Bushman returns to Reggae Spotlight with Peter Tosh Tribute

It has often been said that absence makes the heart grow fond, and the statement couldn’t be more true than when it is applied to Dwight Duncan, who is better known to reggae fans and aficionados across the globe as Bushman.

The St. Thomas, Jamaican native with the booming baritone voice has spent much of his time away from the spotlight since he released his critically acclaimed LP, Signs (2004). However, Bushman has officially returned to iTunes and record store shelves near you with an impressive musical tribute to the Mystic Man, Peter Tosh, whom he has courted numerous comparisons to over the course of his career. The new LP, released on VP Records, is entitled Bushman Sings the Bush Doctor and it features guest appearances by Tarrus Riley and Buju Banton.

Bushman managed to take some time out from his busy schedule to discuss his new project, the socio-economic aftershocks following last year’s earthquake in Haiti, and where to find some high grade marijuana with Fast Food for Thought. Whether you’re a smoker, or not, you’re about to get lifted.


Hey Bushman, I remember that I was first exposed to your music with your album Signs, which came out in 2004, and from then I’ve been a fan of your work. But I’ve always said that it seems difficult to find new music from you over the years. You don’t seem to be releasing much new music. Is that your personal preference?

Yeah, it was kind of personal. After the album Signs it took me some time to really deal with the situation. I thought that the album could have taken to the world much more than it did. It was a great work. People have disagreements but I am happy to be presenting this new project to the people.

The new album features guest appearances from Tarrus Riley and Buju, but I know that Peter Tosh has two sons who are also recording artists. Did you reach out to any of them for this project?

Yes, I reached out to Andrew, but I don’t know Tosh1. I reached out to Andrew, and we spoke more than once. Within the time that I was ready to record I couldn’t get a hold of Andrew. Like myself, Andrew is as stable as the water in a river. We can be here today, and then tomorrow we’re in another part of the world.

I had the chance to work with him at The High Times Cannabis Cup in Holland. Cannabis Cup is a marijuana contest that they have in Holland every 10 years or so. All of the best herb planters in Holland come together to determine whose herb production is the best. Over there marijuana is almost legal [Editor’s Note: it is illegal to possess and sell marijuana in Holland, but its government normally does not prosecute individuals over the age of 18 who smoke it]. You need to go there if you smoke, bredrin. Awesome! Cannabis sativa! Yeah mon!

[laughing] Actually, I don’t, but I’ll pass the word along to some people who might. Sly Dunbar, whom you worked with on this album, collaborated with Peter Tosh. Did he have any interesting stories about Peter to share with you?


Yeah and even Copeland Forbes, who managed Luciano, had stories. Copeland was Tosh’s manager at one time. He talked about when Peter was in Africa and learned to speak Swahili, which is widely spoken over there. He also talked about how Peter had problems going through airports. Peter was a no nonsense man; he was very stern, so because of that, he often had problems with the cops.

Word! If you know anything about Peter Tosh’s history, you know that he didn’t have the best relationship with the police.

Yeah mon!

A lot of people had a problem with him because of what he represented. He was very militant, and didn’t take any b.s from anyone. He was a stepping razor in the truest sense. But to digress a little bit, I want to know how you feel about the direction of reggae music today. Is it progressing? Is it stagnant? What are your thoughts?


Well the entire market is suffering, no matter what the genre of music is, but reggae is very low right now and it’s not rising. At one time five to eleven people would come together to make music. Nowadays, you have one man sitting down in front of a machine putting the drums together and playing the guitar from a digital synthesizer. That’s not how reggae was created originally. Reggae is created with 10 different minds, or six or seven different minds. They may have different styles and characters, but they have one thing in common and that is a passion for the music. So when you listen to the drum, you find seh the drum has its own character. The guitar has its own character—but they are both playing in one unity. That is what makes reggae music so organic and so spiritual. It’s the product of a collaborative effort.

It’s been over a year since the earthquake that hit Haiti, and it seems to me that many people have all but forgotten about the island. What are your thoughts on Haiti’s situation?


I was watching CNN the other day and this man, and I don’t remember his name, was saying that people come forward saying “donate this to Haiti,” or “donate that to Haiti” but nothing is happening to really help the people in Haiti! A man went down there with six thousands U.S. dollars and set up a place for about one hundred children who were homeless. So you do the math. If even $50,000 dollars was spent, there must be a drastic change. So where is all of the money going? I feel like the cults of capitalism are sweeping it all in.

What should fans expect from your new album?

Just more great music. For touring updates log on to http://www.burningbushesmusic.com/. Also look for Bushman on Twitter. Respect!

Etana explores her Freedom of Speech with new Sophomore Effort

The freedom of expression, which serves as the very foundation for all other freedoms, has never been adequate compensation for those individuals who lack talent. Fortunately for genuine lovers of great music, reggae songbird, Etana, is no such individual. The vivacious vocalist is exercising her unalienable right to mouth melodies of passion and meaning on her highly anticipated sophomore album, Free Expressions, which is scheduled for a February release.

