Bongo Man

Documentary on unrest in Jamaica and a concert that is to feature Jimmy Cliff. When I picked this up at a street fair in Brooklyn the guy who sold it to me tried to dissuade me from actually buying it saying that the film really isn't that good. However I persisted and after explaining that I wanted to see it because I was a Jimmy Cliff fan and explained enough to him that he understood I really was a fan he sold me the video. The guy was right when he said the film wasn't very good. As something to watch its bland and dull. The video doesn't match the audio and there are other problems, but the film has a great deal of music and that is why the film should be seen or at least listened to. This is a movie you put on and listen to in the background while you're doing something else since the music is very good. As a source of music its recommended as a movie to watch its not.

If you know anything about Jimmy Cliff and care about the roots of Jamaica and reggae then this film is a must to see. Where else can you see live footage of the reggae greats from this era, with such close and personal accounts from people who are part of the life.

From the blessed live footage of Jimmy Cliff himself, (Fundamental Reggae and Love Heights of note!) going through the superlative roots footage of Matu Baruka (Everytime a Ear de Sound..), Michigan and Smiley (One love jam down) to the local woman's life (Africa for the Africans...) and on to the local massives living and supporting the concert, the film captures so much music but the cultural focus is the no 1 to be taken from it, Jimmy talks us through the historical significance of the Arawak Indians and Jamaican Maroons as well as the modern day culture.

I will always treasure the footage of this masterpiece, I'm so glad I have it, a film that will be with me forever.