Русский: Флаг Ямайки Slovenščina: državna zastava Jamajke “The Sun shineth, the land is green, and the people are strong and bold” is the symbolism of the colours of the flag. BLACK represents the strength and creativity of the people; GREEN represents hope and agricultural resources; GOLD represents the natural wealth and beauty of sunlight. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
So even our music has fallen victim to that agent of change – the election. Some months ago, I was perplexed to see people calling for Eric Donaldson’s “Land of my Birth” to be made the official Jamaica 50 song. What the hell? I thought. We already HAVE a Jamaica 50 song! Remember? The song, “Find the Flag” was produced by the respected veteran Mikey Bennett and officially presented to the country.
Let me reiterate that. The song was officially and publicly presented to the country last October. If you don’t believe me, or never heard about it, read this story by Mel Cooke in the Jamaica Gleaner.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20111204/ent/ent7.html
A Reporter’s Guide to Jamaica 50 sent out by the Culture Ministry in December stated that:
“The Jamaica 50 song ‘Fly (sic) the Flag in Your Heart’, written by Michael Bennett, captures Jamaica’s journey of challenges and triumphs.”
So I posted to that effect, saying that we have a Jamaica 50 song.
Except… silly me. There was an election. For months we heard nothing of Find the Flag - the official Jamaica 50 song – until another story in the Observer told us the song had been shelved.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Soundtrack-shelved–No-word-on-JA-50-song_11513407
Shelved? How could it be shelved? It’s the Jamaica 50 song! Not any more, apparently!
The Jamaica 50 secretariat (under, as they say, new management) now says that there was no documentation that the song had been commissioned or was the Jamaica 50 song. Emm….. it was officially presented to the country! No, that didn’t count.
Mikey Bennett says it is customary for him to work based on verbal agreements, and after all, this was an agreement with officials from the Government of Jamaica, not some fly-by-night outfit. He also says there were some disagreements over the cost of the song, until he and the artistes decided that they would donate the song for use in the celebrations for free, and communicated this fact to the Ministry. He told me that his publisher was in the process of putting together the necessary documentation.
He has since realized that the song has been dumped as the Jamaica 50 song, and all the artistes who worked for many passionate, excited hours with him have been calling to ask what the hell is going on. Bennett says one of his primary concerns is whether anyone thinks he was “trying a ting,” pulling a fast one, and misrepresenting the agreement with the Culture Ministry.
Apparently, some kind of compromise has since been cobbled together which should see the song being used somewhere in the Jamaica 50 celebrations. Former Culture Minister Babsy Grange, who has said she is upset at how the situation was handled, met with current Minister Lisa Hanna and says this was one of the matters discussed.
Please note that I’m not commenting on whether I like Find the Flag or the song which has now been introduced to the country as the Jamaica 50 campaign song, Nation on a Mission. My problem is much more fundamental – it’s how we do things.
I’m not getting into any argument with anybody about which song is better.
The fact is, a song was chosen and then rejected by a subsequent government. I have a serious issue with how this has been handled. This smacks of disrespect of the highest order.
The same Reporter’s Guide to Jamaica 50 listed the following singers as participants in the Jamaica 50 song - Bunny Rugs, Ken Boothe, Marcia Griffiths, Freddy McGregor,Tarrus Riley, Cocoa T, Konshens, Mr Vegas, Ernie Smith, Agent Sasko, Capleton, Chevelle Franklyn, Stitchie and Admiral Bailey. These are among our best artistes. There were also the musicians and technical crew, many of them also well-known names.
I make no comment on the Culture Minister’s claims that the Jamaica 50 programme had to be streamlined and re-organised. I’ll leave that argument to the current and former holders of that office.
I am, however, saying that the work of the professionals involved in creating the song should have been respected. The clear decision of the previous administration that Find the Flag was the official Jamaica 50 song should have been let alone.
I think that the shelving of Find the Flag was totally unnecessary and brings to mind some of the sillier parts of our political history – remember the change from Jamaica Information Service (JIS) to Agency for Public Information (API) back to JIS anyone?
I hold no brief for Mikey Bennet and the musicians and artistes who worked on Find the Flag. I am not a musician. But I am a Jamaican, and I don’t like what happened here.
I must admit that I wasn’t aware of the “Find a Flag” song but when I first listened to the new song it didn’t leave an impression with me and, now that I’ve listened to it about three or four times after that, it still hasn’t. I’d love to know what the general consensus is from the public on this new song: if it stirs the heart strings and fills them with goosebumps of pride and loyalty in this our 5oth year of Independence? And what exactly is the message contained in this theme song “On a Mission?”
Hey, kudos to all the artistes who gave of their time and talents to making this song a reality, and I’ll listen to it again, but if I can’t identify myself as a Jamaican in this song and the significance it should hold, then has it accomplished what it was meant to do?
Kerry-Ann (JamaicanEchoes.com)
Well said! Is there any decent way to “spin” this?
