The newly formed F.O.R.W.A.R.D. (Foundation Of Rastafari Willing And Ready to Dominate) out of Temple Yard, joined forces to celebrate Afrikan Liberation Day which was on Wednesday, May 25 and raised funds for the devastated vendors of the fire last month and to assist in rebuilding and reimaging the site, which will include a ‘truthary’ (library) and resource centre.
A small but committed crowd gathered at the Israel Lovell Foundation, to be entertained by the who’s who of Barbadian reggae artistes, spanning several generations, some appearing by special request, they used word, song and dance to express their love for their community.
Albert Olton, who has been on the music scene in Barbados for decades, and his Revalayshun Band provided accomplished backing for the many artistes that donated their time and talent to the cause.
From 9 p.m. ‘til dawn, the Ivy was jumping to the reggae rhymes of talents like Supa Reuben and new ones like empress Sensi Love and Lion Empress, who came with selfpenned works like ‘Fire Blaze’ and ‘Royal Balance’ respectively. Red Star Lion impressed and the Original Twin Man has matured artistically and gave a strong performance, with original tunes Yodding Out and Changing Times.
Jamal Browne, who drums for Buggy, Kite and Xerox (a Kite tribute band) mesmerized with his syncopated musical journey of rhythm, revealing that the drum is more than a tool for keeping time. Melody Man, with songs called King of Zion and Your Joy from his CD Love and Life, showed he is a class act, full of energy and sweet tones.
With natural wines and juices on sale, all proceeds went towards the fund-raising effort. Donations can still be made directly at Temple Yard itself.
