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Voicemail finds opportunities in the face of COVID

Published:Tuesday | August 4, 2020 | 12:00 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter

It’s difficult to see the sunshine in the eye of a storm. And nothing has caused more chaos and created more mayhem than COVID-19. But sometimes, facing a crisis gives you the time to slow down, reflect, recharge, strengthen bonds and make your life extraordinary. Voicemail is of this view and has embraced all the opportunities presented in the last couple of months.

The Gleaner caught up with the dancehall-reggae duo prior to their performance at the 2020 virtual Uppsala Reggae Jam Festival. There, they shed some light on this glooming global pandemic. “Despite the lock-in, we have been keeping active and productive,” Kevin Blaire revealed.

Excited to hit the stage, they welcome the new norm of performance with open arms, expressing gratitude for the live streaming experience, while bringing the same high energy that their fans know and love. “Reggae and dancehall music is our music; it means everything to us. It’s comfort in sad times and joy in happy times. It’s totally different, but we plan to enjoy ourselves and let our fans have a good time.”

WISE WORDS

On the matter of seeing the silver lining of the COVID cloud, Craig Jackson shared, “My grandmother always used to say a hard time is a test to see how strong you are. Sometimes we don’t understand the power that we have within ourselves.” He believes the pandemic has been a wake-up call for everyone. The world, he said, needed a restart.

Although he understands that some are feeling it far more than others, he is encouraging persons to remain hopeful. “A lot of us, we ah go true di motion, but for those who are going through darker times, find something and hold on to it. There is always a light; you can’t be going through darkness all the days of your life. After night, there is morning.”

Kevin agreed, heartening fans to find the positive. “Believe me, there are positives in it. This is the Almighty just saying slow down. We ah go too fast.”

Entertainers, and adults in general, are always on the go, so they don’t necessarily get the time to sit down and bond with their children and families. Now, they’ve found room to spend quality time together. “Nuff parents finding out that their kids have personality,” Craig chimed in.

“Just find your happy place,” Kevin reassured. “Everybody has one; whether it is in doing something that you wanted to do for a long time. “I find myself doing many online courses. The times takes away certain things, but it gives you the opportunity to do other things,” he added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com