Western Consciousness gets good report

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

A flicker of what will happen at Paradise Park, Westmoreland, on Saturday night was screened at Bamboozia, Half-Way Tree, last Friday. Turbulence, Lymie Murray, Lutan Fyah, Hezron and Bescenta were among those who gave brief performances.

The free Kingston Western Consciousness Preview Party was one of three official events in the run-up to the concert's 22nd anniversary staging and Worrell King of King of Kings Promotions was happy to report about the first.

At the event's official launch in late April, King had announced that Tarrus Riley had already agreed to visit the Godfrey and Petersfield high schools and speak with the students. On Friday night, he reported that Riley, Bescenta and himself had made the school visits and gave the initiative good grades.

King said schools which some would call 'troubled' had been identified, but what is really there are children who need guidance. "We try to mould them in a positive way to take over when we are gone," he said. "In essence, it was preparing them for the future." King said the experience brought tears to some eyes.

On the eve of Western Consciousness 22, the final pre-concert event will take place, as there will be a strong presence in Savanna-la-Mar which will climax at a plaza in the Westmoreland capital. "We are not totally sure which artistes will be there, but I know my friends and I am inviting my friends," King said.

Before speaking about the school visits, King had reiterated the concert's concept of a celebration of good over evil. However, he wryly noted the stubbornness of the society, saying: "It is something we going to have to ram down the people's throat, because it look like them don't accept it." He also referred to Jamaica's wider social ills and said, "Me know sey the music a play a part in it. An' a 21 years me a say stop it."

The performances were short, with many an invitation to attend Western Consciousness 22 and see the full show. It was clear that the performers had much more to offer on the bigger stage at Paradise Park on Saturday night, Hezron's declaration, "I'm so in love with you" carrying clearly, Bescenta bemoaning "too much war" and Lymie Murray dancing his way onstage as a Soul Rebel.

There were fireworks for Lutan Fyah, who showed how serious he is about what he does by carrying three harmony singers to the free event. St Jago De La Vega was a rip-roaring start and he reflected on the jail experience ("14 days me couldn't get a good night sleep") even as he paid respects to Buju Banton. He handed over to Turbulence, who spoke to those who would say "Turbulence you getting fat" with "no me getting thicker."