Ask Blackie

Back in the 1970s, when Black Power was the rage in Jamaica, it was cool to clench fists and wear an Afro. Many former radicals have mellowed, but not poet Oku Onuora who, at 58, retains the snarl of his firebrand youth.

Regarded by some as the father of dub poetry, Onuora is scheduled to appear on the Seh Sup’m poetry show today at the Village Café in St Andrew. Chatting with The Sunday Gleaner recently, he said he remains a committed revolutionary.

“Nuthin’ has changed, ’cause wi still seeing the same ’sufferation’ and oppression,” he said.

It has been some time since Onuora has performed, having taken a break from touring and recording. He does not believe his message has been lost to a generation caught up with dancehall feuds and iPods.

“Some of my original work, wi talking ’bout tings like ‘Dread Times’ and ‘Pressure’, still relevant to the times,” he said. “People mus’ listen to our work all 100 years from now.”

Onuora speaks in a fiery, piercing tone, like the inspirational warrior addressing his troops before battle. It has been 10 years since he toured and, typical of serious messengers like Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan, shies from commercial recording.

A Movement is the title of his latest collection of recordings which will be available through the Internet later this year. According to Onuora, his writing has never been solely for recording.

“I don’t get up an’ jus’ crunch out albums, I’m not what yuh call a current writer. I have to feel it before I record anything,” he explained.

Despite his inactivity, Onuora retains a strong fan base in Europe and the United States’ west coast where his 1984 effort, Pressure Drop, is hailed as one of the great protest albums. He remains a prolific writer, but said he turned his back on music when negative elements took over.

“Mi neva like wha’ a gwaan, all of a sudden everybody did tun bad man. Mi nuh inna dat, me’s a revolutionary, mi come fi blow down oppression!” he exclaimed.

Mervyn Morris is a professor emeritus at the University of the West Indies and one of the Caribbean’s distinguished poets. He first met Onuora in the mid-1970s while he (Onuora) was incarcerated at the St Catherine District Prison for armed robbery.

Morris played an influential role in getting ECHO, Onuora’s first book of poems, published. He is not surprised at his achievements.

“Oku has a lot of talent but that’s one thing, he’s always been concerned about social conditions and equality. He’s an activist with conviction,” Morris said.

Oku Onuora went through a phase of ‘badness’ in his youth. Born Orlando Wong in east Kingston, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 1970 for armed robbery but was released in 1977 after vigorous lobbying by academics and human rights activists.

It was while in prison that Onuora’s passion for poetry and protest literature grew. He remembers reading Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver’s classic autobiography, Soul On Ice, and the writings of Malcolm X.

He also followed the freedom movement in Africa, finding heroes in Mozambique’s Samora Machel and South African Steve Biko.

With a new name (Oku Nagba Ozala Onuora is his complete name which is Nigerian for everlasting fire or light which burns oppression), Onuora hit the ground running after his release from prison, performing at high-profile events.

The following year, he cut Reflections in Red for Bob Marley’s 56 Hope Road label, which some musicologists recognise as the first dub poetry song. Along with the pioneer Linton Kwesi Johnson in Britain, Mikey Smith and Mutabaruka, Onuora helped put the genre on the map.

Smith was killed in 1983, the alleged victim of mob violence, but Linton Kwesi Johnson and Mutabaruka have enjoyed enduring careers.

Onuora is uncommitted about his plans to promote A Movement, but hopes to perform regularly at intimate events like Seh Sup’m.

“Wi cyaan seh how much show wi going do, but wi coming to blaze!”

Reggae Rock Band Rootz Underground is currently on a one month Spring tour of Europe. The band, which left Jamaica on March 28, has so far performed in France and Switzerland. The band will also do shows in Greece, Italy and Poland. This tour is coming off the successful internet release of Rootz Undergrounds’ last single Power to the People which was ‘livicated’ to the people of Haiti. The tour will last until the end of April, just in time for the release of Rootz Underground’s latest album Gravitywhich is slated for a summer release.

Lead singer for Rootz Underground, Stevie G, says the Europe tour is going well: “We are very happy with the reception we have gotten so far. Every time we come to Europe we win over new fans with old fans bringing their friends to the shows and the vibe is just wicked. We have only done one week of the tour so far with several stops left in France, Italy, Greece and Poland and we are really looking forward to bringing positive music to these parts of Europe.”

In France on Wednesday March 31 Rootz Underground performed at Cabaret Sauvage in Paris, while the very next day, Thursday April 1, they performed at Chatodo in Blois followed by the Garorock Festival in Marmande, France on Friday April 2. The band then moved to Usine a Gaz in Nyon on April 3 which is located some 25 kilometres north of Geneva in Switzerland.

