Wormbass, Cedric Myton and Derajah

Concerned about the lack of civility in Jamaica, their homeland, Wormbass, Cedric Myton and Derajah collaborate on the song, ‘Where Is Our Culture’, released on May 30.

The three artists yearn for the good old days when the youth were well-mannered, showed adults respect and behaved responsibly. The song is produced by Wormbass.

“The objective of the song is just to remind the people of where we come from and how rich our culture is. I reached out to these artists because I think they are connected deeply to the culture a great deal,” he said.

Myton, a member of legendary roots-reggae group The Congos, recalls a traumatic experience almost 50 years ago in ‘Where Is Our Culture’. A Rastafarian, his locks were cut by the police in West Kingston 49 years ago.

At the time, there was widespread discrimination in Jamaica against that group.

Wormbass, a singer/bass musician and producer, is one of contemporary dancehall-reggae’s top musicians. He is best known for leading the Blaze Band, which toured for years with Beenie Man, and his work with roots singer Winston McAnuff.

He hopes the message of ‘Where Is Our Culture’ reaches Jamaica’s wayward young people.

“I think the attitude of the youths in Jamaica nowadays is drifting away from the original culture of Jamaica. They need guidance, more awareness, more teaching, more attention. Not to be criticized but give them more love,” said Wormbass.

WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL