Celebrating freedom in Sam Sharpe Square
Sam Sharpe Square was crammed on Tuesday as folk performers, civic leaders and citizens commemorated the abolition of slavery.
The proceedings kicked off at approximately 9:30 pm with several civic groups marching to the Montego Bay Civic Centre at the square named after national hero and leader of the 1931-1932 rebellion which eventually contributed to the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act.
Dub Poet, Yasus Afari, and singing sensation Etana headed a list of entertainers including the Niabingi Drummers out of St James, Adrocian – a group of past and present students from Herbert Morrison High School – The Montego Bay Dance Ensemble, the Mahogany Dancers, Children of the Drums and Prince Teebo and the Sons of Thunder.
Yasus was his usual controversial self when he took the stage shortly after 12:00 midnight in a militant mood blasting corrupt politicians and unjust social and economic conditions in the country.” “Dem all a call each other Jezebel,” he accused. “Wi haffi bun a fire pon dat.”
It was then Etana’s turn. She added a musical dimension and brought the house down with her popular recordings Wrong Address and Roots and the introduction of a new recording advocating self love among women.
Groups including Adrocian with their soul-stirring renditions of “Great Day” and “The Negro Spiritual”, as well as spirited performanceS from Children of the Drums – a group of drummers and dancers from Kingston and Montego Bay – the Montego Bay Ensemble and Prince Teebo and Sons of Thunder, performed to resounding applause.
Deputy mayor, Cecil Davis, brought greetings on behalf of the city officials highlighting the great honour that should be bestowed on our ancestors who gave their lives for freedom. “They took it upon themselves to ensure that we could be here celebrating emancipation,” he told the gathering at the Civic Centre.
Among the highlights of the Emancipation celebrations were the reading of the proclamation heralding emancipation and the abolition of slavery in Jamaica by president of the St James Lay Magistrates Association, Joseph Williams. The midnight proclamation was immediately followed by the sounds of Noel Dexter’s Freedom Song.
Other memorable performances included Prince Teebo’s “fire dance” and dinki mini dance by the Mahogany dancers.
