Live Wyya goes toe-to-toe with pollution

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Roots Reggae band Live Wyya are currently in promotion gear for their latest single, They don't care, which is a protest against the systems that allowed an oil spill to occur in the Gulf of Mexico, killing thousands of animals.

Karl Edwards of Live Wyya, told The Sunday Gleaner that the song came as a result of watching the news and seeing how dispassionately nature was being treated.

"when you see what is taking place with nature right now, you are compelled to care about it," said Edwards.

In the song, Live Wyya asks those in charge of mining oil in the Gulf how the tragedy occurred. The message furthers implores persons who have shares in the oil industry to give up their shares and stocks to show they care, while lamenting the loss of life.

Small skit

The song even has a small skit where a conversation is being conducted between a father and his daughter. The child asks "Dad can we go fishing today?" and the dad replies "no baby, we can't go fishing today, the ocean is being polluted and if we don't do something soon, the world will be in crisis." during this conversation, reggae music is played in the background, followed by the reinforcement of the message by Live Wyya.

The Live Wyya band came to prominence after winning the Irie FM Big Break competition, and has since established itself as one of the best backing bands in reggae music. The Jamaican Music Federation adjudged Live Wyya, The Best Band in 2002 and 2003 by the Jamaican Music Federation.

Now touring with the legendary Gregory Isaacs, the group has covered a significant number of ground on the international scene. According to Edwards, the group is aiming to cement itself in the music industry.

Jamaican ambassadors

"We hope to be Jamaican ambassadors, like Third World," he told The Gleaner.

The band recently completed an album titled Spread the Love, featuring Junior Kelly.

According to Live Wyya, the album features production form Live Wyya, Mikey Bennett and Computer Paul, and is slated to be released in August. "we are mostly concentrating on the overseas market," said Karl, pointing out that it is difficult to get played on local radio stations.

"We don't have the money to play for no airplay," he said.

The outspoken musician explained that it was not easy for a band in the industry because of the number of persons that make up the team.

"It is harder for bands to get booked than a solo artiste, because the cost is more expensive. for example, a Live Wyya has six members, so that is six plane tickets," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

"Despite the challenges, we are making steady progress and we will continue to do quality music, educating the people through the message," he said.