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Days of Black Reflections - Jamaica

Jamaica in the seventies was a hotbed of radicalism, and I was lucky enough to be there at the right age (young, impressionable and stupid) to hitch a ride on these exciting winds of change. Our bible was Walter Rodney’s “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”; our heroes were Nkrumah, Fanon, and of course Castro. We followed the anti-apartheid struggles, boycotted South Africa, castigated the sell-outs; we were the children of the (armchair) revolution.

Manley’s love affair with Fidel led to an influx of performers from Cuba and other non-aligned nations, there was never a shortage of parties, concerts and thought-provoking plays to attend. With every third world icon to pay a state visit to Jamaica, ever-more elaborate welcoming ceremonies were dreamt up by the government’s propaganda machine, spearheaded by Wycliffe Bennett, or Wy-cleef Benay as he was mockingly called. When Julius Nyrere, gentle lion of Africa, came to Jamaica on a state visit, we went wild with welcome: Uhuru!

Mozambican revolutionary leader Samora Michel peppered his (long) speech at the National Arena with “Aluta continua!” every minute like clockwork. Tom got into an argy-bargy with tall Peter Tosh, who was blocking his view. “I don’t care who you are; move your head!”

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Re: Days of Black Reflections - Jamaica

Lo... Early  West Indian reflection.

Seventies  . Early in the North , part time jobs , going to school in La belle Province  , 
Clubs ... lol . Snow . , girls ,  knew  a little  more of the  Caribbean , lo ,,,, European ,
1st car.
Cool restaurants ,   nice Apts , move every year or too ..
french habit ..in june I think.
Lots of music  , black bands .  A  night club that featured  U.S. bands . 'on Stanley ' ..
Place to go  on weekends  guys.   .....LO.

Last edited by Dancer (Jan 08, 2021 11:22 pm)