More than 75 people felt the power of reggae culture Saturday evening at Starz Nightclub, as local artists talked about the influence of reggae music during "Behind the Lyrics: V.I. Roots Reggae," hosted by the Virgin Islands Humanities Council.
It was the first event of its kind in the territory. Musicians, radio experts and experts in the reggae industry spoke on a panel about such topics as cultural pride, spirituality and violence. Panelists shared their concern that there isn’t more support within the territory for Virgin Islands reggae artists.
“Our artists dig deep. Why don’t we get the support at home that we get elsewhere?” asked panel moderator Laurent “Trippy” Alfred.
Such artists as Melame Gange and Ras Attitude said they don’t understand why Virgin Islands reggae is popular all over the world, but not in the territory. The aim of Saturday’s event was to “wake people up.” Panelists engaged the audience, which applauded and cheered and yelled words of encouragement and agreement as artists shared the emotion behind their powerful lyrics.
Ayesha Morris, interim executive director at VIHC, and Mervelle Sage, program director at VIHC, said the purpose of the event is to support local artists, to examine lyrics behind reggae in the Virgin Islands and to tell the audience how reggae impacts the community.
Morris said reggae is capturing national and international attention, but in the territory there are not many opportunities for artists to perform and discuss the meaning behind their lyrics.
“We’re very Americanized and the more Americanized we become, we lose some of our culture,” Sage said.
The artists said to preserve and promote reggae culture, the artists send messages through their music. They referred to this type of music as “conscious,” because it brings awareness to listeners. Every artist has a different message to send. Some artists refer to politics in their songs, others sexual assault, violence, history, love and much more.
“Music is a vessel, a way to connect with the source of everything. A lot of us don’t want to talk about (our problems), but it’s something that’s very real. Listen to music with a message. Connect to others who feel the same way as you,” said singer Reemah.
Musician and album producer Jalani Horton said music helps listeners and musicians heal. That’s why it’s important for artists to share their message with the world, he said. After the discussion, Horton was presented with the Daniel L. Heftel Lecture and Humanist Award.
Artists admitted that it is not the musicians, politicians or religious officials in the reggae culture who help listeners understand their problems and heal, but it is the lyrics and the message that reach out and touch the hearts and minds of supporters.
Gange asked the audience to remember when they are in pain that the message in all music, not just reggae, will pull them through.
“I am not alone. You are not alone. We are not alone,” he said.
