae<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Jamaica <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Reggaeton<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Puerto Rico<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Salsa<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Cuba<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Semba<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Angola<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Soca<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Trinidad<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Soukous<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Congo<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: right;"><b><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Zouk</span></b></p></td><td style="border-bottom: 1pt solid windowtext; border-left: none; border-right: 1pt solid windowtext; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 148.5pt;" valign="top" width="198"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">French Antilles<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</tbody></table><p>I write this to say: we are such a powerful people. Our music emanates an abundance of soul, and life. And I am so grateful for this blessing.</p><p>This song, from Nigerian brothers P Squared, is the vibe I crave indefinitely from my music: hope, inspiration, heavy bass, positive energy, and sweet melodies. </p><p><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4DuOSMlHLyU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
</p><p>It makes me feel proud to hear it, and know that the power of our ancestors is so beautiful, and so uplifting. If we continue to unify, find commonalities, and rejoice collectively...we are unstoppable in anything we approach. This music, to me, represents the confidence and brilliance that we embody as Black people, and I have never felt more connected to the Diaspora than I do through the music it inspires and produces.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-41105405157979753282022-08-08T22:55:00.006-04:002022-08-08T23:26:50.095-04:00The Weeknd // From Scarborough to Miami<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuGTLhawBxhLyyAkKAXMtGQvK-J2jfrN4Dh0CF3dE2Ck_vBXOeqdsStpG78nT2Kf_Q2fZpB2XaYONVNCkTv1yutxFatzAr9_lSMJEx7HcZ0GQ2SoLfkYk5LEDL__evAk1x_ekWxu6Ex49k5wLyxJaZikRVPtso7jsP_wBN8jYomvye6fzKA-qFzOM0w/s2048/EtTqGF7XIAA20ve.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuGTLhawBxhLyyAkKAXMtGQvK-J2jfrN4Dh0CF3dE2Ck_vBXOeqdsStpG78nT2Kf_Q2fZpB2XaYONVNCkTv1yutxFatzAr9_lSMJEx7HcZ0GQ2SoLfkYk5LEDL__evAk1x_ekWxu6Ex49k5wLyxJaZikRVPtso7jsP_wBN8jYomvye6fzKA-qFzOM0w/s320/EtTqGF7XIAA20ve.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>Are we as a Black Toronto/Canadian population giving The Weeknd proper accolades, respect, and credit for how fucking amazing he is? Do we realize that [yet another] one of our homegrown musicians is one of the greatest entertainers in the world right now? Not Drake. Not Bieber. We have The Weeknd: this legend, as well.<p></p><p>I am still on my high from Saturday night's concert at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where I travelled from Toronto to join approximately 60,000 other music lovers for what would be a spectacular musical experience. The After Hours Til Dawn Tour was supposed to kick off in Toronto on July 8, but thanks to the Rogers outage, had to be postponed until September 22 (the last date of the 19-date North American tour). </p><p>He tried to pay homage to his beloved Toronto early, but circumstances wouldn't allow that moment to happen. </p><p>But it happened for me in Florida, this past weekend. I couldn't have possibly been any further from the stages, but I swear I felt that music. From the third level. And as a fellow Canadian, I actually felt proud too. Proud about how normal it was for me to travel from Toronto, to see a Black Toronto artist...in a successful stadium tour.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaABZ_L5H7jSp7q6KI8cIRT-LvQe1I9Y9T2H2VCXZG-__85vg9BdzprjXe8WrMbrJyS2j_QlPdZg2yvpC7odvq3AVymwfCQ5gWzFl7IRuRBj4gy34l57SQCv73yWp1t2RlQtH3qLzZGvG0bRZu0mW5Bvr5RTZablZHZSv-WRUuvoqWT0VNtXZGJVzMAA/s1440/FZmBXlPWIAEiDj7.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaABZ_L5H7jSp7q6KI8cIRT-LvQe1I9Y9T2H2VCXZG-__85vg9BdzprjXe8WrMbrJyS2j_QlPdZg2yvpC7odvq3AVymwfCQ5gWzFl7IRuRBj4gy34l57SQCv73yWp1t2RlQtH3qLzZGvG0bRZu0mW5Bvr5RTZablZHZSv-WRUuvoqWT0VNtXZGJVzMAA/s320/FZmBXlPWIAEiDj7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The opening from DJ/producer Kaytranda complimented the city I was fortunate enough to visit. It vibrated and echoed like Miami should: sensual, psychedelic, brilliant, and groovy. There is something unexplainable about the energy of Miami, and the evening's show managed to encapsulate The Weeknd's own unique sound and style, but still give it that obvious touch of electricity that only Miami encompasses.