Sunday, February 19, 2012
Mutabaruka
Born Allan Hope in Rae Town, Kingston, Muta has been a well known and highly respected poet since the 1970's. As a proclaimed Rastafarian he endured a phase of loneliness during the 60's and 70's due to his new faith. Muta is a religious philosopher who believes that there are multiple paths to God but has a aversion to institutionalized religious forms. According to his web page, he became the first highly recognized voice in the emerging wave of poets in the 1970's. He was able to touch the minds and hearts of a vast number of people, to an extent that has only been experienced by the great Louise Bennet. Muta has been an influence to developing reggae artists and has been labeled as a "protest poet," a title he rejects. He performs his own poetry because he feels as though no one can truly present his words the way that he can. I first came across his works months ago when a friend of mine told me about him. This first piece of his that I encountered, entitled Nursery Rhyme Lament was incredible to me because it was so thoughtful, funny, and easy to relate to. Throughout his works, Muta touches on the realities of hardships that he and many of his fellow countrymen face; hardships that reach far beyond the boarders of Jamaica, resonating with individuals around the globe.
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I think that people are quick to associate Jamaica with Bob Marley and his music, so it was interesting for me to read about another artist who has played a role in telling his own story of Jamaica. I was curious why Muta rejects the label of "protest poet." Is it that he rejects all labels or that he specifically does not want to be associated with protest art? Similarly, what in particular about his music makes people label it "protest" poetry? After watching the video you posted, I can see why Muta's message is so powerful. His oration in itself is moving and strong, which adds a certain compelling emphasis to his stories and experiences. In addition to being a contributor to the reggae tradition, it seems like his music conveys some of the hidden truths about hardship. Does a lot of his prose relate to his personal upbringing or the struggles of Jamaican people in general?
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