Queen Ifrica - File

The University of the West Indies became the personal classroom of Queen Ifrica last Friday afternoon, as the cultural princess imparted her knowledge as she participated in the ongoing lecture series on Dancehall Philosophy hosted by the Reggae Studies Unit of the university.

Standing over a podium with a mic in her hand, the artiste, who is known for songs such as Randy and Born Free, addressed several topical issues such as politics, slavery, bleaching and the music industry.

Clearly in control of her material, Queen Ifrica lambasted the political system saying it is designed to keep the majority in mental and physical poverty. "I bun politician without apology and I know why I say it." Ifrica says the problems that Jamaicans are experiencing now are as a result of the unwillingness of politicians to change the system, but to continue to benefit from it.

Massa syndrome

Linking the current political system as remnants of slavery, she spoke at length of the manipulation of the masses by the status quo. "I think the politicians inherit the 'massa' syndrome - what is happening now is slavery, but it is advanced. The consequences of the past have impacted on us and Blacks have become comfortable with their surroundings; it's transformed from physical slavery to mental slavery," she said.

Changing the minds

Ifrica also spoke out against the current phenomenon of bleaching and again blamed the politicians for allowing it to spread to the stage it is at now. "Our leaders in Jamaica sit down and watch bleaching take over the community and sometimes I am sympathetic for the ladies because they don't have any self-worth."

Queen Ifrica says that the minds of Black people need to be changed in order for improvement. "You neva change the inside a di person and a dat you need fi do. You not only have to change the livity, but minds of these people. If you take kings and queens outta Africa and you bring dem inna slavery and bank dem up inna small place, then dem must think so," she noted.

Queen Ifrica did not leave out the music industry saying she believes that artistes need to be more responsible in the material they produce and their behaviour. "We have a responsibility to share emotions with the people, it ridiculous when artiste and artiste battle each other. Most bad thing happen between artiste and artiste and di public only aware when it seep-over in the media, just like how politicians doing, you are creating division among di followers."

Queen Ifrica says that entertainers need to realise that people look up to them, therefore, they should act positive. "Music is wha di people look up to so if you remind dem of negativity they are going to be reminded and if you remind dem to love themselves dem will love themselves."