<p></p><p></p>The Weeknd fans covered every demographic possible: teens, older adults, Black, white, Latino, brown, Asian...they were all there. They were all excited. They were all singing along word for word, and never sat down from the second Abel's band began to play their ominous opening notes, until the lights came on. Dedicated ass fans.<p></p><p>I'm still in awe, because I haven't seen that type of musical energy...in that way, truly since I saw Prince perform back in 2004 at the Air Canada Centre. Hands down the BEST live show I've ever been to (and I've been to a lot), Prince was unexplainably magical.</p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yzTuBuRdAyA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p> But this brother. Abel. He's something special, too. </p><p>I'm not sure if it's his humility, or the "pop" sound to his music that makes me feel that we are not quite giving this artist the extreme accolades he deserves. I mean, the Grammy's, the SuperBowl, and every musical chart will tell us. He's a bigger star than we probably even acknowledge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNzatsjSB-pNW2q3DWE3CpBh__MbcvEwz1RMS60TVD9ujLU2hagMs1zVEXgSkjZ4F0xQxyedeJA6-8BGiy5AvIOTwgC95k5BwWK4l4CynbM_ii8XDaYUIYJYP4PYzgaBahoBdJbKNQu1gLa4QGNdO4QDrC6LUFPUXy718-ObfR3I0YevfT-9KZGCoEQ/s1440/FZmBXlRX0AIEEM2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1440" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNzatsjSB-pNW2q3DWE3CpBh__MbcvEwz1RMS60TVD9ujLU2hagMs1zVEXgSkjZ4F0xQxyedeJA6-8BGiy5AvIOTwgC95k5BwWK4l4CynbM_ii8XDaYUIYJYP4PYzgaBahoBdJbKNQu1gLa4QGNdO4QDrC6LUFPUXy718-ObfR3I0YevfT-9KZGCoEQ/s320/FZmBXlRX0AIEEM2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We treat Abel different than we treat Drake and other Toronto artists.<p></p><p>We have The Weeknd in a different category, which is odd, because he's come from the same streets as the rest of them. Rode the same 401, and grew up with the same people we know, or know of. He's in a different lane, for some reason.</p><p>So reflecting on his show this weekend, I realize that I am guilty of not exalting this artist the way that I should be. I've always respected him and enjoyed his music, but now that I have experienced his live show and it's every bit as vibrational as I imagined it would be, I have officially transitioned into a different level of Abel fan.</p><p>The entire production was spectacular. His artistry inspired me, and the experience was seamless in transition and presentation.</p><p>He inspired me, which is the only request I have from any artist I encounter. I might even buy a ticket to see the show again, when he returns to Toronto. If there are any available.</p><p>He's that good. </p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qFLhGq0060w" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by Stacey Marie Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-60108011681258026872022-08-01T20:53:00.002-04:002022-08-02T16:45:16.052-04:00Watching our African Canadian Culture Evolve in Real Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygxF-hQ5KKLkjz6APHtJlP9SZPL_QduK3AUyCcTSQxRGRIL21C3tLmRWOvZj8v0Gx9_A6WkiMYYg79PD3vhdHNQVuexQrga05mGm4iM7ftBj9aFjWKg0AkhnIxm-Lx6kvdM1VQKMDjzaqSooHNbTR9p0AgGUeaQTatIWxBH4MtFPd_tkkkAKsyh6YBQ/s350/9468-Black-Liberation-flag-1-350x233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="233" data-original-width="350" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygxF-hQ5KKLkjz6APHtJlP9SZPL_QduK3AUyCcTSQxRGRIL21C3tLmRWOvZj8v0Gx9_A6WkiMYYg79PD3vhdHNQVuexQrga05mGm4iM7ftBj9aFjWKg0AkhnIxm-Lx6kvdM1VQKMDjzaqSooHNbTR9p0AgGUeaQTatIWxBH4MtFPd_tkkkAKsyh6YBQ/s320/9468-Black-Liberation-flag-1-350x233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Maybe I'm just in my feelings because Caribana is back. And because I heard Joeboy's "Alcohol" on the road/Lakeshore before 3pm (big up DJ Snoopy). Maybe because it's Emancipation Day today, and I looked at my television and saw beautiful African Canadian children dancing in celebration at Fort York.<p></p><p>I am overwhelmed with cultural pride, and an unexpected sense of relief because I have [physically] felt the shift, and evolution of our Toronto culture this weekend. A significant one.