Page 82 - Reggae Festival Guide Magazine 2019
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This cultural immersion experience is ideally
2019 Inaugural Participant suited for musicians (both professional and
Testimonials non-professional) and non-musicians who have
a deep affinity for the study of music from the
“Every experience was a highlight in some perspective of a humble witness to the culture
form or another, but for me, the most gripping
experiences were the power of the drum from which the music originated.
circles with regard to never losing connection Jamaican master percussionist Maroghini and
to homeland and ancestry, the chilling history keyboardist/songwriter/professor Matt Jenson
of ‘enslaved’ people, seeing Maroon culture guided us through the streets of Kingston, streets
up close, the beauty of resiliency in people, full of reggae history and paintings of reggae’s
and the warmth and identity of the Jamaican icons. Throughout the bustling city. Later in the
people forged out of many.” trip, the group moved to the lush Portland coast,
“As a non-musician it was an absolute privilege “Jamaica’s Jamaica,” for a more relaxing beat and
to be traveling in such a circle of talented a true taste of the island’s Natural Mystic.
musicians. I felt like the whole journey was From the beginning, we were injected directly
guided by the hand of the Almighty, with the into local experiences with our contacts and
human help of the I-Threes! Most heartfelt guides, which in Jamaica, meant going right to
thanks to all our guides for shepherding such the heart of the reggae industry, as it exists in its
an eclectic bunch of personalities through a fullness today. We started high in the hills above
life-changing adventure.” Kingston, at the original Rastafari encampment,
“I got to play Sizzla’s bass!! He was setting Pinnacle, established by Leonard Howell in 1940.
me up just like an intent, focused soundman, For the Rasta people in our group, this was truly
running cables to set up his amp for me…CRA- a sacred spot to visit!
ZEE! And beyond blessed. As a fan; aficionado; As if on our own mystical voyage, we found
long-time bassist, guitarist and keyboardist ourselves that evening in the yard of the
in reggae bands; music teacher for 22+ years; historical Nyahbinghi drumming group, The
and having been steeped in the reggae music Mystic Revelation of Rastafari. We breathed,
industry as an editor, writer, photographer and drummed and danced together underneath the
radio host for almost as long, I knew the Inside dusky Kingston skies as the group prepared for
Reggae trip was made for me and would just the Rastafari drumming and chants that would
be a complete mind-blower. But moreover, as open Bob Marley’s 75th birthday celebration
a Rastaman and emerging artist, I can only say later that week.
the trip FAR exceeded any expectations I had!
There are experiences and reasonings that And our beat did pump us right to the heart
I will reflect upon and cherish for a lifetime, of the reggae industry, when the next day, we
connections from my group that will be lifelong found ourselves hosted by none other than one
friendships, and connections in Jamaica that of Jamaica’s biggest sellers of all time. He was
have already been, and continue to be, very generous not only to host us, but to set us up to
fruitful in my personal and professional life.” play in his studio (with his crew and company!)
– none other than “Dada” himself: Sizzla!
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