GARFIELD BLACKMAN
HIS GREATNESS WAS
HIS FAITH
STRENGTH OF HIS
CONVICTIONS
WON JAMOO VICTORY
By Gillian Moore
Sunday Express
Section 2
July 16, 2000
Page 40
Ras Shorty-I's life was a miracle of love. Through the principles of creation, discipline, reinvention and
belief he transformed his own life and the face of music in Trinidad and
Tobago.
Blessed
with the sweetest song and with the power of invention, he was able to tap into
the spirit of creation to breathe new life into Trinidad and Tobago's music,
originating soca music, chutney soca and jamoo ("Jah music", the
gospel of soca).
His
"Endless Vibrations", which called for a new energy in calypso music
is innovative even today. "Om
Shanti" broke new ground introducing the influence of eastern spirituality
to local music.
With
his lyrical and musical prowess, he cut through superficial differences among
peoples, showing that love and the basic desire for a higher consciousness is
common to all.
And
through this realization, he got his message through. Unlike some who preach or sing of their religious beliefs, Ras
Shorty-I's sheer positivity, bonafide musicality and spirit of love lifted his
music above mere dogma. Jamoo's loving
message has lasting universal appeal.
Not
satisfied to keep his gifts to himself, he willingly sought to pass his musical
knowledge along, not only to his own uniquely talented children, but also to
other young musicians.
Ras
Shorty-I took his responsibility as a singer seriously, recognizing the power
of songs to transform, to bring healing, peace and love.
He
encouraged his fellow songsters to lift the level of consciousness in the
content of their material. He was like
a father figure to many young singers - his very presence in an audience was
notice that a performer had to be at his/her best.
His
words, like his life, were divine inspiration, illustrating the power of faith
to translate vision into reality.
How
many scoffed at the "Love Man's" decision to break with worldly
decadence, to seek a natural haven for his family in the Piparo forest?
Even
though we may rejoice that his soul has gone home, back to his divine origin,
we are sad for ourselves. Never again
will we see him on stage, his music rocking our bodies and souls so deeply and
sweetly. No more will we see him with
his family, surrounded by their particular aura of love and oneness.
How
much more difficult his passing must be for them, the very fruition of his
vision.
When
a loved one leaves, perhaps the most difficult throughout is facing the future
without them. The loss is perhaps made
easier if we realise we are not without their essence, the gifts they shared,
and the seeds they sowed.
We hold
on to Ras Shorty-I's vision, and to the example he lived.
We hold
on to the idea that no matter our circumstances, no matter the life we have
lived we can dream new dreams and work to make them come true.
He told
us in song, after all, the secret of his success. He told us where he sought strength and inspiration. The song "Jamoo" on the Love
Circle's Watch Out My Children album says: "He said I will put a
new song upon your lips my son, Be not afraid, sing on!"
We all
might not have seen eye to eye with the choices Ras Shorty-I made, but we can
all learn from his example, to take courage in our own lives and pursue our own
unique visions.