I have listened to a lot of tributes, some so tame and timid that they never remain in my memory. But, how often have you heard a song which makes you want to say WOW! a hundred times or more? And, what could be so important is to get someone up at four O’clock in the morning.

That’s how early I woke up to listen to Powerman’s ‘Tribute To Jamaica’. And I just couldn’t go back to sleep. I had to share my Wow! moments, with everyone who never heard this song.

I actually called Powerman, the same Jamaican singjay who had this huge song ‘Stone’, which went number one some years ago. Yes, that same one who is never without power, even during those days when we used to have power outages1 left, right, and center.

Powerman is passionate about Jamaica, and his confidence never ceases to amaze.

“My country Jamaica is beautiful and rich in so many ways. So, what better way to pay homage than by making this song a souvenir for all seasons? Jamaica is that unique place of return when one wants peace of mind and relaxation, to enjoy an abundance of sunshine and miles of uninterrupted beachline. Jamaica is paradise,” Powerman keeps repeating.

“Our ackee and saltfish are finger-licking, and so too is our roasted breadfruit and jerked chicken. Here in New York, where my family lives, we still relish the sumptuous taste of Jamaican Christmas Day offerings – sorrel, Christmas pudding, rice and peas, ham, and lots of fruits.”

My mind reflected on the many personalities that have helped to shape our success. Powerman was right on point.

“The song also looks at the power of Usain Bolt, dubbed the fastest man on earth. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Marcus Garvey. They are just some of the icons we should emulate. I believe that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) should use this song in their advertising campaign, both local and abroad.”

“The video should be shown on every platform throughout the world. On cruise ships, airlines”
arrival and departure lounges, while Billboards should reflect the importance of Jamaica and its people.”

I was just about to ask what a lot of people would be thinking, but Powerman seems to have covered my grounds.

“The riddim surrounding ‘Tribute to Jamaica’ was built by Edgar Parish of Parish Records. This is a foundation riddim, a remake of ‘Answer’ which fields artistes including Sister Nancy, and Brigadier Jerry. The song and video were released on September 28, 2023.”

“I am always missing Jamaica when I am out of the country, and so when I heard the riddim I immediately began playing around with words which later become chorus and verses.”

Powerman, born Michael Davey is from Waterhouse, Kingston 11. He got interested in music through his brother Noel Davey aka Sleng Teng. A homemade recording studio at his fingertips gave him (Powerman) the opportunity to meet several artistes.

He has mastered the stage on Jamaican soil and overseas performing on such shows as Sting, Sumfest, and Icons of the Dancehall. Powerman has two albums to his credit, a 14-track titled ‘Ambition’ and ‘Black Book Diary’ consisting of 18 tracks.