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October 23, 2007
Keeping the Tosh flames alight
By: Elizabeth Smith
"The inspiration is not just because of Peter Tosh, but because of how we around here [in Jamaica and the reggae world] treat our icons - we have allowed the system to kill them," says Worrell King, originator and producer of the annual Tribute to Peter Tosh.
Last Friday, the second part of that tribute blew up Independence Park in Savanna-La-Mar, causing a joyful stir, especially with the children in attendance. Many young people joined the huge crowd to honor Jamaica’s cultural and the world’s literary hero, Peter Tosh, who was violently and prematurely taken from us.
Now a free show, with stellar artistes giving their support at no cost, the concert was a follow-up to "Tribute to Peter Tosh Part I," that took the form of a symposium. Held at the University of the West Indies on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, the symposium was designed to foster a closer in depth look at Tosh and his works.
King described his motivation for intellectualizing the great 'Original Wailer's' accomplishments by outlining the need he recognized for the world to take a look at the cerebral Tosh. "There was more implicated than merely enjoying his great music, we had to look at the intellectual side, the philosophical side, the musical side and poetic side of Peter Tosh, and we invited scholars to deliver their findings and analyses on Tosh," he expounded.
Preserving Tosh's legacy through academic meetings and gatherings like the annual free concert beats a blank in King's view, but it still is not sufficient. "I have a vision that goes beyond the annual tribute that has been going on for 15 years. It is to see the development of a museum, a school, a book and movie – all dedicated to the life of Peter Tosh." King feels Tosh has been largely overshadowed as a "Reggae Great" and these implementations will 'preserve' this great man.
Speakers at this year's symposium included, former Finance Minister, Dr. Omar Davis and Reverend Cannon Ernle Gordon, who presented on Tosh, as he relates to Christianity. Reverend Gordon disclosed that Tosh’s song, "Creation" is now listed in the Anglican Hymn Book.
Originally a ticketed event, King made the switch to letting in everyone free after a hurricane left the annual attendees financially strapped one year. King said he received a message from God, telling him to let everyone enjoy the Tosh tribute free of cost, and he complied. His only wish is for all the artistes large and small to come forward each year in support of this special tribute.
This year the line-up of performers was amazing, with the budding Little Joe giving a clean steady show. For King the special moments came with Bushman, Steele and Luciano's performances. Meanwhile, hitmaker, Dez I Boyd was the only performer to get an encore. His song "Shake Up Yu Natty," was the crowds' request.
King was commended for his efforts and one member of the audience said it was a great feat to put on a free show of that caliber in Independence Park.