As I write this, large parts of the world are enjoying the start of Spring.
Birds chirping, flowers blooming, sun shining! Here in Boston however, we are
still deep in the throes of winter, having just emerged from yet another massive
snowstorm. I’ve been listening to a lot of new music lately, so I thought it
would be good idea to share some of these tunes; to either complement your joyful
springtime vibes or to help you combat the lingering winter blues.
First up:
Leave Me Alone - Calypso Rose ft. Manu Chao (Kubiyashi Remix ft. Machel
Montano)
This energetic new installation from the queen of Calypso herself,
the indomitable Calypso Rose, has
taken the Carnival 2017 season by storm. The living legend joined forces with “King
of Soca”, Machel Montano and
Franco-Spanish musician Mano
Chao to produce an exhilarating song, full of the vibrant pulsating rhythms
for which the genre is known.
The institution of Carnival has come under scrutiny in recent
months, given the sexual harassment of women during parades and the wider
discussion regarding violence against women in the Caribbean. “Leave Me
Alone” has come at the right time, emerging as an anthem for women who just
want to have a great time and celebrate the effervescence of Caribbean culture
in peace.
“Leave Me Alone” has old school calypso
vibes, new school swagger and an international dimension that makes it both familiar
to soca junkies and a perfect introduction for Caribbean Carnival newbies. Manu
Chao’s gentle guitar and subtle Spanish inflections complement the exuberance
of Rose and Montano; culminating in a song that is at once comforting, fun and
ultimately thrilling – the true spirit of Carnival!
Michael Omari a.k.a Stormzy a.k.a The Problem a.k.a Wicked
Skengman, dropped his much-anticipated debut studio album “Gang Signs and
Prayer” this past Friday to the excitement of grime fans everywhere. After a
surprise performance with Ed Sheeran at the Brit Awards earlier
in the week, there was a great buzz around Stormzy and this new album does not disappoint.
“Gang Signs and Prayer” not only excellently captures the South London youth experience,
but also takes the listener on a compelling journey as the album tackles issues
of love, race, religion and urban culture at large.
“Come take a look inna Jamaica, injustice in the
place. If what you see nuh really faze you, then you ah di problem weh we face
too.”- Protoje
Video Source: Protoje’s YouTube Channel | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYZo7CbLJjjfEOqYwknzzow
If you are Jamaican or have any ties to the country, you’ll
know that it has been a harrowing time for the nation recently. Despite its
reputation, Jamaica has been anything but paradise in the past months as the
tropical isle is once again being choked by the vice-like grip of crime and violence. Now, high levels of crime and violence are hardly a new phenomenon for the country. According
to the United Nations, Jamaica had the highest murder rate globally in 2005 and
it remains one of the highest today[1]. Violent elements of the nation’s history are seen in “Blood
Money” with references to the Tivoli Incursion of 2010[2]
and the long-standing institutionalized nature of corruption through patronage
politics[3]. Historically,
such political corruption has cost Jamaica approximately US$18 billion[4]. However, although high levels crime and violence are not new, this does not make them acceptable.
Furthermore, crime and violence should not be allowed to spiral out of control
unchallenged. As Protoje states, “If you build it pon crime then crime will
haffi find you, and that’s how it’s been always. That nuh frustrate you like it
do to me?”
It should be said that while violent crime levels in
Jamaica were higher than others with a similar per capita profile, they were on
the decline nationally until recently. Now, there is a different atmosphere in
the air. The general lawlessness, not to mention the elevated abduction and
murder of women and girls has struck a chord with the populace. The volatile
situation has inspired small scale protests and widespread fear throughout the
island. Moreover, while the situation in Jamaica is alarming; violence,
political corruption and socioeconomic stratification are not solely Jamaican issues.
As such, Protoje’s single “Blood Money” could not have come at a more
appropriate time. Its articulate depiction of the current state of affairs in
the country and call for change resonate with concerned Jamaicans, reggae
aficionados and contemporary viewers of global politics alike.
Protoje's studio album, Ancient Future is an aptly named, searing look into
Jamaica's history and what can be surmised about the nation's future based on
the mistakes of the past.This message comes
home starkly in the track “Criminal” with its reference to the murder of musical
and social icon, Peter Tosh.
