‘We knew we had to add to the voice against oppression’
On Mandela Day, Carlene Davis reflects on anti-apartheid activist and her songs for the cause
As the world commemorates Mandela Day on Friday, Tommy Cowan and his wife Dr Carlene Davis are reflecting on the multiple songs that they have worked on over the years as odes to the former South African president’s contribution to peace and freedom.
A part of the celebration will be an event by the Rotary Club of New Kingston dubbed ‘Odes to Nelson Mandela – The Inspiration & The Impact.’
“We knew we had to add to the voice against oppression, prejudice and the fight for equal rights and justice. However, when we became aware of the life and challenges of Winnie Mandela at the time and maybe still, women are struggling to discover who they are, where they are in the family and especially in their community. Here she is, a woman ready to defy all odds in the defense of her husband who is serving a life sentence for this very fight against an oppressive regime call apartheid, as written in her autobiography A Part of My Soul Went Went Him. That’s the inspiration that got us started with the song Winnie Mandela,” Cowan told the Jamaica Observer.
Singer Carlene Davis greeting Winnie Mandela (right) during Mandela’s one-day visit to Jamaica in 1991. Looking on is Parlimentarian Portia Simpson Miller, a member of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs.
Davis is known as one the first woman of reggae to have honoured Winnie Mandela with her 1987 recording of Winnie Mandela.
Each of Davis’ songs were enhanced by videos beginning with Winnie Mandela; followed by Welcome Home Mr Mandela after Nelson Mandela’s release from prison; then, with the inauguration to his presidency, Rise Up; and, following his passing, Thank You Mr Mandela.
She shared how impactful it was to have met Mrs Mandela.
“First of all, the system of racial apartheid had been going on for so long, I never thought I would live to see South Africa free from this horrible regime. After Nelson was released from prison and they made their first visit to Jamaica, the entire island was fired up for their arrival including our singers and players of instruments.
“When I was given the opportunity to sing the song in tribute to his release, Welcome Home Mr Mandela, on their arrival in Kingston to a jammed packed National Stadium, it was such a thrill. My meeting Winnie was so inspiring, I’ll never forget that moment when we embraced each other, she whispered and said, ‘Thank you for your songs, music like yours kept us believing’,” Davis told the Observer.
Nelson Mandela died July 18, 2013 at age of 95, while Winnie Mandela died April 2, 2018 at 81 years old.
Davis has attended celebrations on the life of Nelson Mandela including Gracie Mansion residence by former mayor of NYC, David Dinkins, New York City’s first African American mayor.
Adding that the opportunity to share their recollections of the extensive work done to hail Mandela is a privilege, Davis said that she is pleased to use her platform as a tool to inspire positivity.
“Reggae music is a gift from the Most High God, my husband and I are a team and we are privileged to see the purpose of reggae is more than entertainment; it is to spread God’s love. It is to look into ways we deal with humanity, equal rights and justice. Uniting people of all race, class, colour or religion. Let us use music to better the world,” she said.
