Jamaican Diaspora: Natural Hair by Jamaican Diaspora

Cover Miss Jamaica Universe Davina Bennett

www.MissUniverseJamaica.org

What we are about… Our product is unique because this magazine targets Jamaican culture on the island and worldwide. This magazine affirms identity and builds community selfesteem. We will not only bring entertainment, but also provide information in areas of health, education, entrepreneur and environment. Writing for Jamaican Diaspora Magazine… Our publication contains articles from our advertisers and contribution writers. The goal is to share positive information. If you are interested in giving out your expertise or knowledge, let us know. Community involvement is the objective. How to place an ad… If you would like to advertise, please contact us. We will promote your product or special event. By letting us know who or when your special day is, it prevents dual scheduling. The intention is to complement not compete; remember unity is strength. visit www.JamaicanDiaspora.com

Contents

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Book Club Cinema Scene Musical Notes Recipe Corner – Pumpkin Rice

Opal Palmer Asida is wearing her lovely locks

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Anatomy of Afro Textured Hair Homemade hair tonic Hair Oils Positive Hair Styles Afro Textured Hair Naturally Beautiful Ann Writes Stuff… Tirade on the Market and Downtown Kingston and Street Wisdom Tirade on Bureaucracy

Editor’s Notes

Afro textured hair has the most styling options in comparison to other racial groups. This edition celebrates its uniqueness, which is a billion-dollar industry. The goal is to tap this niche, which is in the hands of other ethnic groups that are using the African diaspora. One’s value is not created by taking on the beauty standards of someone else. Let us highlight the diversity of Black Hair.

Music in Jamaica It is no secret that the Jamaican culture is steeped in music of many forms inherited, merged and created. Because of this, any discussion of Jamaican lifestyle must reflect the passion for music that is so much a part of us. Any musicologist, with an interest in Jamaican music, would tell you that our music has been through several changes over the years. From church to concert halls, dancehalls to festivals, people have been able, not only to find offerings to suit their own taste, but also to embrace the many other genres available as purist or blended forms. The music in Jamaica today reflects influences from Europe, the USA, Africa and the far East and our history has caused us to produce a variety that is talked about and sought after, worldwide. Concert Halls The form of music which we inherited from Europe with its regularity in tempo and patterns, use of instruments of an orchestra, and its strong emphasis on technique has been given to us as ‘classical’. For years, and even now, parents who wanted their children to learn to play, sent them to learn the music of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, to name a few. They were taught how to interpret what was written by a composer and how to reproduce that music on their instrument. In Jamaica, this genre of music has evolved. Persons who started out as students of ‘classical music’ have used their arranging and composing skills to widen the offerings in the concert halls to include music composed by Jamaicans. The result is that a new type of classical concert has become very popular today, that of reggae symphony orchestras performing in well produced and well supported 9

concerts. People flock to these to hear their favorite Bob Marley, John Holt, Half Pint, and Ken Boothe songs performed on strings, woodwind and the like. Gospel Music Gospel music, originally of similar form to the early European style, is still used in churches but, in addition, songs written by Noel Dexter, Marjorie Whylie and Father Holung, have found a place in worship with accompaniment on steel pans, congo drums and other percussion instruments.Of interest is the fact that gospel music has also stepped out of church and on to the big stage, where patrons can hear their message in styles almost identical to that of popular music of the day. The quality of these events has improved because many producers and performers, formerly in secular entertainment, have become Christians and are able to transfer their skills. A variety of styles for church, stage shows, or just general inspirational listening is broadcast by radio and television stations which play only gospel music. Dancehall/Pop music When you want to dance, revel, party, or hear your favorite artist in live performance from 10pm until daylight, you are in this genre. Crowds flock to venues to get excited on social commentary, the latest dance moves and to enjoy themselves. Interestingly, based on the line-up of artistes, you can choose to revel in ‘lover’s rock’ with music from the sixties and seventies by Ernie Smith, Bob Andy, Boris Gardner, Marcia Griffiths and others, or you may prefer later songs by Tarrus Riley and Etana, or the music of Beenie Man, Vybz Cartel and Buju Banton. Almost every weekend there is such an opportunity and it is available at various venues across the island. Folk Music Folk music has been made popular by Louise Bennett, Noel Dexter, Marjorie Whylie, Rex Nettleford, Olive Lewin and many others. These persons have kept the interest alive by making material available to schools and by involvement in the annual festival of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission which has its climax in the Independence celebrations. This form with its funny stories and 10

