'Shine on Jamaica' provides the mirror

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

In times of turmoil and pain, there is always need for words of comfort and peace. Sections of the beautiful island nation of Jamaica are currently undergoing a limited state of emergency following weeks of unrest. In the aftermath, politicians, youth advocates and opinion leaders have been calling on artistes to clean up their lyrics in a bid to positively impact the country's young.

Cherine Anderson needed no such call.

The artiste has been continuously churning out compelling and uplifting music, the latest of which is Shine On Jamaica.

Produced by Sly & Robbie and David Norland, but written and directed by Anderson herself, Shine On Jamaica is filled with powerful vocals and inspiring words that speak to the tests that come with living in today's Jamaica.

The lyrically gripping Shine on Jamaica attacks many political and social ills. The first verse talks about corruption that cannot be escaped, even by those who have orchestrated the atrocities.

The second verse cuts even deeper, placing teen pregnancy and the unfortunate increase in illiteracy levels under the microscope.

Even though this song does not hide from the social and economic problems facing Jamaica, it has the unique ability to empower and uplift listeners, as opposed to causing them to feel burdened and depressed.

The song's video is interestingly choreographed, broken into chapters by three children.

In the first chapter, a little boy draws the Jamaican flag, placing the colours in the wrong places.

Jamaican people its foundation

According to Anderson, "The idea behind redrawing the Jamaican flag with the black portions positioned at the top and bottom represents the Jamaican people - placing the people first.

"We the people are the foundation of this country. We are the most vital part of everything that is Jamaica," said Anderson

In the second chapter, a little girl in a wheelchair seems pleased with the success of Jamaica's athletes. She represents more than just individuals with special needs (who are often neglected in Jamaica), she represents the minds of many youth who feel crippled by their circumstances.

In the third chapter, a little darkskinned girl looks into a mirror.

According to Anderson, "This little girl represents an age-old problem. She looks in the mirror and she wants to see someone else. She looks at all the images of the things she's been told are beautiful, however, none of these things look like her, so, like the young girl who's had babies while she's still a baby, she is trying hard to escape her

reality. She isn't just trying to bleach to be a 'browning' but, essentially, she is trying to 'lighten' or ease the pain and burden that she faces because of her darker skin tone."

Shine On Jamaica, which appears on Anderson's critically acclaimed EP The Introduction Dubstyle has topped many charts on the international reggae scene. Ironically, it is Jamaicans abroad who have helped to bring attention to the song back home.

Shine on Jamaica spent an impressive four weeks in the number-one spot on both the New York and South Florida reggae charts and hit many top-ten charts in Europe.