Rootz Underground has eight more dates in France as well as two dates in Greece, two in Italy and one in Poland. This will be the first time that Rootz Underground will be performing in Italy and Greece and lead guitar for the band, Jeffrey Moss-Solomon, thinks that this is a big step for the band: “We have never performed in Italy or Greece before. This is a big step for the band as we have a lot of fans in those two countries and we are especially looking forward to Greece as we hear that since the economic turmoil there, people have been using our songs to gain strength in their struggles.”

After the release of their second studio album,Gravity, Rootz Underground will return to Europe in the summer to perform at a few Reggae festivals. So far the band is confirmed for Summerjam in Germany onJuly 2 and Roskilde Festival in Denmark on July 3. These two shows are major signposts on the reggae music calendar. There are also other shows in the works but these dates have yet to be confirmed.

Rootz Underground’s 13 city Spring Europe tour continues with great crowd support as the band spread their message and music internationally. The band’s popularity has steadily grown around the world and Rootz Undergound continues to rise in Europe.

If you are hard-pressed to identify a stylistic signature for Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the gifted songwriting team behind “Ragtime,” “Once on This Island” and “Seussical,” it is probably the way they want it. As they explained to their sometime librettist Terrence McNally, who interviewed them at the 92YTribeca on Monday evening, they take pride in never repeating themselves.

“A Man of No Importance,” “Dessa Rose” and “The Glorious Ones,” three musicals they described as “artisanal shows,” produced at Lincoln Center, are set in 1964 Dublin, the antebellum South and 16th-century Italy. The musical flavors are as varied as the settings.

The evening was the debut of Lyrics & Lyricists Downtown, a more intimate, informal offshoot of the 92nd Street Y’s series that began in 1970. Staged in a modified nightclub setting, with few frills and a vivacious cast of four — Jason Danieley, Quentin Earl Darrington, Kecia Lewis Evans and Christiane Noll, performing to the lone accompaniment of Mr. Flaherty on piano — the show was a welcome throwback to Lyrics & Lyricists’ original incarnation.

In the good old days eminent songwriters appeared onstage to discuss their professional lives and creative process. But as that generation died, the series had to reinvent itself. Today it is a nostalgic, staid, sometimes lifeless variety show devoted mostly to recycling the work of the same talent pool under various concepts.

Lyrics & Lyricists’ new artistic director, Deborah Grace Winer, has done her best to enliven a format that is inescapably moribund, but only so much can be accomplished without the appearance of the original creators. The presence of Ms. Ahrens and Mr. Flaherty, both of whom are articulate and affable, gave the series’s concept a shot of adrenaline.

Monday’s program was a valuable tutorial on the work of Ms. Ahrens (lyrics) and Mr. Flaherty (music) who have been collaborating since 1983. The show portrayed them as crucial transitional figures who have helped bring world music (the calypso, reggae and samba of “Once on This Island”) into the mainstream, while upholding traditional standards of songwriting craft. Their chameleonic skills were illustrated by a number from the 1997 animated film “Anastasia” that was indistinguishable from a typical Disney song.

But at their best — in “Ragtime,” an assignment they won in a blind listening contest of submitted songs — they bring old-time romantic heroism into the modern age. They were the ideal figures to initiate Lyrics & Lyricists Downtown, a once- or twice-a-year series, whose effort to introduce younger Broadway songwriters to a younger audience deserves to flourish.

NEW YORK – Actress Mo’Nique is all the rage in Hollywood, this after winning the “Best Supporting Actress” Oscar, for her role as an abusive welfare mom in ‘Precious.’ Monique beat Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Penelope Cruz to win the golden statute.

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in for Mo’Nique on numerous blog and social networking sites, while stars like Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman and Will Smith chimed in with kind words as well.

Reggae star Gramps Morgan, who is schedule to make a cameo appear on Monique’s BET TV show on Tuesday, March 16, had his own congratulatory message for the award winning actress, comedian and TV host.

“Congrats girl… I’m so proud of you. Your performances in the movie was hilarious, heartbreaking and groundbreaking. You truly have worked your way through so many things and to see now an Oscar win…wow! Again so good to be with you on that stage dancing on your TV show. Seems we were dancing a victory dance before it happened. I hope to be back on your show soon, singing songs of fun, joy and upliftment. Keep doing your thing. Love Gramps”

Basseterre, St.Kitts – Grammy award winning artiste Wyclef Jean joined rising Kittitian superstar, Infamus in what many termed the most memorable musical performance in recent times.

