Blacker Warns Chaka Chaka Jamaicans
Blacker, who epitomises the phrase, Young, Gifted and Black, is whipping up another whopper, some 12 years after Bun Him, a collaboration with Macka Diamond became an anthem in dancehall arena.
This time the Portmore son, a reminder of a Sidney Poitier’s black consciousness, is pushing lyrical fire on Jamaicans who are using Tik-Tok to promote slackness and disorderly conduct.
The song titled, Tok Tok Chaka Chaka, is expected to be released in another two weeks; a joint production of Outfytt Records / I.W.A.A.D music LLC.
In an interview with Vision Caribbean, Blacker bemoans the lack of pride displayed by some Jamaicans.”Too many of us are using Tik-Tok to promote negativity.
“Just imagine a mother posting her ten year-old daughter dancing and singing raunchy songs, or uttering indecent language. This is promoting the chaka chaka side of life in Jamaica.
Tik Tok, a Chinese creation, is a format for creating, sharing, discovering short videos. The app is used by young people as an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy and lip-syncing, and allows users to create videos and shows.
However, it can be harmful to children who are open to negative and harsh comments.
Chaka chaka, an adjective, is a Jamaican slang. Folklorist and poet the Hon. Louise Bennett-Coverley uses Chaka Chaka in her poems and story-telling to describe one’s mode of dress and speech.
According to Blacker, “the idea of the song came to light after I went on Tik Tok and discovered a girl posting an outrageous posting. I immediately posted my disappointment. But, instead of feeling ashamed, the girl went on Tik Tok to say how much she loves nastiness which she can stomach.
I was so astonished to know this was her reaction, having recalled that over the years we have been using Tik Tok to promote the worst side of Jamaica. These include gruesome scenes of crime, immorality with children displaying aspects of nakedness.
“I wanted a female to introduce the song, and that girl was Anna Thickas who has this compelling voice, to ask:
“My girl! A wha dat yu a post pon Tik Tok? Yu forget seh yu got kids, U want people fi chat?”
Blacker then wrote the rest of the song.
Shaka Pow, the Outfit Boss, one of the producers, states that, “the riddim Is a remake of the Young Gal Business done by King Jammy’s in the nineties. It captures the true essence of dancehall and has features of Reggaeton and Afrobeat, all wrapped up in one.”
Blacker, born Donovan Blackwood, grew up in Western Kingston, and attended Kingston College, one of the best traditional high schools in the Caribbean. There he began to perform at the school’s annual May Fairs.
His earthy lyrics and humorous slangs earned him much respect from adults and his peers.
“I can safely say Rory from Stone Love sound system gave me the opportunity to do dub-plates.”
Blacker became media-friendly and was a favourite among children. “I began to do shows abroad, while sustaining my popularity at home with my own show, Blacker Top 20 Charts, on JACS television.”
After a low profile, Blacker made a resounding turn- around with “Bun Him”, a collaboration with Macka Diamond.
“I became everything sweet for the girls; the song is always fresh and relevant whenever it is played.”
Blacker also hosts his own Blacker Top 20 chart on Flow channel 100, Saturdays from 10: 00 pm to midnight, with repeats on two days – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