</p><p>It's been a strange end to the long weekend. They just announced the cancellation of Drake's grand finale for the OVO Fest, a celebrity-studded star on the top of our Toronto Caribbean Carnival Christmas tree. The [wedding] icing on our Black Cake. OVO started our Toronto fantasy weekend with a cypher-like gathering of Toronto hip hop and R&B legends, and then the parade returned...and the parties were back, in their original locations. Caribana was deeply missed; you could feel the emotion across the city. You could feel the appreciation for this space: OUR space. Outdoors, at that!</p><p>The emergence of Emancipation Day events are also increasing in occurrence and promotion, after last year's <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/emancipation-day.html" target="_blank">official designation</a> of August 1 by Canada's House of Commons. The Freedom Train ride in particular, always resonates in an artistic and powerful way.</p><p>With the presence of [my favourite app right now] TikTok, I was able to witness the generation after me (Gen Z?, and some younger Millennials) enthusiastically embracing the parade, and the surrounding weekend of events. I watched them plan, and anticipate, participate, and assess [what the kids are now calling] "'Bana."</p><p>For years, I worried that Drake and his industry peers would have so taken their young minds and musical tastes in a different direction, that they would no longer crave the cultural immersion that we did as teens, and young adults. The basslines and dancing we gravitated towards in the 90s and early 2000s. The stories, legacies, and historical commemorations. I thought they wouldn't care.</p><p>I feared that the rhythms, the artists, and the traditions that we tried so hard to emulate and sustain and share, would vanish on said TikTok platform, in exchange for strange dance choreo, and other odd digital/anti-social interactions. And plenty of Snaps.</p><p>We thought we had lost this generation to their devices and the manipulation of algorithms, at the expense of actual knowledge and culture. But not only did they find their outside energy and reinvigorate their connection with their roots, but they also decided to integrate the content, and amplify the culture in their own way. Speed up our old songs, and apply the dancing in a new way...literally, and theoretically.</p><p>And it's not just us here in Canada, and with our occasional American cousins. It's the British too. The Nigerians. Jamaicans. Somalians. We've all somehow found increased commonalities throughout the past two years of the pandemic. Despite the rappers, and other American influences taking us all away from our deep ancestral roots...but instead, we (as a collective; assuming many have always been connected) are rediscovering the beauty of the culture. Wearing the prints, again. Speaking the languages, again. Boldly using the natural accent, again. (NOT the maddening Toronto-Man-Slang). Appreciating our uniqueness, in ways that we never really saw...but always knew existed. It's like our devices drew us closer together, and eventually validated just how similar we all are, and were raised.</p><p>I just saw a video from one of my favourite Toronto-based TikTok-ers, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ohbumbarassclot" target="_blank">OhBumbaRassclot</a>, and he was sending a <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ohbumbarassclot/video/7127003711234346246?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1" target="_blank">message of thanks</a> out to the "Man Dem" (aka the heterosexual Black young men of our city), praising the "ninjas" he came into contact with throughout the Toronto Carnival day for being...chill. </p><p>He was simply pleased to see that trans, straight, queer, non-binary...everyone was jumping up and enjoying the same experience, without judgement, without segregation, blinking an eye, or kissing a teeth. He praised them for the safe space, without having to even use the phrase "safe space."</p><p>That video inspired me to want to document this moment. Maybe others have already experienced it in various ways, or already come to similar conclusions, but one thing for sure is that I was skeptical at times. I lost faith, at times, but something about the energy of this weekend reassured me.</p><p>I woke up on Sunday morning, put on CP24 to see the headlines...waited a few minutes, and realized that I was relieved that there were no shootings. I was so grateful, because I didn't want anything to ruin the moment. I didn't want to see any young Black males on TV, tied to that headline. It hurts too much, particularly in moments when everyone is watching...anticipating.