Wyclef Jean met Infamus when he was invited to be the headline act at a Concert held at St.Kitts’ Warner Park Stadium.

The Haitian born artiste during his astounding performance told thousands that he heard a song playing the previous night and liked it.

Just as the beat for Inafmus’ first big hit ‘21 Gun Salute (We Miss You)’ began playing the crowd reacted with a massive uproar as they were thrilled to see their very own being recognized by the megastar.

Infamus entered the stage letting the viewers know that he was there to represent as he shouted his now famous line “Infamus a Represent !!!!!!”

He performed his two hit singles and did a impromptu performance with Wyclef Jean for ‘Feel like Crying’.

“I like your songs,” Jean declared. “Them tunes need to be on 106 & Park, We gotta work on that. I got to go back and talk to them people and tell them I saw something tonight.”

Jean’s statement followed with an eruption of cheers once more from the massive crowd and both artistes continued performing together with freestyles and an on the spot remix for Jean’s hit ‘Sweetest Girl’.

This collaborative performance came about after a member of Jean’s band along with his manager made contact with Infamus the night before.

According to Infamus’ Manager Diego Spanner, Jean’s manager was amazed at the crowd’s reaction when the DJ played ‘Feel Like Crying’ during his set. They then observed a young boy singing the song as if he knew every word.

“He then asked the little boy what was the name of the artiste, because it appeared to them as if it was an international song as everyone was into it,” he said. “The boy then corrected their initial assumption by boldly stating, “He’s from right here! His name is Infamus!”

When Jean’s manager managed to get in contact with Infamus later that evening he expressed his liking for the music and thought it would be good to have him perform with Wyclef Jean.

Upon Jean’s arrival to the island the following day, Infamus was thrilled to receive a follow up phone call from the international star, which confirmed the collaborative performance.

Jean’s team also highlighted their anxiety to have the young artiste record in there state of the art studio back in New York along with the possibilities of being contracted to Yclef Records. Yclef Records is a record label owned by Jean and their aim is to showcase talents from all hidden corners of the world.

Performing live on stage with Wyclef Jean has been the greatest experience in the career of this young artiste, who possess a unique singing style he expresses as “Life & Times”.

Miami – The Best of the Best International Music Festival is taking over the entire Memorial Day weekend in Miami thereby dubbing it the Best of the Best weekend. Hosted by hip-hop superstar Diddy, this year’s concert is the centerpiece of a highly anticipated four-day weekend, filled with exciting events to entertain the thousands of tourists that deem Miami the top tourist destination for this national holiday celebration.

“Each year we plan events to give everyone journeying to Miami the experience of their life,” reveals JBJ Entertainment, the promoter of Best of the Best (BOTB). “This year we are making it official by extending the festival to four days of fun in the sun. We invite everyone to Miami to come and enjoy yourselves, either at one event or better yet, all of them. We wish to make your time in Miami memorable!”

The Best of the Best Weekend runs from Friday, May 28 to Monday, May 31. It kicks off on May 28 with the BOTB Official Welcome Party at Opium Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. On Friday, beach bodies can head to the BOTB All White Pool Party at the ravishing Deauville Beach Resort in South Beach. On Sunday, where else to be in Miami but at Bicentennial Park for the Best of the Best Concert, followed by the BOTB Official After Party at Bongos Nightclub at the American Airlines Arena. Then if that’s not enough, join the musical clash at the New York Vs. Miami showdown at the magnificent Mansion nightclub in Miami Beach.

MORE ARTISTS ADDED

Entering its fourth year as the major concert event during Miami’s Memorial Day weekend, this year’s Best of the Best is living up to its promise yet again. A slew of new artists have been added to the lineup, with more to come as we inch closer to show time. Music mogul Diddy is hosting the concert, alongside DJ Khaled and rap star Gucci Mane, who will see this as his first major performance this year.

Diddy, set to host the Best of the Best 2010 Concert
Traditionally presenting the best acts from the Caribbean, this year is no different as BOTB welcomes Mavado, Beenie Man, Machel Montano, Bounty Killer and Anthony B to the bill. The show also features Serani, Mr. Vegas, Baby Cham, Gyptian, Tony Matterhorn, Lady Saw, Ding Dong, Aidonia, Demarco, Chino, Pinchers, G. Whizz and RDX, rounding out the best in Caribbean entertainment today.

The show takes place at Bicentennial Park, located at 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami. Park gates open at 1:00 pm and show time is set for 1:30pm sharp.

