Not many internationally renowned artistes are able to speak from an authentic space where their words directly mirror their life experiences as much a Duane Stephenson. Duane Stephenson, a resident of the sometimes volatile community of August Town, and one of reggae’s most talented sons, is soon to release his second album Black Gold and if the first single Sufferer's Heights is anything to go by, the pedigree of this new compilation is clear.
Sufferer's Heights, the first single off the album, with lyrics written by Duane Stephenson and production by Duane, Lamont Savory and Dean Fraser advocates the plight of the residents of Sufferer's Heights which is a depressed community in St. Catherine now known by residents as Windsor Heights. One line of the song sums up the feelings of Duane: "Things could be better, things could be worse, much worse...take a look around maybe you’ll break the curse and we will live and let live. Why must the sufferers die sometimes I cry for the youth dem that try inna Sufferers Heights."
The name Sufferer's Heights captures the place perfectly and only knowledge of how it came into being fully ventilates the context and gravity of the song.
Life began in the area as early as the 1970s, a volatile and violent period in Jamaica’s history when many fled war torn enclaves in Kingston because of political violence to seek a place of peace and safety. But like many squatter settlements in Jamaica, dreams of a home and prosperity led to the same problems the residents were fleeing.
The song Sufferer's Heights mirrors not only that geographical area but speaks to a general decay of inner city communities which are home to poor people, it also speaks to exploitation and oppression by greater powers who the people have no choice to depend on for survival. Another line says: "Inna Sufferer's Heights politicians dem naah flex right, dem only a sponsor the fight."
Duane believes this song is the best song to be the first single off his second album: “Like August Town, where I live, Sufferer's Heights has faced some serious challenges over the years stemming from political tribalism, poverty and many other issues which are typical of depressed communities. When I say 'Inna Sufferers Heights the youths dem can’t find no dinner and a pure old clothes dem dress up inna', it’s a reflection of not only that place in St. Catherine but many areas in Jamaica and around the world.
This song is my way of being the voice of people in communities like Sufferers Heights and August Town. I want people to know what the situation is and I know that with music I can reach more people than the people who live in these communities can.”
Sufferer's Heights was produced at Tuff Gong and Grafton Recording Studios by Dean Fraser and Duane Stephenson. The song’s rockers version is number five on Duane’s 15 track album and appears on the album also as track number 15 as a ballad version.
Duane Stephenson's sophomore album, Black Gold, will be released on September 28 and distributed by VP Records.
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