When Ephraim Martin first settled in Chicago from Jamaica, West Indies, he discovered that the Caribbean culture was very popular in the city. Martin told the Defender that his vision was to popularize reggae. Eventually he met other Jamaicans and brought
Together they introduced reggae sets at a hotel on Halsted and Madison Streets, and various styles of Caribbean music developed right here in the Windy City. Jamaican and Caribbean artists continued performing in Evanston, Oak Park and other places, inspiring Martin to organize Martin’s Inter-Culture, Ltd.
The organization developed as it produced Caribbean cultural festivals in Chicago, Miami, New York and in Atlanta. Martin started a tradition that has lasted over 16 years. This Independence weekend, July 3-6, Black artists representing their ethnic arts and culture are definitely lighting up the 16th Annual African Caribbean International Festival of Life in Washington Park, 55th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue.
Such legends as Gregory Isaacs and Junior Reid, and contemporary dancehall superstars Beenie Man and Baby Cham, will be providing explosive music and fireworks all weekend long in Washington Park. Baby Cham, with his individual style utilizing the contemporary sounds of Kingston’s dancehalls, delivers his booming baritone voice on July 3. Since the mid ’90s, Baby Cham (Damian Beckett) has been an example of the current dancehall reggae.
Cham and The Stranger created a Jamaican dancehall masterpiece entitled Ghetto Story that became a blasting hit at the end of 2005. Beenie Man, considered the super artist of the dancehall style, will keep the audience rockin’ to his rhythmic style. Born Moses Davis, Beenie Man released his first record, Too Fancy at age 7.
He ultimately became internationally famous and his CDs "World Dance" and "Slam" earned Grammy nominations. His current CD "Undisputed" is considered an awesome account of Beenie Man’s most significant contribution to the recording industry. He performs Friday, July 4. The legendary reggae superstar Gregory Isaacs is scheduled to thrill the crowd July 5. He has earned critical acclaim as the most famous of the Jamaican reggae stars.
He has blended his style with many American vocalists, and is a perceptive lovers’ rock and Rasta protest. Junior Reid provides a penetrating retrospective of the reggae style, and will identify with his Jamaican and other Caribbean people on July 6. Junior Reid also began his career during his teenage years and will climax the festival.
Fans will recall the fact that he was the youth who replaced Michael Rose in Black Uhuru. Performance of traditional gospel singing featured at the festival will be done by Marguerite Gatling & The Inspirational Charms, LaFayette Gatling & The Christland Singers and The Gatling Staff Choir on July 4. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or visit www.festivaloflife.com.
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