Jamaican Diaspora: Black River

MUSICAL NOTES: JANET KAY

Jamaica MY HOME

Grief from a child’s perspective

LA CARIBE

HAS NFTS LOST ITS RELEVANCE?

Destination: Black River

What we are about

Our product is unique because this magazine targets Jamaican culture on the island and worldwide. This publication affirms identity and builds community self-esteem. We will not only bring entertainment, but also provide information in areas of health, education, entrepreneur and environment.

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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. To contact us, visit www.JamaicanDiaspora.com

Con ten ts

Finding Love

What is it really? Is it a feeling, your natural instinct or a political move? Everyone has their own interpretation of what this word is and why most people crave for it. Over 50% of the songs are about this thing. Who would you like to share it with? Ask yourself as well as the potential mate these questions:

1. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?

2. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

3. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?

4. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?

5. What do you value most in a friendship?

6. What is your most treasured memory?

7. What is your most terrible memory?

8. What does friendship mean to you?

9. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?

Janice K. Maxwell Editor

Contributors

Andrew Folkes

Janice Maxwell

Hope Robinson

Melvin Pennant

Jamaican Diaspora

Book Club

Jamaican

DESTINATION: BLACK RIVER

See crocodiles and over 100 species of birds that live along the mangrove-fringed shores, tours inform about the geography, history, and ecology of the area. Black River is the capital of St. Elizabeth Parish, in southwestern Jamaica. It developed as a port around the mouth of the river of the same name.

Today the city is a Beach resort area. It is the center of environmental tourism and a gateway to the Treasure Beach and Crane Beach are to the south-east, with Luana Beach to the west. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was a thriving sugar port. Growing prosperity in the sugar and lumber trade led to the construction of several warehouses. Some have been adapted as restaurants or as bases for eco-tours of the river. As a major sea port, Black River became a commercial center on the south coast of Jamaica. Due to its wealth, in 1893 this was the first town in Jamaica to be lit by electricity. Ten years later, in 1903 it was the first city on the island to have automobiles.

musical

notes JANET KAY

Lovers’ rock is a style of reggae music noted for its romantic sound and content. While love songs had been an important part of reggae since the late 1960s, the style was given a greater focus and a name in London in the mid-1970s. One notable artist in that music genre is Janet Kay. She was born in Willesden, North West London and is a descendant of the Jamaica’s National Hero the Rt Excellent Deacon Paul Bogle. Janet was discovered singing impromptu at a rehearsal studio by Tony “Gad” Robinson, the keyboardist from Aswad. Kay was recommended to the great Alton Ellis and the rest, was history. Janet sang back up and has produced many albums in the lovers’ rock genre. Among her many accomplishments are:

Reggae Fraternity UK Celebrating 40 Years in the Music Industry (2017)

Bright Star Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)

SIZZLA

Miguel Orlando Collins aka Sizzla Kalonju was born in St. Mary, Jamaica, to devout Rastafarian parents. Like them, Sizzla subscribes to the Bobo Ashanti branch of the Rastafari movement. He was raised in August Town, Kingston, Jamaica where he studied mechanical engineering at Dunoon High School. Sizzla began to develop his own style whilst serving his musical apprenticeship with the Caveman Hi-Fi sound system.

He has used his music as a vehicle for his message, kickstarting his recording career in 1995 with a release through the Zagalou label, he then teamed up with “Bobby Digital” Dixon for a series of singles. Extensive touring with fellow Xterminator label mate roots and culture artist Luciano followed, earning Sizzla notoriety. Kalonji has released over 45 solo albums and over fifteen combination albums, crossing different genres of Reggae. He has started his own record company, Kalonji Records; which in a joint venture with Damon

Dash Music Group and Koch Records.

Sizzla, along with reggae recording artists such as Capleton, Norris Man, Turbulence, Buju Banton, and Anthony B, are credited with leading a movement toward a re-embracement of Rastafarian values in contemporary reggae music by recording material which is concerned primarily with spirituality and social consciousness, explores common themes, such as Babylon’s corrupting influence, the disenfranchisement of ghetto youth, oppression of the black nation and Sizzla’s abiding faith in Jah and resistance against perceived agents of oppression.

