Noted Jamaican Dub Poet   Yasus Afari is a name that has become synonymous with spoken word poetry in the Caribbean and globally. Born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, Yasus grew up in a household steeped in the island's rich cultural heritage .

“My innate, organic Spirituality sparked my interest, in due season, in harmony with my cultural environment and social realities,” said the Poet who regularly hosts events promoting poetry both in Jamaica as well as internationally.

      His love for poetry and music was nurtured from a young age, and he quickly became known as a wordsmith who could weave intricate rhymes with ease. But Yasus' talent went beyond mere entertainment. He used his gift for words to shine a light on the social and political issues affecting Jamaica and the Caribbean. With his sharp wit and piercing insights, Yasus became a voice for the voiceless, a champion for the oppressed and marginalised.  

“My upbringing and socio-cultural environment and attendant realities influenced my world view, my interests and my poetry and music. However, having said that, my poetry and music manifested naturally, in the fullness of time, based on my organic genetic imprint / spiritual DNA which is responsible for my God-given talents, purpose and abilities,” he explained.

    With his strong connection to music, he indicates that he could not have imagined pursuing a career outside of the arts. “It's difficult to say what I would have done, if I had abandoned my purpose, as you can’t run away from yourself, at least not for too long... However, it may have been engineering and/or marketing, which, I hope, would have naturally found a way to poetry and music for the empowerment, inspiration and upliftment of our people and of all humanity.”

    Some of his greatest influences come from his religious background, namely that of Rastafari as he credits Emperor Haile Selassie the First as his primal, primary and major inspiration and influence. Pablo Moses, Bunny Wailer, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Sugar Minott are amongst others have also played an influence in his music.  

“Largely speaking, other than and in harmony with the influences alluded to before, Rastafari Livity, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Miss Lou and all the Liberators (in and outside of music) with/to whom I've been exposed, have collectively influenced and impacted my music,” he said.

      However, despite being known widely for reggae, other genres are not outside of his comfort zone nor are ones he hasn’t and won’t hesitant to peruse. “I love music, all kind of music, once the vibe is positive and inspirational. I have experimented with jazz, hip hop, dancehall, dub step and others. Therefore, I'm open to be inspired by any genre of music, which I can pursue along with reggae,” he told   www.chrismixradio.com.

Every artist wishes to impact their audience and convey some sort of emotion or thought and Yasus is no exception. “I ceaselessly aspire to inspire hope, positive inspiration, love, confidence and worth/self-esteem via my poetry, music, works.”

Involved in various community and educational initiatives throughout his career, the importance of giving back to one’s community and empowering others is in the forefront of his mind. “I’m aware that in giving, you receive and in receiving you give. Yet, I am   also aware that it's better to give than to receive. You also reap what you sow and somehow, sow what you reap, so reciprocity is the operative element. Therefore, it's vitally important to give forward to your community to fulfil and justify the natural cycles. The arts, generally, poetry and music, specifically, are agents and tools of education and true liberation and in this connection, education is the key. Therefore, this is why we specialize in edutainment.”

    In 2023, he released an album called   Golden Spoon Maroon which he says will inspire and mobilise various audiences.

“It is designed to inspire, motivate and mobilise the indigenous, sovereign, first nation peoples of humanity and our planet, mother earth, so that we can claim our rightful place in earth, humanity and the family of nations. This is the message we aspire to convey, relate and communicate,” he told   www.chrismixradio.com in an exclusive interview.

 In 2023, he also released an EDM remix of   What a Sinting , featuring Ini Kamoze, from his Golden Spoon Maroon album shortly after staging the inaugural Jamaica Poetry, Music Symposium 2023.    After hosting the 13th Annual Jamaica Poetry Festival 2023 which included the Visions of Hope Dinner, he donated 100% of the proceeds to help persons with disabilities.

    Yasus Afari's impact on Jamaican music and culture cannot be overstated. As a poet, musician, and cultural ambassador, he has dedicated his life to spreading the message of love, unity, and social justice through his music and writings. His unique style of blending reggae with spoken word poetry has earned him worldwide recognition and respect, and his influence on the next generation of Jamaican artists is immeasurable.

    For those who would emulate him, he has this to say:   “know yourself, be yourself, fulfil your purpose in life. Be true to your people & serve with dignity and integrity and reap immortality!”

Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Kingston, Jamaica. Reverend Al Miller, Senior Pastor at Fellowship Tabernacle Church, yesterday called on Industry leaders in Reggae music to boldly take back the reins and direction of Reggae and make it back into the music of strong messages, power and transformation that it is known for.