The new project comes hot on the heels of Etana’s new digital EP, Free, which serves as a delightful appetizer for what promises to be a musically sumptuous main course meal. In the midst of promoting her new album, the petite poet from August Town Jamaica took time out of her busy schedule to participate in an exclusive interview with Fast Food for Thought. Here she discusses her two loves, which are music and life.

The title of your second album is “Free Expressions.” Has free expression been easy or difficult to come by for you?

It hasn’t been hard at all. Most of the songs on this album came about through inspiration. I think that there was a time where I’ve been like “Oh gosh, I can’t write these lyrics,” but this time they just came to me naturally.

How does this new album differ from your critically acclaimed debut?

The debut album was me introducing myself to the world. I also think that it was heavily fused with different genres of music. There was some R&B, there was also a world music vibe going on. It was me showing you that I’m multi-talented. This album is more deeply rooted in reggae, or rather, reggae soul to me. There is some soulful music on this new album. The message in the music is always there, but I think that I’m more deeply rooted in reggae this time around with some soulful music.

There are many talented singers, but not all of them write their own music. Twelve of the fourteen cuts on this new LP were written by you. So as a singer who actually writes her own music, what do you love most about writing?

You get to say what you like exactly the way your heart feels it. The words that I sing come from some place deep inside of me. It comes from a place that I can’t touch physically, and I think that that is the most beautiful thing about it.

One of the things that I’ve always noticed listening to your music is that you’re categorized as a reggae artist but your music defies classification into any genre. Are you aware of that?

I’ve heard that a couple of times. I’m happy that I can express my music the way I feel it. That’s why I call my music reggae soul, because it reflects how I feel deep down in my soul. It’s nice to work with a different beat, a different rhythm—the world is colorful. You might have the reggae drumbeat and timpani mixed with a country vibe, or take some sounds from African music and incorporate it into a reggae sound. Music should reflect our world. It’s a world mixed with all kinds of spices, colors, languages and people.

That sounds like a wise approach you have to your music, because you’re broadening your audience by feeding them what they already know they like, while at the same time exposing them to something that might be totally new. You’re helping people to expand their musical tastes which is always a good thing. In your music video for “Happy Heart,” which is a very vivid, very colorful video by the way, there was a white woman ordering your love interest around. Was she portraying Annie Palmer, the white plantation owner of Rose Hall in Jamaica?

Yes she was.


Ah! See, I just wanted to confirm that because the music video brought me to that page out of Jamaica’s history book. Did you initially have the support of your family when you decided that you wanted to pursue a career as a recording artist?


Uh….no.
What was that experience like for you?

Well, sometimes I do things that my family, relatives, or even the average man in the street might say “Okay, now she’s crazy.” My mom would say to me “You can’t believe in America. You can’t do this right now because you have a lot of things ahead of you.” But now I think that they’ve come to respect and appreciate what I do and the way that I’m doing it.

That’s beautiful Etana. What originally was your mom’s vision for you?

She wanted me to be a doctor.

Well she must be very proud of you now, because not only have you made a name for yourself, but you’re happy and the art that you put out pretty much speaks for itself. Do you own an iPod or an MP3 player?

Of course (laughs)


Well hey, I didn’t want to assume (laughs). You could’ve been the last woman besides my mom who prefers to use a discman. Are there any songs on your playlist that you’re embarrassed about?


No! (Laughs). I like Lil’ Wayne’s stuff. I like Ludacris’ “How Low Can You Go.” Growing up I loved Lady Saw. I listen to everything.


So you’re eclectic?

Yeah man!

Is there any genre of music that you can’t stand?

None in particular. I hate when people really think they’re doing something and it’s just trash.


Obviously, there are many people who know and love your music, but they don’t necessarily know you personally. Do you have any talents that you think might surprise them?

I do hair.


Yeah? When did you start and what are some of the things you can do with hair?

I’ve been doing it since high school. I can do micro braids, weaving, stuff like that.

That’s tight. So with regards to your new album, what should fans expect?


They should expect growth, not only in the lyrics, but in the recitation. There are a lot of vibes, lots of energy.


Any thoughts on the cholera outbreak in Haiti?



Retribution. Listen to that song. I think you’ll like it.

A Beautiful Mind: Miss Jamaica U.S., Diane Johnson, gets Up Close and Personal

Physical beauty is often the first gift that Mother Nature bestows upon a woman. Yet because Mother Nature is the consummate Indian Giver, it is often the first one that she takes back. If you spoke to the reigning Miss. Jamaica US, Diane Johnson, 24, she would tell you that true beauty is not found in the inviting smile on a pretty face, but in the genuine warmth that emanates from a tender and compassionate heart.


“True beauty comes from within, when a person can be gentle, understanding, kind, courteous, and honest,” says the mocha latte stunner from Montego Bay, Jamaica. “True Beauty exists when all the glamour, makeup and suits are removed. When the hair is let down the person is the same.”

