Songs for Shashamene

They came from London, Coventry and all parts of Oxford (including the University) to make their contribution to a clinic in Shashamane. The building of this medical centre will help to alleviate the suffering from such diseases as malaria, lassa fever and the plague. Shashamane is a town in central Ethiopia made famous by its long-established community of Rastafarians. The Oxford connection to this crucial clinic is Teddy Dan, formerly of Blackbird Leys, now resident in Shashamene.

From London came Ras Keith, a.k.a. Lionheart, with his acoustic interlude. Natty Hi Fi, featuring Tony Dread and Garvin Dan, switched off for a while so we could all receive a blessing from this elder. This grey-bearded, humble man, invited us into a spiritual cocoon, embracing us with his gift of songs and peace. Beautiful in lyric, voice and music. His guitar and voice were accompanied by the bingi drummer Ras Hugo, an Oxford resident and friend of Lionheart, instrumental in bringing him along. After these wonderful moments of debut, we shall surely be seeing more of Ras Keith in Oxfordand hearing more gems from his meditation songbook.

The Coventry contribution came from Groundation Sound, featuring Mikey Roots and Ras Simeon. These DJs enchanted us with a riveting selection of old and new roots reggae, with Simeon at the controls and Mikey on the mic. They gave us nyabingi, one drop, dub and steppers. A real treat that had us smiling, dancing and saluting the Djs. Another blessing. Another debut that will have its sequel - and others after that.

From Oxford, alongside the promoters, we had the contribution of local dancehall supremo King Lloyd: a man well known for his ragga, who enjoys his opportunities to play roots reggae. He span his favourites, including artists such as Dennis Brown, Barrington Levy and the Gladiators.

This all-day session at the Chester Arms saw the children running around and their parents relaxing. Fundraising in a time of festivities made it a very special day - as expressed by all those who gathered there. The money that Teddy will take back with him will help to cheer the people of Shashamene as they prepare to celebrate Genna (Ethiopian Christmas) on January 7th - something I was privileged to share with the people of Bahir Dar (Ethiopia’s seventh largest city) earlier this year.

On the 27th of December we assembled together - young and old, black and white - to raise our voices in songs for Shashamane.

Natty Mark Samuels (Unverified), 29/12/11

---