Reggae’s roots in some of Jamaica’s toughest communities has been documented in countless books, films and songs. And though Rastafari retains a presence in some of them, it is not as profound as 50 years ago when the music first emerged.
Pure Hits Music Records, located in Central Village on the outskirts of the capital Kingston, goes retro with its Rise Up ‘riddim’, which was released in August.
Produced by Jermaine Clarke, its feel is reminiscent of Bobby Digital’s Kette Drum beat of the 1990’s.
The project has seven songs including Journey Continues by singer Icientcy Mau, who lived for many years in Central Village.
“The concept is to get our people to know it’s a earthly test right now with the systems and our people must stay firm and strong through the mysticism of real reggae music,” he said.
Journey Continues is dedicated to the Mau Mau warriors who led the fight for Kenyan independence during the 1950’s.
“The impact that the Mau Mau have on I is enormous. I live Mau Mau each day of my life since I came in contact with knowing about Dedan Kamathi and Jomo Kenyatta,” stated Icientcy Mau, who previously recorded as Junior Ranking.
Some of the other songs on the Rise Up are My Prayer by Ripley Man, Crisis from Teedeh Emmanuel and Sweet Dreams by Abiyah Israel.
Central Village is a working-class community in Spanish Town, Jamaica’s first capital. Throughout the 1980’s, it had a vibrant sound system culture that helped nurture the careers of deejays such as Papa San and Lieutenant Stitchie.
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