“I challenge the music fraternity – if you believe that reggae is message music, then invest in it and use it to turn our nation around….let us use it to create change and transformation in Jamaica,” said Miller at the Reggae Month church service held at his church on Sunday.  

“Reggae music can either be used positively or negatively. In the latter years, the negative has been our experience ... but yuh see when it a go down, we a go tun it up again, and accomplish what the early thinkers and framers intended,” said Miller, while emphasizing the need for strong leadership.

‘Industry leaders shouldn’t be following backa the artistes them and going with whatever is being done. You have to set the parameters and then when you set that, you determine what is priority,” Miller told the packed church which included Music Industry representatives such as the Minister of   Culture Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange, Minister of Finance and Planning Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, Head of Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) Ewan Simpson, Head of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA) Frankie Campbell, representative of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliated Unions (JFMAU) Althea Hewitt, members of the Diplomatic Corps from the Republic of Columbia, Argentina, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago as well as other musicians and dignitaries.

“Reggae is message music. The word music comes from muse – which means giving people something to think about,” said Miller, while urging the leaders to ensure that Reggae be used as a tool for national transformation and global unity.

He stressed that if properly directed Reggae could take Jamaica to greater heights both economically and culturally while also ensuring that Jamaica continued to spread the message of One Love that Bob Marley’s music had given the wider global community.

The One love message of Reggae was also similarly lauded by Ministers Grange and Clarke.

“We (Jamaica) small but we have a message for the world – the message of One Love. We must internalise it for ourselves and keep spreading it,” said Minister Clarke while addressing the Kingston head office of Fellowship Tabernacle.

In turn, Minister Grange encouraged the continued celebration of Reggae and its power beyond February.

“Let us not confine reggae to this month alone but continue to embrace its timeless message,” she said in her address to the congregants.  

During the vibrant three-hour church services, there were a variety of performances from the church’s creative arm – choir and dance ministries – using reggae. Singer Keron Clarke did an item that was well received and the Lightning Drummers from Ardenne received a standing ovation for their performance.

Reggae Month was first celebrated on January 9, 2008 by the Jamaican Government. This was done to highlight Reggae’s impact on Jamaica’s social, cultural, and economic development.

Mandeville, Jamaica, November 20, 2023 :   The Golf View Hotel is partnering with illustrious Chef Andre Sewell and Harbour Wines and Spirits to present its premier dining event featuring a delectable culinary experience in modern Jamaican cuisine on   Thursday, November 30, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“This evening is a tribute to the evolving flavors of Jamaica, crafted into a modern narrative, offering our guests an unparalleled dining experience,” said Director of Golf View Hotel, Mrs. Kemilee McLymont-Campbell while adding that the hotel was particularly happy to “be hosting a culinary maestro like Chef Andre Sewell.”

The hotel is promising an evening that unfolds a gastronomic voyage across four handcrafted courses. Each dish is harmoniously paired with fine wines, by Harbour Wines & Spirits. The evening will start with an opulent cocktail hour by the hotel’s poolside courtyard, followed by a gourmet dining experience in the ambient L'Attitude Lounge located at the Golf View hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.
“Jamaican cuisine is close to my heart, and with 'GENESIS', I aim to revisit our roots, celebrate our journey, and present a modern twist to our beloved flavors. It's more than just a meal; it's a story on a plate,” said Chef Andre Sewell, who is known for creations such as ripe breadfruit Parisian flan, fry ova dumplin chicken taco, ackee wine, BBQ jerked ram goat and soursop honey mustard salmon.

Event Highlights:  

·       A unique 4-course meal crafted by Chef Andre Sewell,  

·       Wine pairing for each course by Harbour Wines & Spirits,  

·       Live saxophone performance by the talented Mr. Seymour Heron,  

·       An elegant setting at the Golf View Hotel, making for a perfect evening.  

Ticket Purchase Details:

·       Single Ticket: US$170  

·       Couple's Ticket: US$320  

·       Tickets are available for pre-purchase only to secure seating.  

For further details, tickets, or interviews, please contact Yaneke Sailsman, Sales Manager at Golf View Hotel at salesmanager.gvhja@gmail.com or +876-868-5656 .

Kingston, Jamaica. November 14, 2023. Patrons at the Joy Fairclough and Friends show on Sunday (November 11, 2023) were treated to a cosy, up close and personal show with performers such as Boris Gardiner, Pam Hall, Tilly Roots, Fab 5 Inc, Rev Dr Jermaine Gordon, Bagga Case, Bongo Herman, Delroy Melody and of course Joy Fairclough.

In a relatively tightly run show, the event saw highly interactive performances from some of the artistes. Bongo Herman for example, spent a fair amount of time walking through the audience and regaling them with some of the history behind the songs he performed as well as the instruments that he used. The display of the chamber pot was a big audience favorite.

