When creativity runs in the genes – magic happens
“Not standing still is what is described as dancing” (Continuous striving deserves praise, whatever the outcome.) – Yoruba proverb
ACCORDING TO an early definition in The Dictionary of Jamaican English (1980), Reggae is based on Ska, an earlier form of Jamaican popular music, and employs a heavy four-beat rhythm driven by drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, and the “scraper”, a corrugated stick that is rubbed by a plain stick. February is observed as Reggae Month in Jamaica and for African Americans, it is the time to celebrate Black History. For me, Reggae is like a kaleidoscope whose diverse rhythms encompasses the history, talents, creativity and ethnic diversity of Jamaicans.
I am from a family of those who have been writing their names in the “Arts Book of Performances”. As we celebrate Reggae Month I wish to highlight some persons beyond our nation’s borders with Jamaican connections such as:
Anne Thornley-Brown, who spent the early years of her life with her grandmother in Port Maria when her parents migrated to Canada. She began her work career as a medical social worker at the University of Hospital of the West Indies after graduating from university, and also attended Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts during nights after work, where she studied acting.
After migrating to Canada, cousin Anne’s passion for acting led her searching for opportunities that got her involved as a professional actress with appearances on TV and in films, commercials, and industrials.
She had the pleasure of working with Octavia Spencer and Blair Underwood when she played Annabeth in the Netflix series, Self-Made: inspired by the life of Madam CJ Walker.
As a member of the Parole Board, Anne had the privilege of working with Giancarlo Esposito on the Brothers episode of the Showtime TV series Street Time. She was Nurse Royed on the Complicated episode of the TV series Doc starring Billy Ray Cyrus.
Another cousin is Clé Bennett. His parents are from the parish of Clarendon and his great grandfather, Louis Hylton, was my late mother’s uncle. Clé was born in Canada and grew up in Ajax.
Clé is known for his portrayal of villain Harris Prime, on NBC’s Heroes Reborn. He is a two-time Gemini Award winner, having received honours for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for The Line and Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries for Guns. He portrayed Lemar Hoskins/Battlestar in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier series on Disney.
Moving from acting to music, my cousin Norman Johnson is the great grandson of my paternal grandaunt Petrona Skinner-Johnson (b.1893). Born in Kingston, Norman is a well-known Jazz guitarist who was inspired by guitar players like Wes Montgomery, George Benson, and Earl Klugh to learn this instrument.
If Time Stood Still was his solo debut on the label Pacific Coast Jazz in 2010; this was followed by Get It While You Can (2013) and in 2019 The Art Of Life.
The 2019 album begins with Slide. This is a particular technique for playing the guitar that is often used in blues-style music. In this case the title is simply describing the dance moves as often mentioned by other critics.
The uplifting Sing On features vocalist Grayson Hugh. Grayson’s eventful life is also reflected in the smoky timbre of his voice. The Art of Life is a midtempo contemplating tune with an emotional touch.
Old School has a slamming vibe and is powerfully supported by the participating horn section.
The love ballad It’s You showcases female jazz vocalist June Bisantz. The final Summer Dance enchants with Latin flavour and Norman’s virtuosic acoustic guitar performance.
Other cousins contributing to the arts and film industry include Aron Peterson, Thomas Avril Duckenfield, Black British Dancer Namron Yarrum, and Nigerian musician, international jazz pianist, and composer Dapo Dina. This is just a tip of the fascinating kaleidoscope of persons that inspire and cause us to want to change the world.