The
sentiment is echoed in the collaborative single “Sudden Flight” with Jesse
Royal and songstress Sevana, which highlights the dangers and hypocrisy of
garrison politics[1].
Well, Mitch Albom has captured our
hearts and imaginations once again. This time with his latest novel,"The Magic Strings of Frankie
Presto."Centred
around the life of fictional pop star Frankie Presto and the transformative
impact his music has on the lives of those around him, it is a wonderful novel
for bibliophiles and music lovers alike.
While it's still sweltering by midday, there is now a crisp bite to the early morning air as we rush off to work, subtly reminding Bostonians that Autumn (and ultimately winter) is coming. As I am in no mood to say goodbye to summer and delve back into New England winter, I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite things that I found and loved over the summer. Have a look below:
MUSIC
One song that I have had on repeat all summer is from up-and-coming Jamaican songstress, Jane Macgizmo. In "Babylon", the young singer delivers a powerful and unique sound, her voice at once melodious, haunting and utterly captivating. Aesthetically, the production quality of the music video is phenomenal; crisp and clean with the natural beauty and majesty of the Jamaica countryside on full display.
In post-colonial Jamaica, the term "Babylon" is often synonymous with systematic, structural and/or mental oppression. For at least 4 minutes however, the soothing tones of Macgizmo's music help her listener transcend the turmoil of the world around them and be at peace, with the world and within themselves.
Another favourite that is a bit more up tempo and in keeping with the summer vibes is Shakira's latest release with Carlos Vices, " La Bicicleta". It's safe to say that I've been a staunch Shakira fan since"Whenever, Wherever"(En Español:Suerte) came out in 2001 ...a while ago and"Hips Don't Lie"was a staple of my adolescent playlists. So, it's always exciting for me when she releases new music and this song did not disappoint. "La Bicicleta" was released in May, with an accompanying music video in July, that will have you up and dancing in no time. You'll want to grab your best friends, a bicycle and head to the nearest beach to catch the last moments of summer ASAP.
BOOKS The only thing I love more than new summer music is having my nose buried in a good summer read (preferably by the pool or in a hammock on the beach). This summer, the book I could not put down came in the form of Mitch Albom's "The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto". Having loved everything Albom wrote since "Tuesdays with Morrie", I actually got this book on pre-order last November, but life has been so hectic I didn't have a chance to crack it open until the summertime and it has been well worth the wait. Centred around the life of fictional pop star Frankie Presto and the transformative impact his music and talent has on those around him, it is a wonderful novel for bibliophiles and music lovers alike. For a more in-depth book review, see my posthere.
HOMEWARE
To me, the Malibu Citrus Glow scented candle from The Bath & Body Works is just heavenly. When burnt the candle produces a strong scent of salt and sand evocative of a hot summer's day at the beach, coupled with the citrus aroma of orange and lemon. And with the name "Malibu", you will be hard pressed to find a candle that more truly captures the warmth and excitement of summer. It's a simple, elegant way to brighten up your home in the summertime or to bring a little sunshine to the cold winter months :)
I can't seem to find a link online, but it may still be available in select stores, so check your local Bath & Body Works.
This product is part of a larger skincare range, but I only used the sleeping cream in conjunction with my regular drugstore moisturiser. However, if you're interested in learning about the other Oils of Life products you can find more info on the websitehere.
Now, I will admit that I usually have clear skin and don't worry too often about pimples etc. BUT work, family, finances and just life generally can get the better of all of us...not to mention those time of the month cookie/cake/chocolate cravings -- am I right, ladies? And it's often our skin that pays the price. Well, I must say this little jar of goodness from The Body Shop has seen me through a lot this summer. It carried me through the stresses of grad school, finishing my thesis and the hell of moving apartments.
I may have been overwhelmed, but the combination of black cumin oil, camellia oil and rosehip meant that my skin never showed it. The infusion of chamomile into the sleeping cream is also very calming, which made it a great addition to my bedtime routine.
My skin can get rather dry in the Boston winter, and while the Oils of Life Sleeping Cream has been wonderful in a hectic summer, I'm sure its moisturising powers will truly come in handy in the brutal winter months to come.
So, what have you been enjoying this summer? Tell me all about your favs in the comments below; maybe you can share some gems to help me bridge the transition into Autumn :)
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*Always check the labels on any skincare products before beginning use to ensure that you're not allergic to any of the ingredients