Another stand-out act was the veteran performer, Boris Gardiner, whose riveting performance included his first number one hit in Jamaica “Its so nice to be with you.” He left the audience wanting more.    Songstress Pam Hall did not disappoint singing her rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three little birds’ as well as an introduction to her new single “Cool Breeze.”

Leaving his mark as well was gospel singer, Jermaine Gordon, who did a medley of gospel songs including God is not dead, I just keep falling in love with him and We bring sacrifice of praise.

Not to be left out was Joy herself who accompanied by her friends did originals such as Closer to you and I love you. She ended the show with a finale of Miss Lou’s “Long time gal me never see you, come mek me hold yuh hand.”

While there were a few hitches re malfunctioning microphones, the show overall reflected Joy’s mandate to ensure that “we keep producing and showcasing quality music.”

Review by Indi Mclymont-Lafayette.  

Captions:

Bongo Herman interacting with the audience

Joy Fairclough and Friends performing at her show

Pam Hall delivering Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds.  

On Sunday, November 12, 2023, the headquarters of Fa 5 Inc will come alive with riveting performances from Pam Gall, June Lawson, Tilly Roots, Fab 5 Inc, Rev Dr Jermaine Gordon, Bagga Case, Bongo Herman, Delroy Melody, and other surprise artistes at the annual staging of Joy Fairclough and Friends.  

Tickets are available at Fab 5 Inc headquarters at 11 Springvale Avenue, Kingston 10, Jamaica, and Island Coffee Cafe Ltd (Victoria Pier Waterfront Kingston Jamaica). Tickets for Adults costs $3500 pre-sold and $4000 at the gate while Children are $1500 at the gate or by online payment. All tickets sold are non -refundable as delayed private online link viewing will be made available upon emailed request per ticket purchased.

Contact joy@joymusicjamaica.com.jm for online tickets and pay online at PayPal and send the receipt with name of event Joy Fairclough with Friends typed on it to joy@joymusicjamaica.com.jm, and the private link will be emailed to your email address or sent in your what's app number which you send to us.  

The 12th production of the Jamaica Poetry Festival (JPF) staged by poet Yasus Afari and SenYAcum Edutainment was held at the AC Marriott Hotel, Lady Musgrave Road, on Sunday evening.

It was a splendid affair, but that doesn’t mean it was without some shortcomings.

Presented in association with the hotel and PBC Jamaica, the concert comprised poetry, music, song, dance, comedy and lots of dramatic moments. A number of awards were also given out in the elegant ballroom.  

There was variety, too, in the experience of the performers. Some were live and colourful in the space which held a large, enthusiastic audience, while others entertained from outside the island virtually, and were seen on a huge screen.

In addition to executive producer Yasus Afari, the personalities in the field of entertainment who would have been well known to Jamaican audiences included Mervyn Morris, a poet and emeritus professor of The University of the West Indies; pianist Monty Alexander (who offered a big surprise near the end of the show); composer and pianist Marjorie Whylie; and Dr Michael Abrahams.

Other big names were Skip Marley, a Grammy nominated grandson of Bob Marley and George Elliott Clarke, who we heard was a former poet laureate of both Toronto and Canada. Whylie, Marley and Alexander were JPF awardees for various achievements.  

The first poet on stage in the three-hour-long show – which was amiably hosted by a vivacious, beautifully attired Simone Absolom-Gayle – was Sammoya Banton. Her three poems suggested that she is a protest poet. She complained that society is largely silent about domestic violence and about people limiting females by using the adjective “black” in a negative way when describing them.  

Next up was Kai Falconer, who, very energetically, announced that she refused to be put in a box by other people’s beliefs, and later pleaded for safety and trustworthiness from those she had to deal with. Both poets got loud applause, as, clearly, many other women in the audience shared their feelings.

A couple of virtual guests then appeared in the persons of Clarke, the Canadian poet, and Patrick Lafayette, a founding employee of KLAS radio. Clarke’s long poem,   Gospel of X (X being Jesus, he said), came through the speakers very muffled, but a few audible segments indicated that the poem commented on Jesus’ life and death. Lafayette, who was equally muffled, spoke about the importance of helping children with disabilities.

It was a relief to the audience to then have a live poet, Morris, who could be heard clearly. The past Jamaican poet laureate received enthusiastic applause even before he began delivering his dozen or so poems. Some, like   Peelin Orange ,   The Pond ,   Valley Prince: for Don Drummond ,   The Day My Father Died   and   For Consciousness , came from his published books. Other were new. All were typical of Morris – brief, witty, insightful and with a twist in the tale.

