Let's not copy the Americans
Published:Tuesday | June 11, 2013 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Referring to the Dexroy Martin letter in last Saturday's Gleaner ('Richie Stephens massacred the anthem', vocalised rearrangement of a national anthem is an annoyance to those who pride national symbols.
I'm unsure whether it is the first time a public delivery of Jamaica's national anthem is being called out, but this phenomenon may well be copied from the United States (US).
Particularly at major sporting events, the organisers usually invite a major entertainment figure to present the US national anthem. Invariably, it becomes a performance.
Each star brings his or her own style and interpretation that elicits exuberant and loud cheers, even while the anthem is being sung. Arguably, it is to gain personal mileage rather than to inspire patriotism.
But as Martin stated in his critique of Richie Stephens' interpretation of the Jamaican national anthem at the Reggae Boyz match last Tuesday, "[The national anthem] should only be sung in the original tune in which it was recorded. Should not be embellished to make it prettier." There should be "no addition of chords, extra harmony, slowing down or speeding up of the tune", and in no way the lyrics should be changed.
Such a rendition of any national anthem is unacceptable and in such case should be deemed desecration, tantamount to stomping on or burning a national flag.
Let us, in this case, not copy the Americans. Let us, as Jamaicans, continue to hold our culture and symbols with great pride.
CLAUDE WILSON