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Words by Tasha Brown—
British director Keith Musaman Morton and Trini-American producer Charysse Tia Harper are on a mission to share the story of the steelpan in their new film project, Panomundo. Panomundo (the title is a combination of steelpan and the Spanish word mundo, which translates to world) is set to be showcased in 2013, but the directors have already issued a seven-minute promo video online to give viewers a taste of the film to come.
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Words by Jason “J-Rockaz” Orford
A little more than a month ago, I caught a stageshow in my home town of East Flatbush, Brooklyn held at Nazareth High School (Go Kingsmen!) and organized by CPR (The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music)–a nonprofit that works to preserve the artform and its traditional message of healing and unity. The star of the night was the Legendary Jamaican Deejay Big Youth a.k.a. Jah Youth. I shook hands with the veteran artist and met his son, who is gearing up for his own musical career. In the 1978/79 cult classic film Rockers, which prophetically showcased Rastafarian culture and its musical ambassadors–including the late Gregory Isaacs–Youth has a cameo where, smiling with his golden grill and slapping a soulful five, he delivers these words of encouragement to the protagonist, (Leroy ‘Horsemouth’ Wallace, another legendary talent), “Blow the Big Guy’s mind!” A brief moment, the shot nevertheless conveys the spirit of upliftment–familiarly known as a big up or a bless up–that is at the heart of the film and the movement. (Read more and watch the trailer after the jump).
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Words, Photos and Video by Martei Korley
[UPDATE: LargeUp is presenting the official US premiere of Better Mus Come at Lincoln Center on Feb. 16, 2012. Get your tickets and more info here.] I first met Storm while on assignment in Kingston for Trace Magazine‘s Jamaica issue, by the pool of the Hilton Hotel. Surrounded by cool creative people, the summer of ’05 lent its own special magic to the scene. Jah Cure had a top song in rotation on Hot 97, and Turbulence was storming up international charts with 77Klash’s groundbreaking punk-infused production on “Notorious.” Storm’s casual and humble demeanor belied his talent, but such is often the case with truly gifted people. He contributed a stellar photo of then Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mark Shields for the issue. Very memorable indeed, and in hindsight a precursor of greater things to come.
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Words by Eddie STATS Houghton, Images courtesy of Storm Saulter
Our dog Storm Saulter–he’s the director of Better Must Come, but dancehall fans may also recognize him as the guy who shot Vybz Kartel against a wall of clocks–just put us up on this new blog. Basically it’s where he and a network of collaborators are documenting their in progress film work under the banner: New Caribbean Cinema (New Wave. New Styles. New Directors!) Aspiring Perry Henzells can check it to find out about screenings, resources and kindred spirits doing the damn thing. If you’re mere mortals like we-folks, just check out exclusives like the opening sequence of Missed–Storm’s new collaboration with Michelle Serieux, featuring Spike-affiliated leading man Roger Guenveur Smith.
