Black History Month not enough -Young artiste thinks more culture needs to be taught

Hasani Walters, Gleaner Writer

For Renford 'Ras Penco' Woodburn, Black History Month is a time to remember your heritage and pay tribute to the nation's greats. However, as an entertainer, he wants to see more than is currently being done to educate the youth about their heritage in Jamaica before, during and after the month.

The artiste, known for his runaway hit single Thousand Miles Away, recently shared his thoughts with The Sunday Gleaner, saying, "It would be good if we could have some more events that teach the youth more about their real roots and heritage during Black History Month. Yes, there are some events that aim to do that but there could be a lot more."

He continued, "Not much is different from Black History Month now compared to back then, except that the younger generation nah really fully embrace their history. If it was at 100 per cent then, it's now at like, 75 per cent."

Negative influences

One of the reasons for this, Ras Penco said, was the negative influences from various elements in society.

"The culture not really that strong again because is mainly negative influences them have. What need to happen is for people to embrace and teach positivity. Musicians play a great part as well, the media also, producers - everybody in entertainment. When the children at school, teachers, teach them about their culture. Wi just have to come together to push more positivity and get deep into the culture again. It doesn't have to be for the month of February alone either," he said.

Ras Penco will be doing his part to educate during Black History month through a live show which will be held at The Deck, Trafalgar Road, New Kingston.

He said fans can come out to listen to him and his Penco Music House band deliver hits such as Thousand Miles Away, Be By My Side and Most High.

"They can all expect some brand new material. It's going to be a different type of performance, it's live music, not the regular type of show," he said.

Ras Penco has been busy in the studio and recently released singles such as Your Love and Fire Still A Burn on his Penco Music House label.