Music has played a major part in Jamaica’s general elections. In 1972, the famous bandwagon of reggae musicians, organised by Clancy Eccles, helped Michael Manley get elected prime minister. The Jamaica Observer starts a series with music industry players giving their views on the political process leading to the national poll on February 25.
WITH all the drama and hype surrounding the February 25 General Election, Anthony Cruz isn’t paying much attention.
The Manchester-born singer has never voted and does not plan to change that anytime soon.
“Mi nuh love nuthin ‘bout election ‘cause all it do is divide the people. One side a orange, one side a green…cyaan get inna dat,” Cruz told the Sunday Observer.
While he is not impressed by politicians, Cruz does follow current affairs. He believes an area where politicians have let Jamaicans down badly is education.“When yuh nuh educated, yuh have a big problem; when yuh educated everything fall into place,” he reasoned. “The other day mi hear a lady sey shi nuh vote pon issues, shi vote off tradition. Wha’ dat?!
National polls consistently show most Jamaicans vote based on family ties to the People’s National Party or Jamaica Labour Party.
Cruz, who has never been enumerated, is in his mid-40s. His latest songs Leaders of the World and Calling a Meeting; the former takes a jab at politicians, while the latter calls for an appreciation of community.
Cruz will not be watching coverage on election night.
“Waste a time dat,” he said.
— By Howard Campbell
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