Staff Writer – Kerran Monroe
This is Jamaica’s 50th year of independence and the government, planned an entire year of celebratory events, to culminate this milestone for the country. Of course, this being, Jamaica, with so many potholes, nothing runs smoothly on our roads.
Since the beginning of the year there has been one controversy after the other. The former Minister of Culture, Olivia Babsy Grange and the present Culture Minister, Lisa Hanna has been butting heads since the new minister took office. The planning of these celebrations started from the previous administration was in office, and the new administration has taken over the planning of the events.
The new administration changed the heads of the planning committee, which of course, the previous administration had an issue with. Since then, the administration has made other decisions, concerning the Jamaica 50 celebrations, that has sparked controversy; with the most recent one being the selection of a song.
The previous administration had chosen an official song for the Jamaica 50 celebration, which was produced by, the highly respected producer, Mikey Bennett. The new administration mandated international Reggae artist Shaggy to produce a song for Jamaica 50. This song was introduced to the public as the official song for Jamaica 50. (Mikey Bennett’s song below):
However, amidst all the controversy it has caused, the Minister came out and said that, the Shaggy song, as it is commonly called, is not the official song; in fact there is no official song for Jamaica 50. The song is rather a marketing song. Therefore, that was an error on the part of the people, in charge of the song and its launch. The Jamaican public, however, is not taking the Minister’s explanation that easily. Many feel as if the Minister is insulting their intelligence. ‘Dem tek wi fi fuul’ is the sentiment expressed by many.
Superstar Shaggy
With two songs made, persons are already choosing, which is their favourite. There are those who like both and those who like neither. Those who dislike the Shaggy song mainly took issue with the beat. They say it is not a Jamaican beat but a techno beat. Those who dislike the Mikey Bennett song say that it is too old fashioned. Then you have those who just want something to jump to, so they will take almost anything.
After that mouth full, all I can say is, even at 50 years old, Jamaica still mix up ina bangarang.
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