meet King 👑 Toto!🥁

Published: Sun, 01/17/21

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My-Island-Jamaica Digest Ezine: January 17, 2021

Intro / Feature

Happy Sunday again !

First I say a hearty 'thank you' to you, and all those who reached out to me regarding my computer last week, much appreciated.

I am happy to report that it is back up now, although I loss some key project files. But these things do happen, so what does not cost life cost nothing I say.

And speaking of life, I recently met up with a gentleman who is the epitome of a 'free man'. They call him King Toto!

He is also a master drum-maker who resides in the Rastafari Village.
The build up, and ultimate meet up, became quite a story.

I captured it all in this article: https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/meet-the-master-jamaican-drum-maker-king-toto-traditional-jamaican-drums.html

And whatever you do , please be sure to take a read, I think you'll like it. And yes, that's my featured article this week:

Please read and share.

Featured Video!

Actually , if you got a chance to complete reading the above article, you'd realize that I also mentioned the video of the interview I did with King Toto towards the end.

But for the benefit of my other readers who might have not gotten so far, I'll call it out here.

So here it is (below); the full video interview of master drum maker King Toto. Quite inspirational I tell you!

Meet Master Jamaican Drum Maker - King Toto | Traditional Jamaican Drums | Best Djembe Drum

Please be sure to share a comment. And if you like it, please share it with someone, the more the merrier.

And remember, if not yet done, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel to ensure you don't miss any of my future videos.

Featured Jamaican Product

Two weeks ago I featured Rastafarianism as a BIG product of Jamaica, remember?

Well today, I'll zoom in on its biggest ambassador, but also an icon in his own right because of his exceptional quality music... Robert Nesta Marley.

Truly, no other Jamaican, dead or alive, is more popular in the world.

And so, it is quite fitting that as I segue from Rastafarianism into drumming and music, I highlight this great Jamaican ambassador. A hero in his own right.

If not already done, be sure to read this article on Bob Marley which speaks to the man, his impact and his legacy.

Recognition

Today I recognize not just one of my most ardent followers, but someone is is also very active and engaging... another Bob.... Robert Lussier!

Yes, Robert is mostly on the YouTube side but yesterday he really inspired me when, during the premiering of the video, he made a $20 USD contribution in the Live Chat.

I was pleasantly surprised... I didn't even know that thing worked :-)
Yes it was the first for me!

So today, again I thank him for been an engaging fan, but also for going above that to, according to him, 'share a bit towards the cause'.

Thanks Bob!

Fun Fact / Reminder

Did you know...

... that several smaller islands, called Cays, lie at various points off the coast of Jamaica? The most notable ones are the Pedro Cays and the Morant Cays - four in total.

This too, is yet another interesting fact from my 101 Intriguing Facts About Jamaica book.

If not already done, you can get the hardcopy here: https://www.lulu.com/en/gb/shop/wellesley-gayle/intriguing-facts-about-jamaica/ebook/product-18n7pzg4.html

And Before You Go...

Just last week it came home to me how challenging this online school is for the children - and us the parents, OMG.

The knowledge, understanding, availably and access to the technology is one thing, but the volume of work, in my opinion, is another.

When the children leave school, many times they have to be back online completing assignments again.

I'm really concerned about the impact that continuous exposure to computer use will have on the optical, physiological and mental heath.... seriously.

If you have some influence, whether here in Jamaica or outside , please send this concern up the chain.

Remember it is not only here in Jamaica.

And yes, please continue to stay #SafeAndSane in these times my friend, this week might be an interesting one.

Thank you my friend :-)

Regards,

Wellesley Gayle

Website: My-Island-Jamaica.com

Note: If you missed any of these juicy newsletter editions in the past, you can find them in our nicely arranged archives.

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