Fire Pan A Deadas - Bushman (John John)

Much of Bushman's recent output has been recorded in the UK, including last year's Freak Talk on the Ajang label. This take on Missy Elliott's Get Your Freak On was easily the best of a surprisingly lack lustre set of reggae versions to this great rhythm. Fire Pan A Deadas, on Jamaica's John John label, is also on a great rhythm, Old Broom, built by Sly & Robbie for the Wailing Souls nearly two decades ago but here given a crisper, more urgent dynamic by Lloyd (John John) James.

If you're tired of repetitive diatribes against the wickedness of Babylon from the roots camp and chi chi man lyrics from the dance hall arena, then prepare for something refreshing. An eloquent and thoughtful argument for vegetarianism from Bushman, who with every release rises further into the top rank of current Jamaican artists.

Anyone who has visited Jamaica recently will know that corporate fast food outlets are now reaching beyond the uptown plazas of New Kingston and spreading fast all over the island. Clearly much to the dismay of Bushman, who wrily comments "As I walk down the street, there is nothing in Babylon for I." He goes on to declare:

"I just eat some greens and ital stew and ting,
As a Nazarene man haffi live clean,
Nah wanna eat nuh mutton nah no sardine."

Bushman's argument against eating meat "Nothing weh mi eat, it nah wallow, Nothing weh mi eat, it nah cry" is more witty and passionate than anything you will hear from such high profile vegetarians as Paul McCartney and his late wife, Linda. Unfortunately Fire Pan A Deadas, given the continued criminal neglect of Jamaican music, is unlikely to win him the untold riches of Sir Paul. Don't expect a range of Bushman vegetarian "meat" pies to be marketed in British supermarkets in the near future.

Do however expect Bushman to move on from strength to strength over the coming year.