My morning commute in New York City at times can be a bit much- and while I love this City- standing in a packed subway cart while en-route to work can be overwhelming. For instance this morning, my five foot plus frame was sandwiched between two people like bun and cheese , while the train conductor announced that there is train traffic ahead and this number 6 (that was previously running express) was now going local. Today, I turned to my phone and pressed play; my random shuffle chose an artist from my childhood in Jamaica , Tony Rebel aka Tony Ranking aka Papa Tony. As the iron horse closed its doors and charged on to 125th Street train stop, Rebel’s rhythm caught me and I forgot about being a human cheese to a bun and smiled.

Bum Bum, bum This yah tune yah a bum bum, bum This yah tune yah a bum, bum bum Dis yah tune yah a bum”- Tony Rebel Song: “If Jah Is Standing By My Side”

So Tell Me If You Love Tony Rebel

It’s something about music that jogs a memory and transports you to a place and time… well… that was faster than my morning commute. LOL. I remembered the time I saw him in concert at the Brooklyn Museum of Art, for Reggae Unda Di Stars, WIADCA Labor Day weekend. I was smiling even more now-I didn’t even care that passengers on the train were sizing me up to assess my level of crazy- I continued to bop my head and reminisce in the memory of that night.

The train conductor interrupts>>> “The train in front of us has a stalled brake, please be patient; we will be moving shortly”.

Now on a still train, I moved back to memory of Mr. Tony Rebel’s performance in Reggae Unda Di Stars. He killed that stage; his performance was a true Jamaican Stage Show. His toasting, freestyle, and turn of phrase during the show had the audience curled over in stitches, laughing and well entertained. In between songs, he entertained with politics, and Reggae history. He sang many songs but included two of his famous tracks, “If Jah Is Standing by My Side,” and “Fresh Vegetable”. I remembered feeling like I was in his backyard and we were chatting over two bottles of Red Stripe and jerk chicken about livity and the on-goings of life. That’s how his show felt… it felt like a one-on-one with the one they call- The Rebel. As Papa Rebel’s songs bellowed over the masses, the audience rocked and swayed in response…

Because

You a Juliet and me a Romeo

And mi say, down love lane, the two of we I waan go

And me love you, girl, and me can’t get overthrow

So make me tell you something weh you want to know…”

Bye For Now Tony Ranking

The train conductor interrupts>>> “This is 125th Street, transfer to the 4 or 5 train, please stand clear of the closing doors”

On 125th Street’s platform, I was back commuting to work. Now renewed, I walked pass security in my office building different; I muted Tony Ranking’s song, removed my headphones, and softly mumbled to myself…