I am so proud that Miss Jamaica won the Miss World 2019 title for obvious reasons...I'm Jamaican😊
She has an incredible singing voice! did you hear her sing the Whitney Houston song during the competition? I enjoyed it more because she didn't try to sing the song like Whitney, she gave her own unique voice with power and grace. Beautiful.
My heart was most touched when Miss Nigeria who was in the final 5 along with Miss Jamaica, jumped, screamed and celebrated with such heartfelt joy at the announcement of Miss Jamaica being the winner. I mean, did you see it? Even if you didn't watch the pageant, that moment has been replayed on just about every major network news program. In my heart and I know many others share the same sentiment, Miss Nigeria IS A WINNER.
Miss Nigeria won my heart with a selfless joy to a competitor's win.
Miss Nigeria won my heart with not holding back her emotions regardless of the spotlight.
Miss Nigeria won my heart for the love she showed to my Country Woman
Miss Nigeria has taught us many lessons......Your win is my win, your success is my success, I will celebrate with full joy in your time of celebration.
We (you and I) are lights to the world to ignite inspiration, ignite genuine support, ignite unity in our world. We make up the World, We need each other and we can make the World a better place, you and me.
I am so upset that I didn't know about the Miss Universe pageant airing last night!
I normally like to watch this event because Jamaica always sends a representative to compete and I love to support my people.
But this time it missed me and after logging on I see that Miss Jamaica made the top 3 finals!!!!
I've been scouring the Internet trying to view glimpses of the show and I've caught a few here and there.
I am so proud of my fellow County Woman because not only is she beautiful and intelligent, she wore her natural hair out in an Afro style; My people!!! Confidence, not allowing the norm, and societal pressures, standards and expectations to recoil or hide her natural hair.
I am beyond proud and today join with thousands to congratulate Miss Jamaica from the 2017 Miss Universe Pageant. I know she didn't Win the crown but she WON in many hearts.
Long time since I've posted a Cultural Expression post. As expressed previously I am from the beautiful Island of Jamaica and I occasionally share posts related to Jamaica and Jamaicans.
Well, today is an occasion where I want to BIG UP Usain Bolt!!! Three time Olympic champion, holding several gold medals for 100 and 200 meter races. For the past three Olympic games and has won a total of 8 Olympic Gold Medals.
I truly enjoy his 'persona' as he plays and relates with others and certainly his 'showman' style as he celebrates his victories.
This is Usain's final Olympics as he plans to retire after the Rio games. So very proud of his accomplishments and how he has represented Jamaica during his Career.
The song in the video below reminds me of how Usain has lived out his dream and accomplished his goals as a Track and Field Legend.
My Dream/Look at me now
Artist: Nesbeth
Blessings....Big Up Yuhself USAIN........Jamaica to the World.
For anyone who has been following/reading my blog over the years, you would know that my Mommy and I have a very close relationship. I have paid many tributes to her in several posts over the years.
This year however, as Mother's Day approaches, I wanted to share with you from a drama perspective of what the typical Jamaican Mother is like most especially when raising teenaged children.
Jamaican Mothers are typically loving and protective of their children. HOWEVER when our Mothers get MadVex ANGRY with you as a child it's a different story all together. The experiences and relationships are different when we get older though.
Can you identify and or relate to any of the common themes in the video from your experience growing up?
Raising children is no easy task; May God strengthen and bless all Mother's around the World doing their best and beyond to love and train thier children.
United States President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Jamaica today.
Former President Ronald Reagan was the last US President who visited the island in an official capacity 33 years ago.
President Obama's agenda includes meeting with Jamaica's Prime Minister, as well as several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders; Laying a wreath to honour veterans of World War I and World War II; President Obama is also scheduled to host the President’s Town Hall forum with Caribbean and Regional Young Leaders.
Although I am disappointed with some of the policies President Obama has established during his term thus far; I am happy and proud to have lived in this lifetime to witness a relatively unknown black man with a correct African name become President of America.
In 2013 Mr. Obama's Presidency term coincided with the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed by Former President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 which proclaimed the freedom of all slaves.