</p><p>We have to treat these moments, these people (our people), and these traditions with reverence. All of them, from the chipping down the streets, to the Emancipation marching and flag raising. We have to honour them. Support them. Encourage them, and feed into their progress. The more we do this, the more we all benefit.</p><p>So I will continue to give energy to my people, the people of Toronto, and to my Caribbean/African Canadian culture. I will continue to write about it, and endorse it. I will do my best to amplify the energy I feel, and the souls that produce it.</p><p>I feel the power of our community through moments like these, and I truly believe it's a spirit that's untouchable when activated. Getting to access this energy (when you can genuinely experience it--without pretense), is a blessing.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p><p><br /></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-36063528820356019572022-07-10T23:09:00.003-04:002022-07-11T10:05:35.186-04:00Thank You to Asake & Tems, from a Music Lover<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsmraDWFLrhN0l3I287ifgfQu5GZnJw9AQA0MVntAhDY825EdTbntdElogfookYJDU_aCHXGi236ISWf4ov4OikQ_tQiqqTUqvhBumuqSwcs_hYPhBgaw3ovJ7EpiTXibMiQcGBlFVl_IEVycRzDkBi_beAYIlS270cwEWrc_cHuwn-su5P5imbBmxg/s1280/Asake.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOsmraDWFLrhN0l3I287ifgfQu5GZnJw9AQA0MVntAhDY825EdTbntdElogfookYJDU_aCHXGi236ISWf4ov4OikQ_tQiqqTUqvhBumuqSwcs_hYPhBgaw3ovJ7EpiTXibMiQcGBlFVl_IEVycRzDkBi_beAYIlS270cwEWrc_cHuwn-su5P5imbBmxg/w200-h113/Asake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Is it just me? Does anyone else feel this, almost, spiritual uplifting and unifying of African people, globally? It's quite possible that this thought is completely unoriginal, and that there are impeccably articulated descriptions of this already in existence online. But right now, I felt the need to connect with someone who is feeling...THIS.
<p></p><p>Music is usually my catalyst, and everything about this particular song this evening just made me stop and pause. I felt it. Without understanding the language, knowing much about the artist, or even the particular African country of origin. The beauty of it is that by this time next week, I'll have had the opportunity to dive deeper into Asake's music and see what I've been missing.</p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MefXQvGTYtE" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>If this is the first Asake track that really caught my ear, then I want to know why. I want to listen to the musical journey thus far. Reconnect with the songs I didn't realize he was featured in.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-szR_kg0P0VSO6_cV96CgjhdM7EOrOKvPfuVAq7O6Bq3S5aoJHgb45xXtOjWCWLol5BQgCNnpCu9cwCtNi9Yt-hvHjVqK64K_8lCE6XaLa2L7PvbBjSGMiOeBexC9_V8D3TMgAHIaqAedalG3I3Lm45NKZzxuP9LdFeriPGPDou03RgSrJ8vIKIwqYA/s851/Asake%203.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="828" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-szR_kg0P0VSO6_cV96CgjhdM7EOrOKvPfuVAq7O6Bq3S5aoJHgb45xXtOjWCWLol5BQgCNnpCu9cwCtNi9Yt-hvHjVqK64K_8lCE6XaLa2L7PvbBjSGMiOeBexC9_V8D3TMgAHIaqAedalG3I3Lm45NKZzxuP9LdFeriPGPDou03RgSrJ8vIKIwqYA/w194-h200/Asake%203.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>Like listening to some 2012 Burna Boy...now. The perspective is irreplaceable. The process of understanding an artist is a journey that you enter, and then if you're lucky...you'll fall in love with their sound.<p></p><p>When you have music as your core source of energy, this process is indescribable. That's why sometimes I ask myself...seriously, is it just me?
</p><p>That being said, upon discovering this Asake with DJ SPINALL, I was convinced that this would be the main artist I'd be listening to this week.</p><p>Until I rediscovered a song by Tems from last summer around this time, Higher. I realize I am new on my journey into Afrobeats and Amapiano even, but I am also excited because I know the impact of the music already, and I know that this is just the beginning for the rise in Afrobeats that we're about to witness. Like many other things, and other blog posts...I am documenting this journey for future reference, to revisit these thoughts.