Recipe Corner

Rum Cream

• 14 oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk

• 1 cup Spiced Rum

• 1 cup Heavy Cream or Half &Half

• 3 tbsp Chocolate Syrup

• 2 tbsp Fresh Brewed Coffee

• 1 Tsp Real Vanilla Extract

• 1 tsp Coconut Extract

Mix all ingredients in a blender on low setting for a 30 -45 seconds or until ingredients are blend well.

Refrigerate for an hour for flavors to blend before serving . Serve over ice. You can add your coffee, ice cream etc.

Recipe Notes:

Yield 1 Liter ( A little over 1 quart)

***If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option – you may substitute the rum with rum extract.

Last approximately 14 days and taste better if left to sit overnight.

Jamaican Diaspora

Unlike any other part of the hemisphere, better yet the world, the communities of the Caribbean has the most commonalities between each other, yet, vastly unique in their own rights. From Anguilla to Turks and Caicos the similarities are unintentionally ubiquitous but also exceptional in their differences. My First trip to Nassau, Bahamas 2004, was extremely eye-opening, when I realized the similarities between Jamaica and that country. My �irst contact on the ground was the chauffer/ tour guide, who ably assisted us with some potent history of the islands.

Jamaican Diaspora

One very revealing aspect was that of his schooling, where he learnt quite a bit about the other Islands. Like all the Caribbean Islands, Nassau is big on marine life and fisheries, my first taste of conch fritters was during that time. The friendly and welcoming nature of the Bahamians especially in the markets, was synonymous to that of the markets in Jamaica. I truly felt as if I were in the Ocho Rios craft market.

The following year I did some Island hopping, not too much to report on St. Martin/ St Maarten two countries sharing the same island with very similar names. The stopover was just for a plane swap, so, not much experience garnered there. Barbados was the next stop on that trip. Factoid: Barbados was

where the grapefruit originated. Bajans in George Town, astutely copied the Jamaican dialect. As I was greeted by a vendor plying his wares, sounding no different from me. “Wah gwaan supastar? Yuh ago buss de place layta!” Meaning, I will do good on the show which I am slated to perform on. I’ve always been a big fan of guava jam, which we produce in Jamaica, but it was my first-time having guava cheese. It took that trip to find out that we also produce guava cheese. We may not produce it on the same scale, but nonetheless we have that in common.

I then journeyed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where I spent a couple of days touring the small island. Again, one major similarity is the fishing industry. However,

We host a wide variety of ethnicity and their cultures on a vast canvas.

Jamaican Diaspora

with the exception of St. Lucia, which I haven’t yet visited, St. Vincent seems to be the closest to Jamaica in relations to its mountainous terrain. I ventured on a road trip in one of their public passenger mini vans during my stay there, and for the entire ride all I could hear was Jamaican recording artistes, such as, Elephant Man, Spragga Benz, Bounti Killa, Sean Paul, Ce’cille and a host of other Reggae/Dancehall artistes. The island had other stark resemblance and connections to Jamaica. Much to my dismay, the driver navigated the narrow roadway in a very dangerous manner at intense speed. I could only manage to remain composed as it was something that I was accustomed to back home.

My sojourn into the Turks and Caicos revealed much

of the same, unlike the other Islands, they are not as huge in the fishing industry, but nonetheless fully acquainted with marine life. This Island saw me visiting no less than three times as they are an emerging entertainment hub. By now the picture should be resoundingly clear that, the Caribbean is the most unique and extraordinary melting pot of the world, unlike any other region. We host a wide variety of ethnicity and their cultures on a vast canvas. If one should truly experience the entire world, the Caribbean has the most offerings on show. From the Lesser Antilles, the Greater Antilles, the Leeward Islands, the Windward Islands, the Eastern Caribbean, Central and Southern Caribbean all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Big up to my Caribe Family.

Written by Melvin Pennant J.P aka M.A.P

Jamaica, my home

Out of many one people the motto which is used to represent the true essence of our island and one that is very fitting if I should say so myself. Jamaica is home to all ethnic groups and each group is loved and respected as we embrace people overall.

Jamaicans are very passionate about culture and as such our heroes, our music. Our food and tangible island historical artifacts and sites are treasured and protected by us. Like most islands on the Caribbean Jamaica wad once owed by European countries which our ancestors and heroes fought to release us from thus making emancipation day and independence day holidays a big deal to us nationals to this day.

A dot on the world map as we are shown but our rich history, determination and perseverance as made a small island become a big deal on the world stage

through our music’s and sports achievements with Bob Marley and Usain Bolt seen worldwide as too icons in their respective fields.