The US also just recently acknowledged the 50th Anniversary of "Selma" also known as Bloody Sunday, where black people were beaten brutally when they decided to peacefully march across a bridge in Selma Alabama to protest their right to vote (can you imagine that just 50 years ago black people in America did not have the right to vote?). Again this historic commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Selma event took place during President Obama's term in office and he was a keynote speaker at the event held just this year in 2015.
All these are no coincidences in my mind as the bible states in Daniel 2:20-21(Message Bible)
Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: He changes the seasons and guides history,He raises up kings and also brings them down
I am convinced Mr. Obama becoming President was nothing short of a a Divine appointment, timely arranged by our Heavenly Kingdom.
Back to the main topic; It is an honor to have Barack Obama the 44th and current President of the United States of America visit my home Country Jamaica in an official capacity.
May his short visit be productive and Safe; May economically beneficial relationships be established with the Caribbean Countries for economic growth and development.
This is just a brief pause from our regular scheduled programming to vent my utter disappointment, disgust, and grief along with the rest of the World that Miss Jamaica did not Win Miss Universe.
I join the ranks with those protesting on facebook and twitter and every social medium to let Miss Jamaica and the world know that she WON, she IS Miss Universe in our book. I just can't believe these people!!!......How dare they?!
Listen below to how upset the crowd (as the rest of the sane world shared the same sentiments) when they "placed" her 4th runner up. The crowd was up roared BOOOOOOOing like crazy, not at the contestant, they BOOOOOOOOOOOOed the Judges.
I went on the Miss Universe Facebook page and it was overwhelmed with thousands of comments in disappointment and disbelief from all over the world that Miss Jamaica did not win or at least place 2nd runner up.
Excuse my frustrations, I know that there must be some lesson in this and I'm really digging deep to find what spiritual lessons we can take from this tragedy. I'll be thinking about what I can learn from this in a spiritual sense, until the revelation comes to me, please share any lessons you may take from this and help soothe my troubled heart.
Miss Jamaica Universe, you represented very well.... class, beauty, intellect.
Keep smiling Keci Fennell The World Chose you....
Kaci Returns to Jamaica
(Jamaica Gleaner)
P.s. Congrats Miss Nigeria for winning Ms. Congeniality
Even though I came to America when I was 11 years old, I have been able to preserve some nostalgic memories of Christmas time in Jamaica as a little girl that warms my heart remembering them.
These memories just bring back the vibes that were in the "air" during those times like my nuclear family traditions, the Jamaican/Reggae Christmas music playing on the radio, smell of food cooking for Christmas dinner, specific drinks and just the overall happiness, joy and excitement that was felt and seen all around during this time of year.
I especially remember my Mother always making roast beef where she would cut holes all over the beef and inject her seasoning blend of fresh garlic, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper etc. The aroma that filled the house was mmmmmmm so good and the meal was always mouth watering delicious.
I remember crates of 'irated water' (as my mom calls soda) with various flavors at home. They were the popular Jamaican brand D&G, back in then the soda bottles were tall and resembled the classic Coca-Cola bottles. I could drink as many and as often as I wanted. This only happened at this time of year though we didn't really drink soda during the year only a once in a while for a treat.
As with all cultures, each family/individual has their own unique traditions within a cultural unit, however there are some common constants that I will share about a typical Jamaican Christmas.
Below is a list of the common constants for a "Jamaican Christmas"
"Out of many one people" is the Jamaican motto. The fact is that Jamaican people are made up of a variety of ethnic descents. The majority of Jamaicans though are in fact from West African ancestry. The historical accounts of how Jamaicans gained freedom from slavery is awesome and testifies to the general warrior and sometimes rebellious determined spirit many carry with them today.
Other demographics of Jamaicans are from the following descents Indian, Chinese, German, Jewish and European and there are a lot of Jamaicans who's heritage is a mixture from some or all of these categories. Because we don't have an ethnic/tribalism culture, as irrespective of the ethnic genealogy, the common culture is the same. As a result, there are a lot of mixed raced relationships/marriages that produces mixed offspring.
The Motto Out of Many One people aptly fits the description of Jamaicans because from my view and experience we live, eat, talk, and experience life generally the same way; We don't have ethnic disputes or disparities other countries experience and I LOVE that about Jamaica and Jamaicans.
Lets slash some stereotypes one may have about Jamaicans shall we?
