Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer 
Comedian Owen 'Blakka' Ellis in performance at the Blue Beat Martini Bar, along Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay on Thursday, March 29.- - Photo by Noel Thompson
WESTERN BUREAU: The Blue Beat Martini Bar, located on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay, is noted for its jazz music and beverages, however, last Thursday night saw an addition of comedy and laughter.
The tiny but elegantly decorated bar erupted with constant laughter, as comedian Owen 'Blakka' Ellis gave a remarkable 40-minute performance, much to the satisfaction of the audience.
At 10:30 p.m. it was showtime and 'Blakka' stepped up to the stage to flaunt his usual presentation that in no time caused the place to erupt into a bellyful of laughter.
The comedian in a skilful twist on the darkness of the room made light of the moment by declaring, "Bwoy, di room so dark and me so black, a wonda if dem can see me?" Ellis made no bones about his dark complexion, which he said was part of his trademark that made him identifiably different since his early school days.
Outburst of laughter
Every statement that he uttered was guaranteed an outburst of laughter. With topics on issues that affect the environment from a social and political perspective, Blakka said he looks at how things can be changed.
Amusement mixed with reality could best describe Thursday night's performance. Jamaica was the primary focus. What makes Jamaica and Jamaicans so unique both at home and across the globe, he wondered. "The uniqueness is the contradiction. We good and bad, we hot and cold, we wicked and we nice," he said. "It upsets me so much that dem kill Bob Woolmer, but worse yet is that dem choose to kill him in Jamaica and is strangle dem strangle him. We don't strangle people, we ??$$# cho," he said.
Ellis, who has lived in Toronto, Canada since 2004, is undertaking a master's degree at York University.
"I am looking at gender issues to determine how hip-hop and dancehall music have shaped the definition of masculinity and violence," he revealed.
