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Johnny Clarke: Respect Creation Rebel



Image: VP Music Group

Johnny Clarke presents Creation Rebel, a roots, rock, and dub reggae album. Released by VP Music Group’s 17 North Parade label, July 2018, this compilation album features thirty renowned works of Clarke. Meticulously curated by Chris O’Brien of Greensleeves Record, this collectible includes milestone achievements as “None Shall Escape”, “African Roots,” “Cold I Up,” and “Don’t Want to Be No Rude Boy,” "Jah Love Is With I," "Bad Days Are Going," and “Commercial Locks,” featuring Dillinger.

Reggae music are the peoples national anthem, the great orator of reality. And as with the evolution of reggae music during the 70s and 80s, this album is a historical cultural and musical anthology of the people, place, and social spaces that have shaped reggae and its deviant sibling dancehall. Narrated by Clarke, one of the prolific pioneers of reggae music, this production represents the organic roots of excellence in musicality and song writing as social commentary. For the people living large after enduring the storm or those fighting for survival, here is a companion set to the good book, a functional musical guide featuring the evolution of discourse in pursuit of justice and equality.


Image: Jamaica Observer

Clarke is a strong root in the cultural and musical foundation of reggae music. While art and culture share the same space, so does the character of the artist and what he produces. Especially during the earlier days of recording, digitization and complex arrangement was not available to mask the character of the artist. Therefore, the audience had the opportunity to see the real man in the dance, on the road, and perhaps living next door. And fortunately for the culture during that era and today, from Jamaica to the roots of Africa, we have Clarke, a gifted songwriter, vocalist, and instrumentalist.

But what intrigues the ear is his confident and smooth delivery, patient, informed, and secure, like his character. No need to rush to center stage with social and musical upheaval (bangarang), Clarke gives space for everyone to share their tale. Calm, settled, observant, and keenly aware of timing, his talent is a testimony of reality. Because intelligence, sound judgement and a lived experience is the foundation of his proficiency, innate skills that never fade away. And this unique set of skills is rare and potent, and when it is transferred to the musical sphere it is appropriately volatile in producing lasting success.

As we listen to "Jah Love Is With I," we are culturally and musically kindled to take on this positive vibe. To learn the universal lesson of reggae, which informs us to take an honorable path in the dance and in the street, at home and in distant places. And most importantly learn to move to the rhythm of life like Johnny Clarke because it will only take us to the sweetest of places and shared spaces. ©

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