On Sunday the Jamaican Gleaner had an article titled “Reggae album sales plummett“. It gave a somber look at album sales for some of the top reggae artists. The article gave the impression the sales convey success. Actually if we measure success on the figures alone

One of the challenges we all face as we get older is being stubborn to the new way of thinking. I have friends and family in the music industry from a generation that made and sold records in Jamaica. The one thing they do not seem to get is that no one buys music anymore. Most people download their music somewhere for free (friends PC or Online). They are still convinced they need to produce the old way and sell music CD’s bucking the trend I am seeing. I am not music expert but the trend seems to be giving a way the music to have a “hit” song that eventually will leads to concerts. This eventually leads to more music being sold. The contest is not about who gets a masterfully produced CD out but who can get consumers to notice their songs first. It is who wins the Public Relations and consumer buzz in the age of the Internet.

A good example of this is the reggae tributes to Obama. I heard a few un-released songs that were quite good before Cocoa Tea released his song. The difference is that they were doing all the “technical” old school stuff of “remixing” CD art work, album covers, voiceovers etc.. Cocoa Tea went for new school. The first release sounded raw. It was sent out free download. He got the buzz and I am sure reaped the benefits in concerts across the USA.

Two days ago teenagers out of revenge set another teenager on fire. No this did not happen in Jamaica. It happened in America. A note to people who point at Jamaica and say we commit some of the most heinous crimes. We are not alone and it happens everywhere.

There has always been a raging debate about gun ownership in Jamaica. Many argue that crime would go down in Jamaica if all citizens were allowed to carry guns. I don’t have an opinion on this  as it is a very gray area. Trouble tends to follow guns and gun tend to deter trouble.

Well I think the debate may heat up again as there was a story in the Jamaican Observer where Manchester business men have formed their own Civil Defense Force to combat crime. Basically if I can’t get a gun why not pay for hired guns. Maybe the next step is the community having a co-op where everyone pools in for a community Civil Defense Force to patrol and keep the community safe. The next step after that maybe a non-profit organization that funds these Defense forces for communities. Where does it all end once it starts. Do we go back to all citizens having the right to own a firearm.

Today, I was reading the Miami Herald about people growing their own gardens for fruits and vegetable during this tough economic time. The caption under one of the pictures in the article showed a lady picking the flower from an Hibiscus.  She used it in her salads and deserts.  Can the Hibiscus be eaten?

I thought if anyone would know it would be older Jamaicans folks I know who grew up in the country. I asked around and got nothing. Then I did a search on yahoo and google search. In some places they eat the Hibiscus.

I can’t picture eating one of the most beautiful flowers in the world.

I found this hidden gem on the Official website for the Governor General of Jamaica. A very inspiring video titled “I Believe“. A well put together video with children saying “I believe” in Jamaica. It is similar to the Obama “Yes We Can” campaign.

It’s a pity this is hidden on the website and does not seem to be getting the exposure a campaign to change minds should. I know some may say it sounds cheesy but it could be a great rallying call to Jamaican everywhere at time when it is difficult to “beleive” with the flood of negative news.

Saw this over in the Bob Marley group today. Why is it everything that is created to look like Bob Marley never does. Do we as Jamaicans need to cry fowl on this?