THE festive season in Jamaica has already begun. It is certainly good to see that a significant number of our artistes have obtained bookings for local and international shows. I say this against the background of 2010 having been quite a challenging one for the Jamaican music industry.

There are however, some bright sparks in our cultural landscape that point the way forward and give us reason for continued hope of better days ahead. For example, Gyptian whose international career is literally booming, after some years of it seeming to have reached a plateau, with unfulfilled potential, given his incredible talent, song-writing skills and charisma. Protégé’s career too, has experienced a relative transformation from near obscurity to national headlines and successful singles. Queen Ifrica, Etana, Cherine Anderson, Stephen di Genius and Chino all continue to go from strength to strength, while being excellent cultural ambassadors of which the nation can justly be proud.

They have been able to steer their careers, absent of the kind of adverse controversies and publicity, which too often stymie the ability of our artistes to consistently tap into the international tour circuit.

The Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates continues to pursue its mandate with incredible work on behalf of its members; deepening its roots and leadership within the industry. This year, in particular, their shows have led the way in setting new standards for the industry. We all owe Frankie Campbell and his team a debt of gratitude for their unswerving dedication to providing employment opportunities and insurance benefits to that segment of our fraternity.

Over the last two months, Lenworth ‘Squeeze’ Samuels and Kingsley Cooper have joined together to produce one of the most refreshing weekly dance parties to have hit the circuit in a long time. Called 98/38, it has blasted off with some great oldies in a comfortable, laid-back environment, with excellent service. Each week Squeeze digs into his extensive catalogue and delivers many gems, mixed in his own inimitable style.

On the horizon for this month, there is a new, very innovative addition to the traditional fare. Recently, I was informed by the principals of Nanook Enterprises, that along with The Wright Agency and NSWMA, they will be producing a multi-disciplinary cultural series of events called Half Way Tree Live. This will be staged in the Mandela Park from December 13-19. The programme is family-oriented and geared towards the Christmas holidays. For the seven days, temporary infrastructure and equipment will be installed, transforming Mandela Park into a cultural mecca. The venue will be used to stage creative dances, drama, music, comedy and other cultural forms. There will be an open-air theatre, a craft, art, jewellery village, and a culture yard, all aimed at the noble cause of assisting to further entrench Jamaica’s local culture and heritage in the new generation.

Over the years, this venue has been regretfully, under-utilised. However, it was recently renovated and is beautifully maintained by the NSWMA, under the watchful eyes of that powerful, petite dynamo, Joan Gordon-Webley, who continues to amaze with what she has been able to accomplish island-wide, since taking up that office.

Speaking of which, Dr Michael Barnett has started a campaign, and has already won the active support of the Institute of Jamaica, to extend the official period during which we highlight our heritage, and celebrate our heroes, from one week to the entire month of October. This column wholeheartedly supports this thrust, after all, if we can dedicate a month to annual the celebration of Reggae, certainly our heritage deserves our national focus, for more than a week per year. Off the bat, the thought occurs to me, that so much of our pioneers and standard-bearers remain unsung, while too much of us, especially our youth, are ignorant of critical aspects of Jamaica’s contribution to world history. We could possibly devote a week to Jamaicans in the Diaspora, one week to agriculture, science and technology, one to the arts, and one to social/political achievements. This should certainly be a no-brainer for our legislators to expedite the necessary amendments to the act establishing Heritage Week, in time to implement a programme of activities commencing in 2011, as a build-up to our 50th year of Independence the ensuing year, especially when elections will be in the air.

Email:che.campbell@gmail.com