Reggae artiste Sizzla Kalonji, who is successfully recovering from a motorcycle accident, recently kicked off his live performances at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
The artiste had been invited to perform for Nigerian Foreign Minister, His Excellency Olugbenga Adeyemi Ashiru, and Ambassadors of the World.
According to Sizzla’s spokesperson, Olimatta Taal, the invitation was made official by Nigerian Ambassador Peter Oyodele, and the artiste agreed.
This marked Sizzla’s first performance since his accident in August.
Although the artiste has not fully recovered, Taal disclosed that it was a good opportunity for Sizzla to represent the Rastafarian community and the diaspora at large.
“It was an historic reception which marked an important union between Nigeria and Jamaica … Jamaica representing the breadbasket of the Caribbean, and Nigeria as a pioneer in opening doors between Africa and the Caribbean,” she said.
Sizzla was expected to perform one song at the event. However, according to Taal, the diplomatic guests insisted that he performed up to five songs.
Eloquent speech
The artiste also delivered an eloquent speech, illuminating the joy of the occasion and shared his views on Pan-Africanism.
Sizzla was accompanied by elders from the I-ncient Council. The council delivered a letter to the Nigerian foreign minister, addressing the goals of African repatriation and building relationships with the Rastafarian community in Jamaica.
Other performances for the night included African dance routines from Stella Maris, and The Etutu Dance Troupe from Hanover.
The organisers used the opportunity to share dishes prepared by local and Nigerian chefs, and according to Taal, the reception gave patrons an opportunity to see that African retentions exist in Jamaica.
“You can take the African out of Africa, but you can’t take Africa out of the African, no matter where we are in the diaspora,” she said.
Sizzla also shared similar sentiments. “It felt good being there in an atmosphere of love and unity… seeing the connection of both countries doing business. It will be good to connect ourselves spiritually and culturally, as we know Africa is our home,” he said.
