MICHIGAN & SMILEY - ONE LOVE JAM DOWN

The One Love Peace Concert was in 1978 at The National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. It was held during a time of political civil war in Jamaica between opposing parties - Jamaican Labour Party and the People's National Party. The pinnacle of the concert is said to be when a certain Mr. Robert Marley joined the hands of political rivals Michael Manley (PNP) and Edward Seaga (JLP). The concert was even kicked off with a message from the crown prince of Ethiopia, praising the concert organizers’ efforts to restore peace in Jamaica. Basically it was a big deal.



Unfortunately, the event did little to rid Jamaica of its political violence. Manley’s critics argue that the he used his appearance at the concert to demonstrate the bond he shared with the Jamaican sufferahs and Rastafarians. Within a few weeks of his appearance, he called for an election and won with a significant margin, only further escalating the violence between the two major parties. In fact, it is not until Bob Marley’s funeral in 1981, that the two political figures met each other in person and once again shook hands.

I am sure there are other reggae songs that would better accompany this post and be more symbolic to the political unrest that surrounded Jamaica in the late 70's. But in this case, it was the song that inspired the post. Not the other way round.

This was actually released in 1980 on Tuff Gong. I can only assume the inspiration for the conscious lyrics came from the events that took place just over a year earlier. One thing I do know for sure though, this is a Dancehall monster. Its on the 'Rope in' riddem and its so heavy, it should come with a health warning.


(just click on the arrow on the right to download 320kbps mp3)
One Love Jamdown by Mr. Smith