Pop-reggae artiste Kaydonica Richards has been making waves with the combination single, Picking Up the Pieces featuring Jahmali. Ever since the music video had its offficial release, it has been receiving heavy rotation on all major local channels.

The song, according to the producers, is an emotional tour de force, especially for anyone who has ever undergone heartache, or families who had to rebuild after their lives were shattered by some unforeseen event.

“Picking up the Pieces really resonates with a lot of people, especially at this time with these earthquakes, and hurricanes. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback about it from people in all walks of life,” she said.

Kaydonica made her debut performance at Christopher’s last month, performing the song alongside Jahmali. She is eyeing a number of other musical projects and recently recorded two new singles — Locked Up in a Cell and Instruments of Love. Her biggest hit to date has been Colour of Your Skin which hit #1 on Roots FM radio charts last year.

“It’s just a beautiful song, and it addresses the stigma attached to the colour of your skin, the texture of your hair, and is critical of the level of prejudice in the society. The song lets you know that none of that matters, you can be anything you want, accomplish anything no matter where you live, the colour of your skin, your background, your hair…don’t see people and judge them, it’s a song for tolerance and the spirit of inclusion,” the 26 year-old said.

The recent cancellation of US visas of the abovementioned artistes (except for Sizzla, in whose case the cancellation was not recent, as the visa was revoked in 1998) sent shock waves throughout and outside of the music fraternity, as many wonder who will be the next victim.

At first glance it seems to have been done in an almost callous way and this is surely cause for concern. An email advisory was sent to all the airlines who carry passengers to the US with the instructions not to board the artistes as their visas were in the process of being revoked. The artistes themselves claim they had no knowledge that that such a move was afoot and the US embassy, as expected, has no comment, as this is a matter between them and the individual artiste.

However, is this to be seen as an advisory, pending some investigation on the embassy’s part and at the end of the day a second advisory will be issued to countermand the first?

“The fact is that the artistes, as far as I know still have visas in their passports. The visas have not yet been stamped “cancelled without prejudice” or “cancelled with prejudice”, so perhaps the US was just being generous by advising the artistes not to travel at this time. We have to examine the wording carefully,” was artiste manager Patrick Robert’s’ take on the situation.

He, however, admitted that he was shocked by last week Wednesday’s announcement that the visas of four of the top dancehall acts were “in the process of being revoked”.

“But any way you look at it, this is bad,” Roberts said. “What is a reggae festival anywhere in the States without Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Mavado, Aidonia and Sizzla? And then there is Buju who is behind bars in the US.”

The artistes had both their work permits and the visitor’s visa revoked and the fact is that most artistes use the US as a hub. Without a visitor’s visa they are now unable to use Miami as a connection port into other parts of the world. Artistes, like it or not, also have entourages and numerous persons to take care of. These artistes are among the top earners and shutting them down will certainly affect more than just them and their immediate families.

As the summer approaches, the next couple of month is usually their busiest periods as they travel to festival all across the US to earn their living. Many are asking why and why now? It is felt that the stand-off between Washington and Kingston is playing a role in this unfolding saga. Interestingly, both Beenie Man and Bounty Killer had a show in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday and their absence, according to informed sources, was a big blow to the promoter. It was to be the first time that the two would have performed on the same stage in Orlando.

According to Roberts, in all his 17 years of managing Beenie Man, he has never had a visa issue with the US government. “We have always had our work permits renewed without any problems,” he emphasised.

And, as the artistes grapple with the way forward, Beenie Man has already released a visa song which will no doubt strike a responsive chord with all and sundry.

USHER’S latest disc, Raymond v Raymond, is a bit like déjà vu. It has all the elements of his earlier albums. There’s the less-than-subtle autobiographical relationship track — in this case, it’s a song about divorce (Papers). And in the vein of 2004’s Confessions, a woefully apologetic Usher spills the beans about cheating on Foolin’ Around. It opens with him saying: “I know I vowed to never do this again, but it seems to be the only thing I’m good at.”

While it’s clear he underestimates his ability to do better in the fidelity department, it seems the singer has limited himself musically as well.

The Jim Jonsin-produced There Goes My Baby is instantly appealing, but upbeat club tracks including Lil Freak, featuring rap “it” girl Nicki Minaj, and She Don’t Know, with Ludacris, are catchy but disappointingly safe choices for 31-year-old Usher.

So Many Girls and the will.i.am-produced OMG border on disastrous as far as sound and lyrics go, but the real letdown of Raymond v Raymond is that those who listen to it won’t know any more about Usher Raymond, as an artiste or a man, than they previously did.