BY BRIAN BONITTO—
THIRTY-FIVE years after his death, veteran reggae band Inner Circle feels the time has come for their former lead singer Jacob Miller to be considered for a national honor by the Jamaican Government.
“For the era and short period of time he was around, Jakes had a huge impact on the music and politics. The tunes he did, people could identify wid dem… he was the people’s singer,” Ian Lewis, bass player and founding member, told the Jamaica Observer.
The Florida-based musician said the popular Miller used his platform to advance issues on the people’s behalf.
“Jakes sing ’bout Tired Fi Lick Weed Inna Bush and Healing of the Nation (Please Mr Minister). And look how far we have come with that?”
Lewis alluded to the hesitance of the Jamaican Government to relax its marijuana laws. Today, it is consistent with international trends, particularly in the United States, where Colorado, Washington and Oregon have legalised use of the ‘weed’.
Announced last year by Justice Minister Mark Golding, the new legislation partially decriminalises small portions of ganja for recreational, religious or medical use in Jamaica.
“That shows how much a pioneer he (Miller) was,” Lewis said.
He noted that Miller coined popular phrases during the turbulent 1970’s — like under heavy manners, and Forward ever backward never — that entered mainstream dialogue. Even Grenada prime minister-to-be Maurice Bishop used ‘Forward Ever’ as part of his election campaign.
Lewis’s older brother, Roger, also an Inner Circle founding member, said Miller’s songs are known globally.
“Him travel di world and spread reggae. Look at Tenement Yard… everywhere we go, people a sing it, and dat a just one song. Our roots run deep,” he told the Sunday Observer.
Last summer, Inner Circle performed at several major events including Rototom Sunsplash in Spain, Retro Festival in Norway, Sea Splash in Croatia, and Serwood Festival in Italy.
“Thousands a people him touch, all over the world. A disrespect dat… him shoulda get a OD (Order of Distinction). Wha day yah, mi si dem all give a man who is pimp the recognition. Jakes fi get one!” he exclaimed.
The Manchester-born Miller had a prolific solo career as well as lead singer of Inner Circle band. He also starred in the 1978 movie Rockers.
Miller died in an automobile crash in March 1980. He was 27.
This year’s National Honors and Awards ceremony is scheduled for King’s House in St Andrew, tomorrow morning.
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