The Fortis of Nomaddz

I went to the Nomaddz show (on the 27th of March) - it was fan-tastic! I must admit I am not an objective watcher of the Nomaddz. I have been a fan (but never a groupie!) since before Everaldo (Creary) and (Sheldon) Shepherd were theatre stars.



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!!

Jamnesia's Miracle

On Friday (March 12) Kingston was treated to the live musical stylings of In-digg-nation - the musical crew headed up by Protoge aka Diggy at the Acropolis. Behind the stage we had the [almost blinding] Acropolis sign and a College Lifestyle banner - showing the two main sponsors - Supreme Ventures - owners of the Acropolis - and College Lifestyle. Yet that is only half the story. The night showed the importance of believing in and honing young talent, and, in this sense, the night belonged to Jamnesia! Yes, the place was packed, due to some EOTE-like advertising (post coming on the importance of using social media), and the performances were off the chain!!!, but it was Jamnesia on my mind!



Jamnesia is a biweekly live performance open mic event held at the Jamnesia Surf Club, and hosted largely by the Wilmot family, headed by Billy Wilmot - known alternatively as Billy Mystic (Mystic Revealers) and CeCe (Royal Palm Estate). It has been a place for the creative elements of the Jamaican social scene to practice their chops - whether it be singing, poetry or even playing an instrument. Where else in Kingston can one play in front of a sympathetic and knowledgeable audience who is willing to hear something different? This is no Jamaican karaoke - where aspiring singers sing other people's songs ad nauseum. Did I mention that Jamnesia is on the beach? and is often followed by a 3-4am bonfire? Siiick (in a good way!).

Back to In-digg-nation - as the picture below shows, In-digg-nation consisted of Protoje, Jason Lee Worton, Jah9, and From the Deep. All are proteges (excuse the pun!) of Jamnesia. Visitors to Jamnesia are familiar with the musical stylings of all these performers. Moreover From the Deep presently consists of two of Billy's sons - Inilek and Icah - and one nephew 'Flea'. At the end, there was a preview, a little taste of what we might be in for on March 27 at the NoMaddz's live album performance. Having had the opportunity to watch their rehearsals at Jamnesia, I truly believe only a live album can do them justice. Their stylings are just plain innovative - no two times are quite the same. But I digress. They are also Jamnesia alumnae!



All these artistes, including From The Deep, existed before Jamnesia. Jamnesia started essentially as a jam session for From The Deep. However, the exposure to regular performance, the advice and critique of 'Uncle Billy' and the others such as Assassin, who might come through; and the knowing that they were not alone in wanting to be the best at their craft; and the freeness (Jamnesia is free!!) - all combine to make it a breeding ground or incubator for young talent.

I must say the talent honed is not only of the musical nature - Jamnesia gets others to follow dreams, whether it is filmaking, going to the South Pole (:-D - I found the support of the Wilmots invaluable), film festivals, surfing, rally car driving, social marketing company for creatives (EOTE); or even surfing. It is expanding the very definition of Jamaica.

So as I watched the crazy and bosss stylings of Protoje, Jah9, Jason, and From the Deep, I thanked Jamnesia. Now I wait for Jamnesia Miracle 2 - the NoMaddz!



I wish the relevant authorities would understand the importance of venues for young artistes to perform and other support. If we want a future, a creative industry, we need centres of support, not greater bureaucracy. We need to find ways to provide financing, sort the nature of contracts in the music industry especially for young artists. Without a new generation - one that even in these times can play instruments and perform credibly live - Jamaica's music industry - and its wider creative industry - is in trouble.

Just so you can a taste of what the actual performance (which I was supposed to write about) was like - I have made little medley clips - of Protoje and the rest of In-digg-nation - Jah9, Jason Lee Worton, & From The Deep. Sorry for the quality - FLIP HD coming! Enjoy! It was awesome!