</p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O2FD9lDm_yk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p>Tems' voice and tone is another example of why I believe this moment we're experiencing in Black music is monumental. I can feel it. I can hear it, in the intricacies of her voice. We haven't heard a unique tone like this since...maybe Lauryn? A voice that we don't even have to meet, to know that we love the person behind it. A voice that transparent and honest. It's always transformational...if we look back in musical history. Key artists that moved the culture, and climate, and community power...with a voice, or a song.</p><p></p><p>Music is the heartbeat of our people. Everywhere.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUar-YVlTezPYUeUkQnZcvv__enzjTCsinFXc9YRv4jCFzx4A3twl3knrm9fyIZzrnTTYePfTBiKCQoNWG1Mcl2Gf3Od4KR4MVo1XyF792XmjrLTBjrkPWgJXE3dWswLSyS9raJ8zVPXuQcU39isoq5mco8BRuL1Zat8junaIqGAQ5OcOvSENW-rnZA/s251/Tems.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="201" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUar-YVlTezPYUeUkQnZcvv__enzjTCsinFXc9YRv4jCFzx4A3twl3knrm9fyIZzrnTTYePfTBiKCQoNWG1Mcl2Gf3Od4KR4MVo1XyF792XmjrLTBjrkPWgJXE3dWswLSyS9raJ8zVPXuQcU39isoq5mco8BRuL1Zat8junaIqGAQ5OcOvSENW-rnZA/w160-h200/Tems.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>One more question. Does anyone else feel that Afrobeats, Soca, and Reggae are quietly merging into the same sound...and R&B is embracing the influence as well? Dancehall and trap/hip hop are connecting in other ways, and there will always be outliers, but do you feel the shift? The barriers fading? Do you feel that this move in culture will have a power beyond what we can see right now? That it will connect us in a way we haven't been connected...is that naïve to believe that music alone can do that, because that's what my spirit is telling me.<p></p><p>Is this how the hippies felt in the 60s? Real talk. Honest questions.</p><p></p><p>Does anyone else remember how refreshing it was to hear Tems [for the first time] during the pandemic? It was a moment where I felt a culture shift, and peak creativity during the quarantine. It felt like process, and permission to still be great.<br /></p><p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qa1IaUywiO8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This music has changed me, and sharpened my ear and thirst for a new level of sound. I want to be able to easily differentiate between music from different African countries, as easily as I can detect Vincy soca, or Bajan soca. Jab jab. Chicago House music, or West Coast hip hop. I want to know the nuances between Congolese music, South African music, or Nigerian music, for example. In time.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AA0eUc_L9nyYKKJ8xOV5D-WYZ1l_lGdPB0w38hnV3xvwQvPki9FcvXda2ZzIcNuK_r3prdQFfcNIHQE16l_HWoUggpFAh5leOZSefUY6wXxCTWk3jKK3udXPpQWAH7FGkNnFh8MI701aWs0I07WUssBL2e2IlDrCrk3GKVofPhXF6cgCZ1ClE9hPdQ/s4082/Tems%201.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2585" data-original-width="4082" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AA0eUc_L9nyYKKJ8xOV5D-WYZ1l_lGdPB0w38hnV3xvwQvPki9FcvXda2ZzIcNuK_r3prdQFfcNIHQE16l_HWoUggpFAh5leOZSefUY6wXxCTWk3jKK3udXPpQWAH7FGkNnFh8MI701aWs0I07WUssBL2e2IlDrCrk3GKVofPhXF6cgCZ1ClE9hPdQ/w200-h127/Tems%201.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I really believe the spirit of the people, their pains, and stories, and life itself is in the music their generation creates and appreciates. This direction for Black music is deep. It's deeper than we've ever been, musically, as a community...because this acknowledgement comes with the collective power of African nations, a beautiful and resourceful continent, and a renewed spirit of family. Access. Brilliance. No limits.<p></p><p>Imagine, if you will, the magnificence that will emerge once we are all moving in the same direction, and speaking the same language. Singing the same songs. Power unparalleled, and yes, I believe the music will be a key, key unifier. In fact, I openly anticipate this.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p><p><br /></p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-845179389747970364.post-71826302349933739682022-06-29T00:01:00.004-04:002022-06-29T20:59:07.344-04:00It was a Significant Weekend for Toronto Reggae and Canadian Dancehall Culture<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EyRFDleerbdyarTnouoFNSoKUPjEVy-O4VTa2gPQJ44bilY8x9nzalyHAzAbtZVyP5ocOCN9q_KL_X0aVrvTzZ6EwG_oRxHrCa6neGcKAOfD5zXVOWh2b0kUhROlbRYviLQpvTktq0-rpZZg-dj8fdBRPz0wAS4cNavH1dhIPOwPEJQiKQT_8ku9FQ/s900/toronto-pride-2022-in-photos-trans-march-spice-performs-and-parties.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EyRFDleerbdyarTnouoFNSoKUPjEVy-O4VTa2gPQJ44bilY8x9nzalyHAzAbtZVyP5ocOCN9q_KL_X0aVrvTzZ6EwG_oRxHrCa6neGcKAOfD5zXVOWh2b0kUhROlbRYviLQpvTktq0-rpZZg-dj8fdBRPz0wAS4cNavH1dhIPOwPEJQiKQT_8ku9FQ/s320/toronto-pride-2022-in-photos-trans-march-spice-performs-and-parties.