Being Black British with Jamaican heritage | Good News Jamaica
Part 1
So this is my second trip to Jamaica (after 15years). I first visited with my mother and brother and stopped with my aunt in Montego Bay. Finally, I have returned to my family’s home, The Land of Wood and Water!
I am British Jamaican, born and raised in England (born and bred as they say). My trip here in Jamaica so far hasn’t been a huge culture shock but more a refreshing trip that has allowed me to fully embrace Jamaica as a nation. My family have done a great job in nurturing my understanding of Jamaican culture and heritage from a young age. However I won’t deny that growing up my perspective and outlook on Jamaica has been fed to me via others (others meaning family, friends and associates all whom are of Jamaican heritage), sharing personal stories, experiences and yes to be brutally honest assumptions of what Jamaica and Jamaicans are or could be like.. (which has been at times judgemental and ignorant). Over the past 4 weeks has been eye opening, refreshing and yes challenging (I’ll explain later).
The truth about perseverance…
Anyway so I am in Jamaica for 2 months on an international mobility programme to utilise my creative skillsets in dance and the arts. I successfully gained sponsorship to Jamaica from Brouhaha UK in partnership with Manifesto Jamaica. Funding via European Commission Programme Capacity Building in the Field of Youth – Festivals as a Platform for Community Development. Honestly count your blessings because dreams really come true. 2 and half years ago I kept telling myself I must travel to Jamaica (wishful thinking). I merely wanted to visit to be engaged in the performing arts industry, emerge myself in communities, youth and of course to learn more about my heritage. I found Manifesto Jamaica online 2 years ago and joined their mailing list because I love their work with local communities and with young people. 2 years later REPEAT 2 years, I received an email about the international volunteering opportunity to work with them. I applied IMMEDIATELY and boom here I am! My application was successful. This is what perseverance looks like. I am still speechless till this day. I give thanks for this unique experience because it truly is unique and rare. Rare to embark on an Erasmus funded cultural trip outside of the EU.
My work with Manifesto is Facilitating Workshops and Project Coordination. Exactly what I want to pursue and enhance. So far my experience has been extraordinary and I feel more grounded as an individual and as a dance artist. Watch the clip below
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gwQ0Qnad0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
For the love of music
Liberty Hall - The Legacy of Marcus Garvey
I am staying with family in St Catherine. Luckily one bus ride away from Kingston city centre/Half Way Tree. Apart from the blazing sunshine at 6.30am every morning, the riddims and beats of reggae, ska, dub and dancehall are constantly on play. LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE. This is one out of many cultural differences I have noticed in Jamaica vs the UK. For instance, the immense love for music. I remember I saw a young boy riding on his bicycle. One hand on the handle and the other clinging onto his rather large speaker (struggling) blasting Chronixx outside my aunts home at 7am. Another day in Crossroads (Kingston), where I saw a coaster (minibus) overly packed with passengers with a speaker squeezed into the back window. The speaker was pretty much hanging out of the winder, blasting loud music. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Dat nah run inna England (I should know better since my father blasts reggae and dub music all day every day at home).
I love the freedom and carefree attitude to life from many Jamaicans I have encountered. And how music plays a big part of everyday life. Afterall music is powerful and has the power to shift your mood. Other cultural difference I have noticed were the mannerisms, the constant greetings it’s like religion to say good morning, afternoon and good evening to everybody who you encounter. Along with the random humorous conversations with strangers in the taxis. (Route taxis are shared with other passengers, unlike in the UK you book your own taxi). Furthermore, many fellow Jamaicans are passionate, hard-working and ambitious about work and or general aspirations towards their career. Especially related to ones working within the arts, whether that be dance, music, dramatic art, dub poetry and more… the nation is naturally artistic hence why I somehow attracted likeminded artistic individuals who I connected with.
Dem hustle n bustle
I was overwhelmed by the overall encouragement, empowerment and general love & support; when I conversed with people about my reasons for travelling to JA. Many people would say ‘welcome home’ and keen to introduce me or educate me on anything Jamaican. I know many may have encountered a totally different experience travelling to Jamaica and some may somewhat agree/disagree…. But hey, this is my personal experience. Good job it is positive (90%). But I will dwelve a little deeper into the 10% of the not so positive experience. Which was the hustling mentally/livelihood and begging from many individuals. Not ‘beggers’ from people living on the streets but anyone. From strangers walking past in the city centre to religious preachers on the buses; preaching and then later asking/anticipating donations from passengers. No disrespect, do what you need to do in life to get you by. I know there is a phrase ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’. In other words, speak up and don’t be afraid to ask for (financial) support and guidance. But for me I just felt some folks were too inna for my liking to expect X amount of money from individuals. Especially when they aren’t living in poverty. But who am I to judge. I don’t know their personal livelihoods.
Jamaican meals = Bellyful of love | Breadfruit, Green banana, Yam, Sweet Potato, Callaloo, Salt Mackerel, Irish potatoe and ginger tea
Another part of the 10% is the fight to gain more passengers in taxis I found quite distressing. It was like a hustle n bustle rat race. In all honestly money and wealth are abundant. Once you have an abundant mindset and see money, wealth and anything else you desire in your life as everlasting then that hustle n bustle lifestyle shall (hopefully) fizzle away. This doesn’t take away the fact that this all bottles down to your current financial & livelihood circumstances, environment, upbringing and so on… It just felt like a money worry situation everywhere. Furthermore, many taxi drivers determined the amount of space he has left based on an individual’s weight and body shape LOL I shouldn’t laugh. But wow!! The amount of times I heard taxi drivers loudly and bluntly comment (in ya face) on whether you are TOO FAT or TOO SKINNY was… not so shocking lol. The brutal honesty of fellow Jamaican’s is real. It’s all love though. I too was called too skinny on numerous occasions and pushed to the back of the taxi or coaster, since I apparently can save more space for others. P.S. this isn’t part of my downfall 10% this was one of many humours ‘culture shock’ moments. Remember this is my personal experience, perspectives and encounters. I have no apologies writing this blog.
Read part 2 about Identity and Culture
Blog by: Tamar Dixon // Unique Movez
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P.S. Big thank you to Good News Jamaica for offering me a platform to share my experiences as a British Jamaican in Jamaica. Thank you to Manifesto Jamaica and Brouhaha UK for this international opportunity and lifelong learning experience. Big up unnu self