I don’t know about how the transition was handled. However that Find u flag song was not ready. Its forgetable and not catchy. The current though it lack an authentic reggae beat is catchy and more appealing. The fact is if the govt is trying to selll a song internationally that find ur flag song won’t appeal to biggest fan base which are youths. The techno and dance beat is what’s in now. So I guess that’s y the Govt took that route. I think we can play both songs to keep everyone happy. But just a quick question how much of us jamaicans really support authentic reggae these days.
With respect, I really was not talking about the songs themselves, as I said. There should not have been a transition at all. Once the first song was on record there was no need to change it. In addition, though, song preference is very subjective. Some people will agree with you, some won’t.
I don’t think Dionne’s argument is about the relative merits of each song. (And by the way, just because “techno is in” is that enough reason to change the song anyway? It won’t be “in” in a couple of years’ time that’s for sure). I think the issue is how the matter was handled – which certainly leaves a bad taste in the mouth, to me…
Thanks for getting my point!
It really is severely disturbing how we have managed to accept the running of our country in 5 year cycles. The song (and logo!) may not be a big deal to many but it is a strong reflection of how matters of growth and development are dealt with. Our leaders, over the years, have demonstrated no commitment to sustainability and furthering of our nation. They are unable to see past their personal ego and ambitions.
I like the angle you took in this one. Opinionated views on song quality will definitely rage on forever. I must however state my opinion on such. The first song, sounding good or bad is more authentic Jamaican music. The second, a sellout of Jamaican musical culture and a slap in the face of our nation’s known musical genres in this our 50th year of independent heritage.
The politics behind change of song, policies and direction is again a petty cat & mouse game, one clearly that one party is known for always doing. Its grossly a sad reflection on them.
Lovely blog post. Your hit the right points from your angle. Continue your good journalism, and I mean it, unbiased and hardhitting as you always are.
Most Jamaicans are ‘tribalists’ meaning supporter/sympathiser of the PNP or JLP.so we tend to criticise or applaud depending on which party/govt makes the decisions. We need NATIONALISTS.
I do have a song preference but as Dionne rightfully pointed out, that’s not the biggest issue. It was handled so….badly is an understatement. Let’s just say that its not exactly screaming progress. I heard someone mention this suggestion at work and it makes sense, if only we would do it – the committee in charge of the Jamaica 50 Celebrations should NOT be directly attached to the gov’t. While we know the mandate of the Culture Minister, it would have probably prevented this mess if there was a select, unchangable (at least by elections) committee that decides these things.
Shame on the pettiness, unprofessionalism and just lack of principle from the gov’t.
I reaaaallly agree with Laehcim Semaj.. the Nation on a Mission sounds too much like an imitation of the World Cup Football song..When I first heard it, i thought ‘such crap’! needs more creativity and authenticity! Im absolutely disappointed..Nation on a Mission takes away from my Jamaica 50 Spirit
Of course the transition was poorly handled…that is par for the course with Jamaican politics. I am really disappointed in both Ms. Hanna’s and Ms. Grange’s inability to set aside an obvious personality conflict and iron out the plan of action for (now) the next 48 days. it is woeful and really unacceptable, and wastes too many people’s time. To say nothing of the growing embarrassment…who would want to work with them again?
I really did expect more from Ms. Hanna and though Jamaica 50 is a complex task, I do not think her incapable. Yet there’s no denying that she has handled this clumsily and it continues to unfold badly…how can she still be quiet?? Not a peep to even attempt distraction or some sort of explanation for the sad state of plans? I’ve seen people asking questions about Jamaica 50 for months now, long before this song business became controversial. Alas, it seems even that she has been well and truly hijacked by our selfish tribal political culture. I mean so unorganized is the entire programme that I don’t think any of our major artists (well those who can leave the island) will be in Jamaica for August 6; many seem to be heading out on tour or have other plans. We should be pulling all sorts of people to the island, showcasing the best of us and that we’re ready to step strong for another 50 years. No heart, no soul, and on a mission of disaster.
This could have all been so grand..so meaningful and used as a real tool for invigorating national pride and reemphasizing our rich cultural capital…instead we bitch it up. It makes me so sad.
But as I’ve said in a post on the lack of celebratory feel, we need not go extravagant for this not only because we can’t afford it but also because I don’t think that’s the best way to fully engage the population.
Right now I wonder if we shouldn’t just start planning for Jamaica 60 or 75?
Thank God for the Olympics, maybe that will remove some of the sting I now feel…all the best to our athletes…
I totally agree with Cucumber Juice. But it would be horribly sad if we were all depending on the Olympics for some kind of morale boost… I mean, there is no guarantee that our athletes are going to walk away with all the track gold medals, although some Jamaicans think it’s a done deal. We definitely need more “heart and soul.” I am just hoping that communities will put together their own celebrations according to their budgets, on a small scale. Unity is key, and we are clearly not getting that from our political leaders…
The sad part is that this is merely an example of how each reigning party operates. We see this type of ‘change’ in our everyday policies and life. Jamaica could be so much further ahead if we didnt discount the work made of the ‘other ‘ party (regardless of which one is in power). We spend so much precious time reinventing the wheel – how can we expect to go forward.
Don’t understand why Ms. Grange name keep callin up could someone please explaine it to me. Maybe my bias is blinding me, not ashamed to admit it.