I won’t share personal messages, but this thought I just sent to Anthony Cameron AKA Anthony Red Rose, is an exception. This was my reply tonight.
I have had this song that came to me on guitar in 2009 that was this African sounding hybrid.
It was like an expression of a style that did not yet exist yet, but it was grounded in something ancient. It’s what Taj Mahal would call the ancestors. It’s how he kept making things so fresh, from old ingredients. The Ancestors.
I wrote,
“I actually have had a song since 2009 in my pocket called ‘Fadda’ and it sounds quite African, but not quite African.
When I heard you referenced as ‘Fadda’ on the streets of Kingston, I knew that might be one of the best songs I could possibly bring to you. A good song about honoring the ancestors and those father figures in that line of succession that brought you to the light. Like ‘Free Your Mind’ this is another great message Jamaica can project, like I could never do so on my own.
When you first told me about King Tubby and your first hit ‘Tempo’ my mind sparked.
I see such strong bonds and loyalty in Jamaican culture and music, because of father figures. Like I saw this first hand with Chinna and Squidly ColeChristopher Meredith.
To be a part of this family and Jamaican story in some way is the greatest honor.”
When my Mom’s DNA test came up with surprises like Bantu in the territory of the Zulu, I wonder if my extraordinary experiences in Jamaica was not a fluke at all. Maybe I was meant to bring these songs to Jam Rock in an echo of the great Diaspora. Two of my grandparents were born in the West Indies, bred by the grace of the African Creole and Mestizo melting pot of Puerto Rico.
Maybe all songs that truly resonate with us are just echoes, reflecting on the consciousness of anyone who lives or ever has lived. This is my time to sing these songs for The Ancestors to those that live. By the grace of sound recordings, to those not yet born.
I am just an echo. Someday I will be the Ancestor.
I am bringing the song ‘Fadda’ to Red Rose.
Davin’s new song has been released and has become a global earworm and Caribbean dancehall hit. Listen here on Reggaeville: DAVIN MICHAEL STEDMAN & ANTHONY RED ROSE – FREE YOUR MIND FEAT. SLY & ROBBIE WITH LENKY MARSDEN. The video is now available on Youtube.
– Musician and writer Davin Michael Stedman has many ventures, such as the AMAZING blog, 100milesofmusic.com, and is one of the driving forces behind the Staxx Brothers. This past spring he spent weeks networking in and reporting from Kingston, Jamaica. He will return there soon for more recording. His single with British band Sherlock Soul is now available as well.