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I feel it was a big weekend for Toronto dancehall. A couple of days have passed, and I realize it felt significant enough for me to keep processing what just happened.<p></p><p>Two things in particular:</p><p>1) <b>Spice </b>performed for the Pride festivities during Pride weekend in Toronto.</p><p>2) <b>King Turbo</b>'s founding members reunited on stage at the Canada History Clash.</p><p>It's possible that either event just passed you by this weekend. With the amount of outdoor functions, gatherings, pool parties, fetes, boat rides, and dancehall events, you truly could have been out celebrating the first week of summer with all of the energy and vibrancy you've been holding on to for months. Years.</p><p>Last summer we were free, but this summer...we're FREE free. You could feel the vibration it in the air...folks in Toronto are ready to have a good time for the next two months, by any means necessary.</p><p>I saw the footage of Spice performing live at Dundas Square, and it made me smile. It made me feel proud. I was happy for Gracie, for her loving fans, and for this milestone in her musical journey. I didn't think about any other side story, just the fact that a talented Black woman was continuing to rise after over a decade in the industry. It was a beautiful thing, and it happened right here on our soil.</p><p>I also felt proud of Toronto this weekend for the way we allow folks to celebrate in the streets, and embrace so many cultures in extravagant ways.</p><p>No political thoughts, just appreciation this weekend. No second-guessing Doug Ford's cabinet choices this weekend. Just positive thoughts.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVGqqOIPrZoOXFMYkxNXq5jV0QgIjVIekJWoH4oy1Oo9HohDDZ1DRGv_O-a0ORMLRrYNhramzINLHLLzAhE58FkMQsuM5LK2iPr_ejvTlJDGFStfrq7RxWcr6cn797Je69LVeVQhqs_SjMx9zAawFNgL11zRwsfh0VzCF54CQKBJIYknf45-xbSRiAw/s1588/Canada%20History%20Clash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1588" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVGqqOIPrZoOXFMYkxNXq5jV0QgIjVIekJWoH4oy1Oo9HohDDZ1DRGv_O-a0ORMLRrYNhramzINLHLLzAhE58FkMQsuM5LK2iPr_ejvTlJDGFStfrq7RxWcr6cn797Je69LVeVQhqs_SjMx9zAawFNgL11zRwsfh0VzCF54CQKBJIYknf45-xbSRiAw/s320/Canada%20History%20Clash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The clash on Saturday, King Turbo vs. Superfresh, was entertaining and historic. It was significant, and the crowd felt it. It was musically satisfying, and for the sake of the culture, it was also personally satisfying. We got to witness Slingshot and Ricky Turbo together again on stage, and receive an audible reminder of why King Turbo is King Turbo.<p></p><p>I posted a few clips on our <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jamaicancanadianzone/" target="_blank">@JamaicanCanadianZone page on IG</a>.</p><p>Significant Toronto moments. I wonder if anyone else felt that? Did anyone feel the culture shift, and move forward? Did anyone else feel an evolution...uncomfortable at times, but groundbreaking?</p><p>It's not even about the LGBTQ2S+ community, or about "DJ drama"...it's just about a change in times, an emerging generation of thinkers, and a maturing generation of foundation Black Toronto citizens.</p><p>We are at the point where we are going to see and feel the change of the generation, and realize that the beliefs and thoughts and activities that we were so steadfast about, and defended so strongly...were not necessarily always in our best interest.</p><p>We are at the point where we see the generation after us moving differently, and progressing differently, and standing up for themselves in ways we never bothered to. We can see the variations in thinking and behaviour, and we are adjusting ourselves accordingly.</p><p>I'm happy for Spice and the international movements of reggae music. I'm happy to see King Turbo enter the next chapter for their sound, that is fundamental to the Caribbean Canadian musical experience for "our" generation: Generation X.</p><p><b>I want to make sure these sentiments are in writing</b>, because they matter, and they will shape the future of reggae and dancehall music in Canada, and we must recognize and honour these moments in our community whenever we can. It's history. Big or small...it's our history.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Written by SM Robinson for Kya Publishing's "Reflection & Reason" blog.</p>Kya Publishinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240124671352908518noreply@blogger.com0