MADE IN JAMAICA proposes to explain and analyse the birth of reggae music and Rastafarism, which is strongly linked to it, its evolution and the new trend of ragga dancehall music, more rude, offensive and violent than its predecessor. With the presence of Gregory Isaacs, Third world, Bunny Wailers, for the reggae part; and Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, Capleton, Elephant man and Bounty killer for the ragga part, the casting couldn’t have been more complete and entertaining.
“Reggae music is life, reggae music is love, reggae music is salvation, reggae music is redemption” said one of the protagonists. The evolution of reggae music is told by new and old representatives of the movement and the documentary offers a perfect mix between history, musical scenes, entertaining and quotations. It permits to understand the philosophy of the movement throughout the eyes of its symbols, who represent the “JAMAICAN DREAM”.
How this little island deeply marked by the print of slavery managed to be heard all over the world, creating a new music style, and a new philosophy, that was to become such a huge phenomenon? The film starts with the murder of one of the most famous stars of the ragga movement in the country, Bogle. spectators already understand that they will see a disturbing movie, that is going to make them forget all their prejudices about reggae music, supposed to be full of love and tolerant lyrics.
From Marcus Garvey to Bob Marley, from the struggle against slavery to the furious parties of Kingston, the movie perfectly draws the sliding from emancipation and redemption lyrics, on soft and slow rhythms, spiced by the particular voices of reggae legends, to the violent, sexist and sometimes racist lyrics, on loud, energetic and disorganised rhythms of ragga music. Jamaica is described as a poor island, whose youth remains bored and losing hope and goal.
Even if the conclusion is rude and sad, MADE IN JAMAICA is a movie to see and to listen! The CD MADE IN JAMAICA is full of excellent songs, often in live, and gather ones of the most successful singers of reggae and ragga. We particularly advice to listen to the perfect “96 degrees in the shade” from Third World, the unforgettable “54-46 was my number” from toots and the Maytals, and the genius “temptation” from Gregory Isaacs. For the ragga part, let’s dance on “can’t breathe” from Tanya Stephens, or “Jah is my everything” by Capleton. So immerse in the roots and present of reggae and ragga music and enjoy!
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