Writer: Leslie-Anne Johnson (Jahkno.com)
On March 11th, 2011 Japan experienced one of the most devastating natural disasters. They were the victims of an earthquake, 8.9 in magnitude which also rocked the hearts of the Japanese and non Japanese community. In response to this, thirty four members of the Jamaican music community voluntarily came together to compose, “15 seconds/ You’ll Rise Again”, a title which was appropriately fitting. The launch of 15 seconds/ You’ll Rise Again hosted by the Bob Marley Foundation was held on June 21st, 2011 at the Bob Marley Museum – Legend Cafe
The collaboration comprised of both local and international talent. Such local artistes featured were Dean Fraser, Bunny Brown, Luciano, Taurus Riley, Marcia Griffiths, Bunny Rugs/ Cat Coore/ Ruption (Third World), Konshens, Chalice, Assassin, Busy Signal, Tony Rebel, Brown Suga, Chevaughn, Clive Hunt, Jimmy Riley, Sherieta, Richie Stephens, Half Pint, Esco Levi, Romain Virgo and AJ Brown. While International artistes were Maxi Priest (UK), Pieproljak (France), Ado Negro (Brazil), Meta Dia (Senagal), Christopher Douglas (Guyana) and Big Mountain (USA). Also included were the musical aptitude of musicians Dalton Brownie, Wayne Armond, Robbie Lyn, Danny Bassie Sticky and Harry T all also of Jamaica.
The venture was sponsored by Extreme Distribution Inc (St Martin), Bob Marley Foundation, Tuff Gong Recording Ltd, Juke Boxx Productions Ltd, Cross Beat Music Productions Ltd, Clive Hunt Productions Ltd and Penthouse Recording Studio. Mr. Clive Hunt renowned producer and musician spearheaded the production of the charitable single along with Brown of Juke Boxx Production.
Although three months have passed since the devastation and the song has now been released, Brown and Hunt have explained that the timing was not what was important. They explained that the quality was of much more importance than it’s time of release. Reason being was that the song’s purpose is to create a sense of national pride and worldwide unity. As the saying goes “better late than never” and surely it’s unveiling would’ve been definitely worth the wait.
At the launch, Mr. Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Ambassador of Japan expressed gratitude and also gave heartfelt remarks on behalf of the Japanese community. Japanese who dwelled in Jamaica were also in high attendance to show their support for the production and the vast contribution made for the song. Also in attendance was the Honourable Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange who greeted all guests and members of both the public and media.15 seconds/ You’ll Rise Again’s launch was very well received as the song was strummed through the atmosphere while guests socialized after the evening’s proceedings.
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