Poets speak out on Libya
Deejay-poets LSX, have blasted the western military intervention in Libya. During the group’s headline performance at the Poetry Society of Jamaica’s (PSJ) monthly fellowship last Tuesday, the group made their position on the matter known.
“The western societies are infiltrating eastern societies under the guise of caring for the peoples issues but their only concern is oil,” stated member Sage who wore a keffiyeh or Arab scarf and aviation jumpsuit.
The group started its one-hour set with an adaptation of Tracy Chapman’s Revolution. The set was divided into two segments showcasing existing dub-poetry and newer dancehall-poetry. LSX is an acronym for its members Lynch, Sage and Xavier. In 2007 they along with other respected poets were featured in a poetry series for the US based BET J network. Since then their vocal style has morphed dub and dancehall. Whilst their lyrical content speaks of sex and consciousness.
“Lipstick/ hot-chick/ undo your bandoo I uncross your legs/ you make me stand up like a magnum/traced with a redbull/ of all the girls in the circle/ you give me a rectangle,” dubbed Lynch.
The North Atlantic Treat Organisation (NATO) allies decided on March 27 to assume control of the entire military operation in Libya under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973, according to its online site. “The purpose of ‘Operation Unified Protector’ is to protect civilians and civilian-populated areas under threat of attack. NATO will implement all military aspects of the UN Resolution,” stated NATO press release.
However the move has been criticised as selective intervention into the affairs of a sovereign nation. The Poetry Society of Jamaica (PSJ) hosts a public monthly fellowship every last Tuesday at Edna Manley College in Kingston. PSJ directors include Mbala, Tommy Ricketts, host Yashika Graham were present amidst some 40 patrons. The show represented LSX’s first headlining performance at the PSJ as a group. However both Sage and Lynch have individually featured in the past.
LSX also urged patrons and the authorities to support the arts.
— Steven Jackson