expressions of country life still entertains Jamaicans and tourists alike. If you want to hear ‘Linstead market’, Emmanuel Road’, ‘Mango time’ and the hundreds of other traditional songs, you will want to be around for all the national holidays and Christmas time. Annual Shows Jamaican music, with all its mixed influences, is kept alive by the staging of annual shows. People look forward to the repertoire of University Singers, National Dance Theatre Company, Cari-folk Singers, Jamaica Folk Singers , to name a few. There are also events with local and international artistes such as Jamaica Carnival, Jazz and Blues festival, Ocho Rios jazz festival, Rebel Salute and Sumfest. In additional there are big events announced from time to time as charities, when patrons can support with their attendance and also enjoy the musical offerings. Music in the Media The media heavily influences the acceptance, or rejection, of music in Jamaica. In addition to coverage of events, the audience can look forward to ‘Rising Star’, similar to ‘American Idol’, and the ‘All together, Sing’ series of shows where winners are selected by popular vote. Some persons listen exclusively to one station, while others choose between stations. They are sometimes guided by the entertainment reports in print media. Because of the choices available, they can, with just the turn of a dial, have access to their type of music at any time throughout the day. Monthly/Weekly shows There are several clubs and settings where Jamaicans find their entertainment weekly or monthly. Jazz in the Gardens, the Deck, Live music in the City at various venues and produced by Griot music are examples of these. The type of offerings depends mainly on the line -up of artistes on a particular evening. The value of music in entertainment Music finds its place in every form of entertainment. Food festivals have become very popular.

There is the annual jerk festival, seafood festival, curry festival, wine festival, yam, breadfruit, ital, and many others. Jamaica has made its mark on the fashion runways of the world and people flock to the island to share in the experience of the fashion festivals of Pulse, Saint and Caribbean fashion week. There are national events and private sector/corporate events such as product launches, awards banquets, cocktail parties, luncheons. Plays and musicals are ongoing. In all of these, special consideration is given to the music for the event as it influences the response to attendance and, most definitely, its success. Being Jamaican, it means being passionate about the arts, specifically music. It is always there in our play and, for many, in our work. At home, on the street, overseas, sad occasions, happy occasions, it is there. We have evolved from the old days of simply copying other music to an era where we create our own genres. The result is a potpourri of interesting styles, lyrics and instrumentation that we can proudly share as expressions of our history and who we are. Written by Joy A. Simons Brown

www.soundofjoyonline.com

– Pumpkin Rice

METHOD: Soak (6 hours) or boil Cod fish/salt fish to remove most of the salt Drain the water Remove the Cod fish/salt fish and place in a dish. "Pick up" (break in to small portions and remove any bones) Cod fish/salt fish and Set aside

INGREDIENTS: A sprig of thyme

Peel pumpkin and dice

2 stalk scallions, chopped

Add to water and boil for 10 minutes. Add vegetable oil while boiling. Cook until pumpkin is fully cooked (soft...easily mashed with a fork). Add rice and all the other ingredients except the Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Mix while it's cooking to distribute the color

2 -3 tbsp. butter or margarine 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Optional – used to taste) 2 cups uncooked white rice ½ lb Cod fish/salt fish ½ lb diced pumpkin

Add the whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper after 20 minutes on top of the rice. If you want spicy rice dice the Scotch Bonnet Pepper and add directly to the rice & mix.

2 tsp. Vegetable oil or Olive oil 1 medium onion (chopped) 3 ½ cups water Salt (to taste)

Steam for 25-30 more minutes or until done.

Black pepper

Taste to ensure that the rice is seasoned Serves 4 -6 people.

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