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!

Youth View Awards

I never expected my first real full length post to be on an awards show. Awards shows are usually so boring, but not the Youth View Awards (YVAs). It definitely is up for the exemplary Sun Games award!!

The Youth View Awards is the awards for the youth by the youth in the Jamaican entertainment industry. No 'experts' choosing the nominees - just the Jamaican people and judging from the crowd, it was truly the youth. Most of the non-VIP crowd was under 24 years old. I even saw ten year olds (with parents in tow). A true youthocracy (is there such a word?)! No alcohol was served - it was a Coke Zero world (complete with Coke Zero car).

Then there was the presentation - no heavy, glitzy, velvet curtainy setting. Lots of screens, video-djing and lights! Seriously simple, but high volume at the same time. Big up, Karen Clarke (aka Aunty Karen)!



It was beautifully planned! No long band changes except for the VIP area being choc full.

Now for the highlights of the show:

Chino's outfits were great. I love the purple trend! I think he had on Romeich! MJ would have been jealous. Then there was Aidonia - that outfit was mad too. Why aren't more dancehall designers recognised? Kingsley Cooper should be hunting down White Skky and Romeich for CFW (Caribbean Fashion Week). Biggy has made the transition...I think. So why not more? The fashion world needs to understand that it takes all types! Did I mention Minka's impossibly sexy crochet dress? Now I have!

Applause is due to Dexter Pottinger of 3D Designs. He hooked Tifa up - the costuming in her performance, even the huge letters spelling (not the B-A-D-D-E-S-T) T-I-F-A - were maad.



Then the style icons awards - a truly Jamaican award. Hip Hop and Dancehall does the styling thing!! No grunge roun' here. Anyway the stalwarts won - D'Angel and Beenie Man. Ding Dong and Spice/Tifa were super-strong contenders - but style is a subjective thing and the youth had voted! The Spice model had on a blond wig and amulti-tiered grey skirt. The contrast was amazing.

But let me get to the music - the whole point of the YVAs. I am the granddaughter of a dressmaker - so I look at clothes first!

There was an MTV2 moment! Shady Squad (there is a pic of them in grey and white outfits) took the stage and I really thought I was watching BET. It was soo well executed - especially for a dance with over 10 people. I took no pictures - as my mouth was wide open in awe the whole time. I actually cannot think of a bad performance for the night - but Shady Squad and Tifa stood out.


No comment on the YVAs would be complete without speaking of the Hype crew. The YVAs were promoted in the Star and in Youth link, the teen arm of the Gleaner. The Hype Crew consisted of a dedicated group of young people - who worked so haaard on this show!

Then the Jamaican co-host was Lady Rennae (of RETV). The other co-host was Teyana Taylor. The guest performers were the New Boyz () All amazing! But to me the night belonged to Lady Rennae - Teyana was hilarious - though the burping from KFC did not go down well with the largely Jamaican audience.

Overall, the show was off the chain. When the show ended, it was really the end of an experience. Karen and the hype crew - maaad props! The real proof was how unbelievably packed the after-party was. More space needed next time for it.

Now if only our stage shows left one wanting...for more. Those organisers seem to think that super-long shows are more loved, but the reviews of Sting and Rebel Salute suggest otherwise. Hhhhmmm.

Plus big up to Jahkno.com - as I used some of their pics and they photographed me as well.

PS. I do not work for the YVAs!