Negril.com Arts and Culture Blog

Recently, Jamaicans had their wish to meet a member of the Jackson 5 family, if not Michael Jackson, the legend, come true.

Toriano Adaryll  “Tito” Jackson, singer and guitarist himself, joined in Mello go Roun’ 2009, the official start of the country’s Independence Celebrations, held recently. Being the second eldest brother of Michael Jackson, he was the special guest of Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding.

Mello Go Roun’, inspired by the tv series ‘Ring Ding’ with Jamaica’s loved Folklorist, the former Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverly, was staged July 30, at the National Arena. Perhaps the most popular family event on the Jamaican calendar, it was a colourful package of entertainment and culture bringing more than Jamaicans on a memorable journey through Jamaica’s history. It remains one of the premier segments for celebrations’ organizer, the Jamaica Cultural Development Centre.

For Mello Go Roun, there were deliveries in speech, music drama and dance forms designed over the years. Equally indellible were the vibrant and well thought out costumes, and props which inspired much creative energy and commitment to the task at hand by the performers.

Young and old alike were nothing less than appreciative of  the unfolding of Jamaica’s history and cultural expressions, from traditional to modern day contemporary. Among the more impacting performances were the dub –poetry piece Barrel Pickney to by the Zyem Kids, and the pulsating rendition of the Dinki Mini by the Islington Cultural Club, as was anticipated by many.

See also Spectacular performances at Jamaica’s Mello go roun 2009 for more on Independence Celebrations.