My aim as a young Jamaican is to continue the legacy of our for fathers through my novels and music to add to the world achievements and worldwide impact Jamaica as, I am and will forever ever be a proud Jamaican.

Written by Andrew Folkes

Jamaican Diaspora

HAS NFTS LOST ITS RELEVANCE?

The interest of NFT has dropped signi�icantly. After hitting its peak in January 2022, the decline was seen in September 2022. For those holding on to hope, the global non-fungible token market size is estimated to reach over 211 US Billion by 2030. So, how will this in�luence the Jamaican community? If you are a smart investor, diversify. Consider stocks, bonds, real estate and precious metals to be included in your portfolio. Yes, you can add NFTs but with caution.

Don’t rule out the potential value of NFTs; just don’t hold your breath. NFTs are a unique digital asset that exists as a permanent record on a block chain. To be valuable, it has to have something unique about it. If you’re a NFT creator, don’t make things that are too similar. Create a variety of designs to prevent the market being cannibalized by a single theme; Afterall, NFT are not a class asset. This type of investment can acquire misinformation, which can cause the tokens to become inflated and volatile. This means the chance of losing some or all your money can be high.

However, many Jamaicans are entering this space. Iris Nevins is an art collector, who is dedicated to helping artists. While her original plans were

to create a store online in which artists could sell their work, she changed her focus when she heard about nonfungible tokens, or NFTs. Believing that this technology would be a much better way to help artists, Nevins launched the NFT studio called Umba Daima and its “Black NFT Art” brand in February of 2021. The business brought in $140,000 in 10 months. Nevins views the business as a way to “rebalance power.”

Nevins admits that the NFT space is not perfect: the industry suffers from a lack of diversity. Most NFT marketplaces require artists to apply or be invited to participate, and some platforms do not invite or accept artists of color. She hopes that the industry will change over time, however, and adds that the markets will benefit from working with people like her. She is happy to see Black-owned NFT platforms grow and include more music, film, and dance NFTs in the market. Remember, not everything is for

everyone. The NFT is not a place for the less adventurer but the entrepreneur can tap this niche to provide a source of wealth for your investment portfolio.

Since Jamaicans are entering this space, perhaps you can learn something from these trailblazers. Here are some links:

Iris Nevins www.umbadaima.com

Alexia James www.AlexiaMJames.com

Bonito Thompson www.DonDadaja.com

Carter Crypto Jam www.Caribnfts.com

Written by Janice Maxwell

Since Jamaicans are entering this space, perhaps you can learn something from these trailblazers.

Grief from a child’s perspective

Gone too soon, my sister

I was too young to understand

I saw the tall man bringing your coffin, I thought you were asleep, but when you didn’t wake up, I realized you were gone.

It’s so confusing because in my mind I see your smiling face, How is it that I was now looking at your exposed head in a coffin?

You were only 13 and was full of life, you were going to be going to high school, and you were like an angel. Now you were laying there not moving Your bright eyes are closed and they say you are gone too soon.

I saw mom and dad fight, drink and smoke I saw mom try to choke back tears…when I asked where you were

Honestly, I thought your absence was temporary

There was yelling, screaming, crying, doors slamming and deafening silence in our home There was sadness in songs, distance in people and very little talking or walking

Long faces, sad faces, swollen eyes and loud cries

No more fun days

The rooster didn’t crow, the dogs laid low

It seemed like all the farm animals were trying to avoid us humans

No mistaking…you were missed for being gone too soon.

I saw mom tie a bandanna tightly around her head

I saw the doctor give her pills to take before bed Dad told all of us kids to play in the yard and not go anywhere

I saw my active siblings standing still with blank stares

Some kids at school acted weird, some teased and laughed saying, ‘your sister is dead…killed by a drunk driver’

Some cried out loud in classrooms and didn’t play at recess

We had to walk past your painted image in the street in front of our house

Oh my sister going to school…I dreaded.

Everything and everyone is different without your joyful presence

This absence is not making my heart grow founder…. you are simply gone too soon.

Why didn’t anyone tell me this was permanent?

No one asked how I felt

Everyone thought I was too young to ask me my thoughts

I was young indeed, but sister…I felt empty and broken

My grief for your loss was unspoken

My oldest beloved sister and best friend…met her earthly end and is gone too soon.

Written by Andrew Folkes

Jamaican Diaspora