THE ZINC FENCE MILLENIUM COUNTDOWN

 

 

Record of 1987, selected by Steve Milne

 


Natty Dread- Lieutenant Stichie
(Stereo One 7")

Not many hit records contained cultural references in their titles during the late '80s. There were punany songs aplenty but not much Rasta-inspired music. So imagine the disappointment among the roots contingent when a seemingly cultural tune finally comes along, only to be a big mockery of Rasta. That was the controversy back in 1987 when Lieutenant Stichie released "Natty Dread".

Initially the tune caused quite a rumpus. Rastas thought they were being ridiculed. But Stichie quieted objections fairly quickly after he assured the Rasta community that the song was only a light-hearted tease and not meant to be disrespectful. In fact, the song opens with Stichie laughing and offering the following disclaimer: "only meant to be humorous, I don't mean to cause no fuss." Despite the controversy, it's a very entertaining, purely Jamaican record that manages to pay homage to a fervent segment of the island's society by poking a little fun.

"Natty Dread" is like a musical version of Jamaican satirist Las May's "Laugh With Us" comic strip. Stichie, in a very animated delivery over a spritely Steely and Clevie computer rhythm, tells the story of a dreadlocked Rastaman who travels from country to marketplace to sell the produce and seasonings he's grown. Ultimately, he ends up in a confrontation with Babylon (a police officer) and lands in jail where his impassioned prayers to Jah are met with disdain by his cell mates, a group of bad boys who threaten him with bodily harm if he doesn't keep quiet.

Stichie saves the big laugh for last. When meal time comes, the dread rebuffs the food his captors have prepared - pork, banana and dumpling. Strictly ital stew is what the dread want. But after a long, hectic day, the dread is very hungry and the food is too tempting to pass up. "Jah, you're merciful and forgiving," says the dread, "I going eat de banana and dumpling but don't bother screw if I man eat de salt ting!"

A number one record that stayed on the charts for 17 weeks, this was the first big hit for former high school teacher Lt. Stichie and helped lead to his deal with a major label. Some 12 years later, it still holds up as a great dancehall record.

Steve Milne (Full Watts magazine milne@csus.edu )

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