Mango Time

Book excerpt: Jamaica has a rich musical heritage spanning a diversity of styles and forms. Throughout the island's modern history, music has played a significant role in the social, political and economic life of its people. Mango Time: Folk Songs of Jamaica draws from the wealth of Jamaica's folk music - the music of the Jamaican people which, with its colourful range of forms, reflects the way of life of individuals or entire communities. There are religious songs and secular songs; songs for marriage, birth, death and all rites of passage. There are songs for work and songs for play; songs of upliftment and hope, and songs of derision and despair; songs which tell of small happenings in remote villages and songs which give epic accounts of significant happenings in the island's history. In all these, the Jamaican folk song gives voice to the heart, soul and experience of the Jamaican people.