Questions with ...

THE START of the year 1995 was a sad one for many in the entertainment fraternity. Garnet Silk, hailed by many as a roots reggae music icon, had passed away at the age of 28, leaving a void in the industry.

As many people began to look around for who would take up the mantle and lead the ‘Rastafarian Renaissance’ that had started brewing, one of the top candidates to take centrestage was Jepther McClymont, more commonly known as Luciano.

Also referred to as ‘ The Messenger’, Luciano was already known in and round the reggae music space thanks to the work he had done with the likes of legendary producers Chris Blackwell, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell and Castro Brown.

But things really began to take off for the singer-songwriter late 1994 with the release of hit songs such as It’s Me Again Jah and Messenger.

Luciano went on to represent roots reggae music and culture around the globe and on a number of different stages, including the likes of Rebel Salute, which returns to Plantation Cove in St Ann tonight.

In fact, Luciano was one of the earliest performers on the Tony Rebel -led production, which started just as his career began to catch footing. Five Questions With ... had a chance to catch up with the Messenger as he shared some of his fondest memories.

1. This year, Rebel Salute celebrates its 30th anniversary. What would you say is its significance to the culture?

As a roots and culture artiste, it’s great to have a platform to showcase our roots music, and that’s the opportunity that Rebel Salute offers. In addition to that, I feel proud to know that we have our own homecoming roots festival right here in Jamaica preserving our roots music.

2. You first performed at Rebel Salute in 1995. How would you say you have changed/grown since then?

I could honestly say that I have grown immensely since my first appearance on Rebel Salute. Ever since I embarked on my musical journey, I have not deviated from the path. I have matured gracefully and thanks to the Almighty, I’m still here alive and kicking, still spreading the message.

I can recall when Garnet had just passed away, and Tony Rebel paid tribute to him at that [second] staging. That time I had just gotten my break, and It’s Me Again Jah was bubbling hot. I can recall that I was so emotional during my performance that I cried right through my set.

Somehow I felt like a baton was handed down to me, knowing that we (Garnet and Luciano) both hailed from the same parish of Manchester. Plus our message is of the same spiritual nature. Which reminds me of the Prophets Elijah when he ascended to the heavens in the chariot of fire and his scepter was handed down to Elisha.

3. What can fans expect f rom your performance this weekend?

I intend to give my fans a satisfactory performance. I plan to make up for my absence on last year’s Rebel Salute. Due to circumstances beyond my control I didn’t appear. Just come on out and see your ‘Messenjah’ in action, Jah’s willing.

4. Is there any performance at Rebel Salute this weekend, aside from your own, that you’re looking forward to?

Other than myself, I’m looking forward to every artiste and their performance. Rebel Salute is a festival that I always fulljoy from start to finish. Nuff Raspect to Tony Rebel and the Flames family. All the best for Rebel Salute 2024, Jah Rastafari bless.

5. As ‘The Messenger’, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans and by extension Jamaica for the year 2024?

To all African descendants, to my Jamaican family, and to all my fans, I’m appealling to you to hold the faith in the Almighty, and don’t forget your roots. Our ancestors have paid bitterly even with their lives for our liberation so let’s not get too frivolous or reckless in our expressions and our way of living. Just know that to every action there is a reaction and to every erroneous living there is a retribution. Honour your parents and give reverence to the Almighty.

Keep the love and the bond of peace so we can grow as a nation and prevent ourselves f rom returning to slavery.