Well on the night that KC (Kingston College) came uncharacteristically third in Champs (http://bit.ly/9hGDfj), Nomaddz came first. The fact that all four - Everaldo Creary, Sheldon Shepherd, Oniel Peart, and Chris Gordon - are KC alumni explained the purple lights and the purple sweater vest worn by Chris. I remember listening to their rehearsals while nursing post-Antarctic frostbite. They are much better live - think about Live album by Bob Marley! Their individual development and talents add to the group's strengths, rather than diminishing it!
Congrats to the organisers - the set, the artistically rendered pathway, and even the stage furniture added to a great experience.
But, as is my wont, I realise that the show was a culmination of a process. I spoke of the Jamnesia miracle in my previous post and the Nomaddz are part of that group. However, the Nomaddz's early development, both as poets, actors, and musicians, came through the much-underrated event - the JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) Festival Competition. They came together as a group to perform in the JCDC competition and were honed through that process. They got 100% at both regional and national levels for a poem, 'Pressure'. That's a feat in itself! The JCDC is presently undergoing a sea-change. Have you seen the new hummingbird logo? I am waiting to see what else drops out of Grace Silvera's goody bag. Let us not forget JCDC managed to inspire talented people such as the Nomaddz to try their hand at a life in the performing arts. Encouragement to pursue this in its various forms - theatre, poetry and music (outside of the popular genre) - is few and far between. I know so many to whom the JCDC's awards have made them consider this other life - one based in the performing arts, rather than just trying to find a 'rerk'(work).
The ability of the arts to teach a variety of important life skills is not well recognised. I have witnessed the discipline, dedication, and team work that the arts grant to these young 'Festival-ers'..even when preparing for the popular (read Dancehall) dance contest. Then the teachers were the well-renowned Kadillac Dancers from White Wing. Like the Nomaddz, these guys constantly rehearse, constantly innovate! Looking at both these groups - Kadillac Dancers and Nomaddz - I see so many similarities. Constant performance - @ street dances and @ Jamnesia respectively. Unity - both groups were formed after the individuals involved had already started performing on their own. Business savvy - the groups have allowed one of their own - Sheldon Shepherd and Howie - to manage them. Maaaad!!
As I watched the Nomaddz (the clip above was from Protoje's Unplugged) the other night - I was excited, not only by the show unfolding in front of me - but by the future I saw for this group and for us. I was watching the new icons of Jamaica. And dem only jus a get betta and betta!
PS. Apologies for taking down the clip from the Nomaddz Live concert itself. I do note the complaints. However, it was done at the request of Nomaddz's management - they are negotiating the release of the footage etc. My continued support!!
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