Jimmy’s classical uniqueness

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Maybe the reason why Jimmy Cliff’s musical journey has cast such a huge shadow across the reggae landscape, both locally and internationally, is because of his classical uniqueness. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and other reggae revolutionaries have cemented their fame as protesters against injustice or against the “Babylon system” as they labelled it. Jimmy Cliff’s productions, however, seem to reflect a more personal or internal wrestling with injustices that appear more loosely connected to external causes. For instance, “Sitting here in limbo, but I know it won’t be long. Sitting here in limbo like a bird without a song. They are putting in up resistance, but I know that my faith will lead me on”...

Anyone listening to this song will see that it is not just a systemic hurdle he’s presenting, but also a personal predicament or abeyance that many can readily identity with. “Waiting for the dice to roll, and the tide to flow” are all classical descriptions of how all races of people and generations sometimes feel throughout the centuries. Many can easily identify with such individual wrestling between chance and decisions.

Another classic is Many Rivers to Cross, which again speaks of individual as well as collective encounters that one must contend with in life. Recent events that have left broken bridges of service and support as a result of the passage of Hurricane Melissa, have made Many Rivers to Cross as relevant as it may continue to be. “Many rivers to cross, but it’s only my will that keeps me alive”, 0seems to be saying that when the vicissitudes of life has ripped the foundation from under your feet, faith can still keep you holding on, even when you cannot find your way across. For if faith continues to lead you on, may be you will eventually say, “I can see clearly now the rain is gone ... Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind...”

HOMER SYLVESTER

Jacksonville, Florida