Impressions: The Jamaica 50 Independence Grand Gala

Words by Jesse Serwer, Photos by Martei Korley—

On Monday August 6, Jamaica celebrated 50 years of independence with a massive, entertainment-filled Independence Grand Gala at the National Stadium in Kingston. No stuffy state event, the impressive spectacle was one for the people, offering a full night of music and dance performances highlighting the breadth of Jamaican culture, from ska to rocksteady to reggae and dancehall, faux Rasta rituals to Indian dance, Maroon culture and the late national treasure, Miss Lou. There was also race cars, a helicopter and real life (female) military troops in uniform stepping to Konshens’ “Do Sum’n,” and following the directions to Lil Rick’s “Go Dung.”

Jamaicans of all ages showed their approval for the remarkably swift-moving and taut proceedings by waving flags and blowing Vuvuzelas for the entire four-hour program. Even U.S.-born yardies Colin Powell and Louis Farrakhan (not to mention other political figures like South African president Jacob Zuma) were having a great time, letting loose and dancing about. LargeUp’s Martei Korley and Jesse Serwer were there to capture all of the sights, and the full vibe.

Heptones singer/reggae great Leroy Sibbles, who covered Alton Ellis’ “Rock Steady” and the Wailers’ “Simmer Down” during the Jamaica Independence Gala’s rocksteady segment, seemed truly happy to be repping his country.

A likkle one reps Jamaica, and KFC—or as it’s always referred to in JA, “Kentucky”— at the Golden Jubilee village, the festival grounds set up outside the National Stadium for the Independence celebrations.

Big man on a big day.

The little ones in attendance got a night to remember for the rest of their lives.

Minister Louis Farrakhan, Jamaican Minister of Culture (and 1993 Miss World winner) Lisa Hanna, former Secretary of State Colin Powell and former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson stand up.

An immensely satisfied Minister Farrakhan takes a phone call, presumably to tell his people back in the States how much fun he’s having.

Colin Powell and Louis Farrakhan greet each other like old friends. Who knew? The two sat together and even shared a few laughs.

In Jamaica, they call him Colin Lickshot: Colin Powell licks off a shot one time for his parents’ homeland, as Louis Farrakhan looks on.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, glowing.

The Jamaica Defence Force takes a bow

A soldier standing tall, and taking it all in.

One of the many youth dance groups from across Jamaica’s parishes to take part in the evening’s entertainment.

Folk singers taking part in the tribute to the late poet/cultural icon/folk hero Miss Lou.

As Jamaica’s Culture Minister, Lisa Hanna oversaw the of the Independence gala and the Jamaica 50 celebrations in Kingston. Here, she and a soldier look proudly on a job well done.

The Jamaica Defence Force showed its might at the Independence Gala, holding down both the security and, often, the entertainment.

South African president Jacob Zuma

Officers from the Coast Guard of the Jamaica Defence Force.

The ceremonial red carpet is rolled out for the passing of the Jamaican flag, after it was delivered to the stadium by a Jamaica Defense Force chopper. A pair of troops of dramatically dropped down from the helicopter into the middle of the stadium, in one of the evening’s many spectacles.

In a nod to Jamaica’s auto racing program, Formula one cars were brought on to the National Stadium track
usually reserved for its far better known sprinting corps.