Top 10 Jamaican Stereotypes
P.S. I'm one of those who don't eat pork and I'm not rasta #7(You'll get what it if you wathch the video)
There are many notable Jamaicans and individuals with Jamaican parentage that are well known that you may or may not have known they are Jamaican or of Jamaican parentage.
Here are a few:
General Colin Powell- First Black person appointed as Secretary of State in the United States Government during President Bush two terms and so far the first and only black person having served as Joint Chief of staff.
Kerry Washington- her mother is Jamaican from a mixed-race background She is related to Colin Powell through her mother.
Naomi Campbell- International Model; Naomi Campbell is of African-Jamaican descent, as well as of Chinese Jamaican ancestry through her paternal grandmother, who carried the family name Ming.
Madge Sinclair- Actress. She played the mother of Eddie Murphy in Coming to America. She died of leukemia in 1995. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered in her hometown in Jamaica.
Corbin Bleu-actor, model, dancer, producer and singer-songwriter of Jamaican-Italian heritage. He performed in the High School Musical film series, the Discovery Kids drama series.
Lester Holt- News journalist who anchors Dateline NBC and the Weekend editions of NBC's Today, (Weekend Today) and NBC Nightly News in Brian Williams absence . Holt is of Jamaican descent on his mother's side
Lester and Jenna both news Journalist tracing their roots in Jamaica.
Tessanne Chinn- is a Jamaican recording artist, best known for winning Season 5 of NBC's reality TV singing competition The Voice as part of Adam Levine's team.
Tessanne Chinn
Robert Nesta Marley- born on the farm of his maternal grandfather in Jamaica, to Norval Sinclair Marley and Cedella Booker. Norval Marley was a European-Jamaican of British heritage.
This is the end of a brief synopsis of Jamaicans my dear friends. Hope you enjoyed.
I wish we brothers and sisters of the world would/could live as one with one heart to love, care and be kind to one another. This dream will be realised one day when God comes in the earth made new.
Nyam means eat. The word originates from our ancestral roots somewhere in West Africa. Look out for a future post on the people of Jamaica where I'll discuss who we are, our history and ancestral roots.
Today's post however is about Jamaican food!!! I'm going to talk about a few dishes and in future post highlight some pastries/deserts, drinks that are unique to the Jamaican cuisine.
The average person when they hear Jamaican food most likely thinks of Jerk, curry goat/chicken, Oxtail or rice and peas. There is SO much more to the Jamaican cuisine and I'll take the time to highlight a few outside of this bracket.
One thing I dream about when I miss home is the FOOD.
Below are a few highlights:
Ackee:
Various sources state the ackee tree is indigenous to West Africa and was imported to Jamaica in the 1700's on a slave ship.
Ackee is derived from the original name Ankye which comes from the Twi language of Ghana. (If you are from West Africa, have you seen this tree before? just curious)
Ackee cooked with salt fish is the National dish of Jamaica.
Traditionally eaten with Jamaican side items such as boiled or fried dumpling, boiled yam, green bananas, fried or roasted breadfruit.
Stew peas has gown to be one of my favorite Jamaican food to eat. It is a red kidney been stew that is so comforting and aromatic. My mouth is watering now just thinking about the smell...........
This one is basically just a listening experience..... There are a lot of Jamaican gospel artist with lots of song selections, this is just a small sampling.
Hope you enjoy the various styles of Jamaican Gospel music below.
I would love to hear which song/artist you enjoyed the most.
*Some of the videos below are music videos others are just the music with various pictures.
Majesty------Grace Thrillers
Grace Thrillers is one of Jamaica's favorite gospel groups
How Great is Our God-----Sherwin Gardner
Hear My Cry Oh Lord------Marvia Providence Praise and Worship style gospel singer
Mi Bless-------Jabez (song starts at 0:19 filmed in US and Jamaica)
Mi Daddy Oh------Judith Gyle
Stand by Me----Purity Gospel Singers
King David------Kukudoo
I'd love to hear your thoughts on which song/artist you enjoyed the most? You can check them out on the internet for additional songs from these gospel singers and more.
P.S I posted a Jamaican gospel video in this Post :-)
Greetings! did you enjoy the last feature? Today, I'm going to talk about the accent and dialect of Jamaica.
