ON his latest song, Well Done, roots artist Kabaka Pyramid lets loose on Jamaican politicians, blaming them for most of the country’s challenges.
Produced by Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, Well Done hears the 29-year-old singjay addressing hot topics such as the government’s arrangement with the International Monetary Fund, and the presence of Spanish hotel franchises in Jamaica.
The song also looks at the divisive Goat Island issue involving the government’s proposed deal with Chinese investors to establish a port on that location in Old Harbour, St Catherine.
“I don’t want it to look like I’m on a all-out attack against the government, but I want people to be aware that they have a say in the governance of the country,” Kabaka Pyramid told Splash.
He added: “It might be a harsh statement but I see no inclination that politicians are interested wholeheartedly in the welfare of the people.”
Here are Kabaka Pyramid’s views on…
The IMF:
“We claim to be independent but we are dependent on these bodies an’ wi forever in debt to them. The deals we agree to, there’s no way to pay dem back; there are certain stipulations that we import certain things which for me is not development but further de-stabilisation of the country. So, I’m not impressed when they say these things (passing IMF tests) ‘cause the less we depend on organisations like the IMF, the better.”
Spanish hotels:
“Sure, they bring in employment but where does the money go? Where are the Spanish people banking it? If they (hotels) were owned by Jamaicans there would still be employment an’ you would at least be certain the money is in our banks an’ the government is receiving taxes. With foreigners coming in an’ taking over the major industries there’s no indication of them investing here.”
Goat Island:
“It’s a sell-out because at the end of the day these things belong to Jamaica, it’s a part of Jamaican culture an’ heritage. It’s another case of us being sold out.” Kabaka Pyramid is scheduled to perform March 18 at the South By South West Festival in Austin, Texas.
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