Commenting on the presentation, the hostess declared that the poet’s work “encourage us to write”. The generally fine poetry of the other poets probably did the same. As Abrahams was later to declare in his poem   We Need Some Heroes , great people inspire us.

Before the doctor performed, though, Whylie delighted the audience with three jazzy piano pieces,   Evening Time ,   Fi Mi Love Have Lion Heart   and an original tune that she didn‘t name. All bouncy numbers, they lifted the spirits and also lifted some people to their feet for a standing ovation.  

During a break in the scheduled performances, the hostess introduced nine-year-old Canadian singer, writer and film and television actress Jazmin Headley, who was in the island to visit relatives and get to know the birthplace of her parents. She sang, beautifully, Jimmy Cliff’s   I Can See Clearly Now .  

Abrahams was on fire, as usual. With evident sincerity, he protested against corruption in the society (especially political corruption) and against violence, especially the domestic kind. His poem   Dis Can Work   was based on a true story about a woman he advised to leave her partner, but who ignored his advice. She was later murdered in a gruesome way. Abrahams’ ability to have the audience laughing at one moment and close to tears the next never ceases to amaze.  

After a deaf woman performed Louise Bennett’s   Nuh Likkle Twang , in sign language (with a translator in the audience), Monty Alexander appeared on the screen to speak about his musical journey from east Kingston to the wider world. He surprised many in the audience with a video of himself singing   As Time Goes By .  

His singing voice turned out to be quite pleasing. He has produced some 75 albums to date, he said, and another one,   Love Notes , is slated to be out later in the year.  

It was then time for Yasus Afari, himself, to take the stage. His poems, about the importance of caring for the planet and in praise of   Mama Africa , women generally and   Miss Lou , in particular, were delivered with style. He had music and dancers accompanying him and he strode commandingly around the stage.

Ebony Payne, a first time visitor to Jamaica, recited poetry about the power of art, about the disgrace of so many black men being incarcerated in American prisons, and about how proud she felt as a woman. She called herself “chocolate covered sunshine”. Lively tunes from reggae violinist Mark Stephenson closed the concert on a high note.

Miami, Florida. April 14, 2022.     Jamaican musician and radio station owner, Patrick Lafayette, will be one of over 100 blind artistes performing at an upcoming Global Benefit concert to help   Blind Ukrainian Refugees.   Dubbed “We are with you” the concert is slated for Saturday, April 16, 2022 and will feature a range of artistes.

“The over 100 blind performing artists who you will hear in this 9+ hour event have donated their immense talent because they know that music has power. If you appreciate great music in a range of styles, and even a little poetry, this is your chance to listen to some of the best the blind community has to offer, while making a monetary donation to support blind Ukrainians,” said organisers, Mushroom FM on their website.

According to Mushroom FM, every cent raised will reach organisations assisting blind Ukrainians, thanks to their partnership with the World Blind Union's Unity Fund. World Blind Union is the global organisation representing the estimated 253 million persons who are blind or partially sighted worldwide. They are working actively with organisations in the area who are providing support to Ukraine.  

Mushroom FM highlighted the fact that one of the consequences of the Russian Ukraine war is that it has caused life-changing impairments including blindness. Another consequence, it said, is that war leaves those who are already blind even more vulnerable.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt blessings to the people of Ukraine in general, and the blind and visually impaired people of Ukraine in particular,” said Lafayette. “There is one song specifically that I will be doing. I wrote and produced it along with seven other blind individuals. It is called Rising and I do hope that all will be blessed and inspired by this song.”

Rising is one of the songs on Lafayette’s album which he released in 2019. The album pulled on the talents of blind persons from the United States, Britain, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.

Lafayette will be performing the song during the estimated 9 hour long event which kicks off at 1pm in Jamaica, 2 pm eastern time in North America, 1800 UTC,   7 PM in the UK,   4 AM in Eastern Australia and 6 AM in New Zealand.   This music event aims to aid awareness, support, and raise funds for the blind community of Ukrainian by having the global online blind community join together for a benefit concert. This planned event so far, has 42 contributions from unique artists, internationally located but ready to play a single song each, with roughly 100 performances expected.

In addition to performing for the concert Lafayette indicated that his online radio station   www.chrismixradio.com   will also be carrying excerpts from the event and so interested persons can log on to the site on Saturday. Over 15 online radio stations have committed to carrying the benefit concert which has already netted US$20,000.00 even before going on air.   The official hashtag for the event is #BlindWithU and donations towards the cause can be made through: http://nfb.org/BlindWithU.

For more information, please contact Indi Mclymont-Lafayette. Telephone (876) 852-8763.