Johnson has given her time and energy to several charitable causes, including Jampact, Women of Excellence Strength and Tenacity (WEST) and Mustard Seed Communities. The benevolent beauty queen recently opened up to Fast Food for Thought and shared her candid thoughts on a variety of subjects ranging from business advice for young women to maternity and more.


As the winner of a beauty pageant, one might assume that you are very good at answering questions. But have you ever been asked a question where you felt like you were challenged to find a legitimate answer?


Along the way I’ve been asked many questions of things I am familiar and unfamiliar with. If I am familiar I usually share my perspective or what I have heard or learnt about it. If I am unfamiliar I usually pose the question back in order to then learn more about the topic or issue. Life is all about learning.


Do you remember the question?


No

You have been involved with many non-profit organizations. One of them is Mustard Seed Communities, which provides assistance to disabled children in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica. Tell me about your role in the organization, and explain what makes their work important to you?


I have had just the minor role of fundraising in November of last year. It was in collaboration with Morvia Reid-Williams of Kahnami creations. We both share a passion for charity and children. I was also passionate about talking about the organization with everyone who crossed my path and still continue to do so in order to hopefully garner much support for them.


Would you allow everyone on the planet to hear your private thoughts for a day if it guaranteed that you could raise one million dollars for your favorite cause?


Yes, I honestly would. My thoughts are usually comprised of self examination and trying to see how to make the world a better place through my talents. That is my job, seeing through the eyes of understanding and compassion and I feel inspired to show people how to do the same.


Did you have both parents in the household growing up?


Yes.

How did it affect your upbringing?


It made me well-rounded and balanced and I have a lot of great examples of love and charity. I also have a strong spiritual and family base.


What is the most understated piece of advice that young women are given?


Business, Money management and investment.


Please explain.


Well, I find culturally that that info is usually discussed around men. While males are being taught about being domestic and taking care of their families and raise children. How often will a daughter be included in a discussion with her father about his business? Usually the son is in the mix. We usually have to go seek the information for ourselves.


If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose and why?


Wow! ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition .On the show they find deserving people who just don’t have the resources, ability or time to fix those serious issues without their help.


To be eligible, a family must own their own single family home and be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives. Seeing how life pays them back is amazing and being a part of making that dream come true for them would be an absolute honor.


You can select one person from history and ask them a question to which they must give an honest answer. Who would you select, and what question would you ask them?


I would choose Billie holiday. I would ask her how it felt to be an almost “passable” woman in that time of racial tension too black to be white, too white to be black. It is tension that still exists today.

Would you be willing to become extremely ugly in your physical appearance if it meant that you could live to be any age that you wanted?


I think it’s more valuable to have a short quality life being able to look approachable, than a long life where your physical appearance makes it difficult for you to be deemed approachable and hence make your efforts effective in touching someone else’s life.

If you could personally witness any event in world history, what would it be?

Jamaica’s Independence. Just to be apart of the celebration and see firsthand what that time was like culturally and socially.

You have just discovered that your wonderful three-year-old child is not yours. There was a mix up at the hospital after you gave birth. Would you want to exchange the child if you knew that you could get your biological child back?

Although I would have formed a strong bond with this child for three years the first seven years of life are the formative years and so I would want my biological child back knowing I have the opportunity to be able to spend time making the bond and return the other child back to their parents. If possible I would still hope that both families would be allowed to remain in the childrens’ life.


What do you love most about Jamaica?


I love the nature, the people, our resilience, the way things can be hard and we can find enjoyment in the smallest things. I love the way we find time for each other, the way that life doesn’t seem as stressful at the end of the day as it does here. I love our music, culture our food and festivities. I also love our dialect, our way of expressing ourselves in the phrases and dances we come up with ever so often. There is always more to discover there. It’s just a colorful and dynamic place to live and be and a wonderful place to have been born and grow up.

What do you dislike most about Jamaica?

There are challenges I wish we didn’t have in Jamaica, such as the crime, our aggressive nature to each other. I think that sometimes we seem to examine our problems in an insular way rather than look at other places for solutions. We don’t need to re-invent the wheel, because somewhere else people are having similar problems. They’ve invested in implementing things to make a change. We need to seek exposure so that our creativity won’t be stifled. If other people can see the gems in their cultures and invest in them, why aren’t we set up to do the same? Give us vision lest we perish.

What projects will you be involved in over the next few months?


Well, I am starting my own business which involves teaching clients about beauty and self esteem, empowering and training women as leaders and in business. It will be based on the principles of God First, family second, and career third.  These are the steps to a balanced life. Outside of that I am a part of the Braata folk singers whose mission is to promote Jamaican folk music throughout the Tri-state area and beyond. I'm also a part of Women of Excellence, Strength, and Tenacity (WEST) which is a group of young professional women who are involved in youth development and other community service events.



What are your long-term career goals?



I hope to go back and do my masters in the design.