AbiYah Yisrael has released a very contemplative calypso for 2024 titled Gone (Gun). This track is a beautiful play of words as AbiYah addresses the rise in gun violence, principles and qualities that are gone from society while at the same time delivering somewhat of a tribute to some “top guns” that have gone from among us.
AbiYah states that, “In 2023 Dominica was left appalled with the rise in illicit gun activity. A dangerous culture we have not known and must act fast to uproot. However, with all things considered one of the many causes of social ills is a lack of proper direction and leadership starting with fathers in the home. One of the lines points this out saying we need more fathers, more leaders, our sons have (gun) gone astray.
This song addresses various levels of society where leadership is expected. I am calling on citizens, village elders, cultural icons with a spirit like Felix Henderson and Alwin Bully, teachers, pastors, Rastafarians, lawyers and farmers to lead by example. At the same time the song reflects on some great leaders such as Roosevelt Douglas and Edward Oliver Leblanc who made a real difference in molding the country. Not much young people know of Ralph Casimir a poet, but more importantly a Garveyite who played a pivotal role in the Universal Negro Improvement Association, as a founding member on the island he was Marcus Garvey’s representative.
Unemployment and job security are also addressed in the song, in addition to the lack of land and home ownership among young people on the island. While on the issue of employment the recording brings back the memory of Emmanuel Christpher Loblack, a champion of trade unions, wages and employment rights on the island.
Not just politicians, but every citizen is a leader and part of fulfilling our obligations to the generations to come is leaving a blueprint of leadership in all aspects of society, from the farm to politics. A blueprint that is intertwined with justice, truth, integrity, and honesty.”
The track is available on YouTube and will be on streaming platforms 01/11/24.
Credits
Written by : Hilroy ‘ObadYah’ Alfred
Artiste : AbiYah Yisrael
Composed, Produced, Arranged, Recorded and Mixed @ ChaYah Studios by : ObadYah
Bass Guitar by : Jervon ‘Natty Bill’ Henderson
Guitars & Keyboard seq By : Hilroy ‘ObadYah ben Avraham’ Alfred
Mastered by: Dernel “Dernz” Green