The Jamaican accent is what you hear when a Jamaican speaks (English or Patois).
English is the official language of Jamaica; It is taught in schools and everyone speaks English. Some individuals however may have a better command of English than others for various reasons such as education, socio-economic status, socialization etc.
There is however a dialect that we speak that is called Patois (pronounced: Pat- Wah). Patwah shares some similarities to West African Pidgin.
One short example:
Pidgin: una
Patwa: unu (you plural; you all)
Unu wait fi mi (everybody or you all wait for me).
Patwa also has a funny/humorous connotation, it's not uncommon to see or hear people talk patwa and laugh while talking or the other party laugh while listening. It's not that the subject is funny per se, but how the person speaks and enunciates certain terms/words or the expressions used while speaking patwa that often makes it funny.
Accent and Patwa Clarifications:
The Jamaican accent and Patwa varies from region to region in Jamaica.
In America for example, a New York accent sounds different from a Texas accent while both speaking English in the united States. Would you agree with me? It's just the same with the Jamaican accent and Patwa. Someone from one region in Jamaica lets say Country (rural, sub-rural, rural-rural) area will sound differently from someone from Town (urban, sub-urban) areas. Someone educated through higher levels in the Country will sound different from someone not highly educated in the Country and the same with town educated and town limited education. You follow?
Also, in addition to education, family background, socio-economics also adds a variation to your 'sound'/accent and the variation of patwa that you speak. All in all though a Jamaican can always identify another Jamaican through speech regardless.
I have included two links; Feel free to check out the link to a 'YouTuber' that explains and demonstrates the nuances of the Jamaican 'Talk' Jamaican Sinting; Also these twin Jamaicans See2twintoo who talk about their everyday life etc;They have an 'uptown' Jamaican accent.
It's a beautiful accent as I have been told. I still have it and the patwa down good good (It is a part of the fabric of what makes me ME).
The viedo below is a morning program 'Smile Jamaica' on Jamaican TV. You can hear a variation of the Jamaican accent as the male host interjects Patwa while speaking, the female host and the interviewee sound a little differently.
The video below is a segment from the Jamaican TV youth program called 'Talk Up Yout' where they travel to schools throughout the island and discuss various issues affecting the youth....You'll hear a cross section of the Jamaican accent here as well.
Stay tuned for more topics in future editions. Thanks for reading and watching.
Every now and then I will share something from my culture with you through 'Favored' Cultural Expressions. It may be a song, information or a discussion topic on something do to with Jamaican life, culture, food, music, language or addressing any generalizations or misconceptions one may have about Jamaica, Jamaicans etc.
Today, I want to present to you Roots Reggae.
Reggae has different genres (did you know that?) check out this Link for a description of the differences. The songs I'm introducing would be classified as Roots Reggae because it has a distinct message along with the style in which the song is sung. Mostly roots reggae is sung by Rastafarians and has some message that may include situations or circumstances people face due to politics, love, family life, or be based on some reference to Africa, peace, "Babylon", things like that.
I've posted two Roots Reggae songs below
The first is Untold Stories, its about life and the economy and It's effects on people. My favorite part is " When mama spend her last and send you go class...... never you ever play"
Untold Stories by Buju Banton
This second one is titled Daddy. It's message is about abuse. Queen Ifrica addressed the issue of sexual abuse in this song.
Daddy by Queen Ifrica
Did you enjoy this feature? Look out for various topics in future editions of 'Favored' Cultural Expressions. :-)
Are you surprised? I felt the need to share this part of myself with you. The beauty is that regardless of our origins we are still brothers and sisters in Love (Christ).
Are you disapointed that I'm not Nigerian?
My closest friends in recent years are Nigerian and Ghanaian.
Baby Benjamin's parents are Nigerian, well respected in their "community"/associations, that tells you how close we are to the point were I'll be the God mother to their child. They are my brother and sister. It's not unusual for us to end a conversation with "love you". Truly "Philadelphia" defines our friendship which was orchastrated by God himself.
I was a member of the African Students Association in Undergrad....I assisted my African friends with starting the organization. We had lots of fun....great memories and this is where my introduction to "Nigeria" began. Fun times......
"One Love...One Heart.....Let's get together and feel alright" Bob Marley
