By Brian Bonitto—-
KARAMANTI… the more I examine the root cause of our problems, the more I realise that it’s all due to dirty politics—
DISILLUSIONED by the failings of Jamaica’s political system, deejay Karamanti holds no punches in her latest single Bun Andrew and Portia.
Released in May, the track is produced on the Tech-Head Records label.
Karamanti, whose given name is Shelly-Ann Jackson, stressed she was not advocating violence against politicians, but believes their inability to put aside partisan politics has retarded Jamaica’s growth.
“I feel broken-hearted by what I wake up and see every day. The more I examine the root cause of our problems, the more I realise that it’s all due to dirty politics. I am very, very, very disappointed in our politicians,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
‘Portia’ is Prime minister Portia Simpson Miller, leader of the governing People’s National Party, while ‘Andrew’ refers to Andrew Holness, leader of the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party.
The entertainer said age-old problems, including the rising crime rate, high cost of electricity, and the fact that local farmers are unable to compete with cheap imports due to high production costs, could be easily solved if political leaders were committed.
“There is so much I can go on about,” she said.
Now in her 30s, the outspoken Karamanti paints a picture of the country she hopes for.
“I would like to see a Jamaica where the concerns of the masses are taken into consideration at all times as opposed to being dismissed, which is what I think is happening now. I really want a country where our political leaders see themselves in us and so treat us right,” she said.
Inspired by American hip hop/soul singer Lauryn Hill, Karamanti was born in Red Hills, St Andrew. She was schooled at Dunrobin Primary and Merl Grove High schools.
She said she was drawn to music at age eight, but only recently took it seriously.
Her other releases include Pack and Run, Don’t It, African Song and Letter 2 Ghana.
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