JAMAICAN artist Conroy Green is on a quest to build African pride in the hearts of his fellow citizens through his creations that highlight the rich heritage, history, and legacies that connect the continent and island.

“We’re Jamaicans by nationality, but on a whole, we have to consider our roots; we have to consider our past to really understand our identity, where we are today, and where we can be tomorrow,” Green told the Jamaica Observer recently.

He is among many artists involved in the Tivoli Mural Project that aims to heal the wounds of the 2010 police/military operation in search of Jamaica’s then most wanted Christopher “Dudus” Coke, that left many people dead and scores injured.

The project is in its second phase and aims to heal the community through art, covering 35,000 square feet of wall with murals that display the vibrant history of the community and Jamaica.

According to Green, his piece is located in a section of Tivoli Gardens known as ‘Africa’ because of its rich history associated with the continent’s traditions and culture.

Through his mural entitled Alkebulan, the first name given to the continent before the Europeans arrived, he said he hopes to instil African pride in the hearts of residents and rebuild their love for African culture.

“Being Jamaican, we are of African descent, most of us… Being that I’m an Afrocentric individual, most of my work is centred around that, and I would like for people, residents in the community, and even others who would see this to be reminded of who they are and to be proud of who they are,” said Green.

“Africa is one of the wealthiest continents, if not the wealthiest continent with all its resources, people, and animals, so I want to remind people of that wealth they possess with this art,” he added.

Green’s artwork is a vibrant testament to his passion. His colourful mural features the African landscape and animals. The outline of the continent is also secretly embedded in his work.

He also showcases the beauty of the African people through a woman dressed in a cultural ensemble, a nod to the continent’s title as the ‘Motherland’.

Conroy Green adding the finishing touches to his mural entitled Alkebulan. (Photo: Garfild Robinson)

Pointing to Jamaican cultural icons such as Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, Green said these are individuals who, throughout their lives, embraced their African culture and inspired others to do the same.

“Being a Jamaican is my nationality, but being African is who I am. Everything that I do, my dance, my music, my food, is African. If we consider the struggles of our people, even before independence, we will understand how valuable we are knowing that we are more than just Jamaicans,” said Green.

He argued that in today’s society, “people who identify with their Africanness are seemingly deemed backward” and he hopes to change this reality one artwork at a time.

“Though we are a nation out of many, predominantly we are African,” said Green.

“I believe as a people we have a story, we have a heritage, we have an inheritance to claim as Africans because that is who we truly are,” he said.

Speaking about the transformational power of art, Green said, “Art inspires creativity among people with its aesthetic value and its emotional value. Without art life is colourless, and with art, we learn to appreciate everything that is around us.

“People have been talking about the [mural] thus far. They have been taking pictures, and it’s not even completed. The reviews thus far are how beautiful it is, how uplifting it is, so there is the emotional aspect where people are building a sense of unity and identifying with the piece,” said Green.

He urged Jamaicans to embrace their African heritage, taking the time to dive deep into the continent’s history and how its people have shaped our culture.

“I feel like appreciating your African self is worth more than just considering nationality because it’s your blood, it’s your spirit,” said Green.