The Price of Liberation – Fighting Back

“Love don’t make no one bleed…….no-one bleed” – Cherry Natural.

The words quoted above are from the intellectual “bad gyal,” Cherry Natural, excerpt from a poem called “Fight Back” from her newest album. They struck me not just because of the context of domestic abuse which they directly describe, but the reality, that it is very important for each one of us to realize, which is that any harm that comes upon us has no roots in love.

Often when we make up your minds in absolute resoluteness, a challenge or few may come to test our resolve, to which we must respond accordingly and MUST overcome. One is left to decide when it comes, whether to retreat or go forward come “hell or high-water”.

Fortunately for those who decide to stay the course, you may leave with “scars” from the battle but you are triumphant in knowing the choice made was grounded in your greatest intuition and in your best interest.

How many who read these words are staying in some situation that no longer serves your soul’s benefit? I encourage you to the uttermost, to begin the steps which are necessary to ensure your survival and happiness. Self preservation is of the utmost significance and importance. Don’t wait or delay, for some of the most destructive things are those which we hold so close to our hearts.

If it’s a battle, build the courage to fight. Sound the alarm if necessary. Get support. It could be a job situation, a parasitic relationship, chains of depression or circumstances of poverty of the soul, whatever the “downpression”, whatever is holding you back cannot be worth the sacrifice of your wellbeing. The well be-ing and being well must be preserved.

You will survive if you decide to gain courage, be firm but also utilize wisdom. Do it now for yourself. Step out. Walk out. Run out. Fight. Fight Back. It’s better to be prepared to face the uncertain than to remain in familiar silence and pain. A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow may not be immediate, but if the choice made is executed, the tomorrow you desire will become a greater possibility.

I speak because I too have had my mountains to climb and rivers to cross and the journey is not over. I can assure you though that you are not alone. I will not accept, just will not accept, Just THIS when there is so much more. Yes, the fire will not stop burning. Don’t let your fire die.

I move continuously forward, I speak to I self as I speak to you, “Love self first, step into the unknown, you can make it on your own {separated from the downpression}” DON’T ACCEPT DEFEAT. You deserve better”, these words ringing in my spirit, I extend to you. In this moment when the burden feels the heaviest, and the journey feels long, there is strength in these words, as you partake of them. I send them to you for strength and for endurance.

Brave Hearts must assemble when the call is made.  Guidance and love on the trod.

Bliss-ed Love

Warrior Sistren

Rise of, the Album, New Name by Jah 9

-       February 26, 2013

How do I begin to even try to capture in words this deeply moving Empress of unmistakable royalty and her music?  I scarce can find words. Poet, performer, singer and I would now add a likkle DJ “inna her bones”.

The long, long awaited album launch was held at the Red Bones Café in Kingston. When I arrived, the crowd was thick, and literally shoulder-to-shoulder huddled around the small stage.

Proceedings had already gotten underway and as I joined the waiting patrons, Elise Kelly of Irie FM’s Easy Skankin show was about to announce a dance presentation but before this, two CD giveaways to very happy patrons.

Then after a brief delay, the dance presentation was done to “Inner Voice” from the album. In very short order the mixed band of talented musicians entered the stage. You know there is love and humility when one can have Chronixx be the banner (flag) man for the evening. Settled and in place, Jah 9 began her astounding performance, with “Jungle”. A very passionate showing, it was evident that this album this music this woman was all about the Most High, Jah Ras Tafari.

Next came the solid “Intentions”, the words, sound and power unmistakable identifiable and synonymous to 9’s mm, delivering musical shots to the heart of Babylon. Jah 9 then switched the concentration to “Mr. Right” and the spicy “Avocado” in tribute to all the real men latent and manifest.

I must make mention of these gifted musicians; the sound is stellar live and in living colour. It is obvious that the potency of the album comes in the intense work of not just the songstress but also the musical entourage, which consists of the greats and also the very talented. Teamwork of the highest order and producing credit should be given to Rory Gilligan of Stone Love.

As I stood almost transfixed as was most of the audience, in awe of the performance, Jah 9 continued with “Legitimate” amply supported on stage by Protoje. At this interlude, she mentioned her service to humanity as a Yoga Instructor and had the audience perform a deep breathing exercise. I thought how different but also how beneficial. This servant of the Most High carries within herself a true understanding of her place and role in this life. She encouraged all to create their destiny, by exhaling all the things that no longer serve us and retain the things that are of a deeper and higher calling. She closed her musical offering with “Mr. Preacher Man” and “New Name”.

The evening then concluded with questions from the audience to the artist and special mentions to the team producing and participating in the project. From the answers and her presence this womb-man is a servant at heart, gifted, serious but also balanced. So I went to purchase New Name having waited for this album for so long, anticipating the feast to come.

Go out and get it, this is a definite keeper for time to come, timeless. Give thanks Jah 9 and all those who have worked on the project. This really resonated. This music brings me blessing.

Oneness and Love

Warrior Sistren