Jamaica Me Crazy (Review)

Misrepresenting – that’s how I would describe Jamaica Me Crazy (Caribbean Grillhouse) in Cape Town, South Africa, and that’s me being subtle.

This place was disappointing from every angle.

I found this place, online, called Jamaica Me Crazy (Caribbean Grillhouse) and thought the name was both quirky and attractive, sounding like “Ya making me crazy”; it boasted Jamaica in its name and the brightest yellow from the nation’s colours, which were enough to attract me.

And as a Jamaican, in Cape Town, I felt like it was my duty to pay patronage, so I went as a party of five on Monday, October 2, 2023 around lunchtime to indulge in its offering Caribbean cuisines.

After following Google Maps, we were led to its bright yellow sign, which boldly stated Jamaica Me Crazy (Caribbean Grillhouse), we parked in front of the building, and as soon as we were emerging from our vehicle, a young man with dreadlocks excitedly but indistinctly shouted down to us from a second floor window. Me, being just as excited decided to shout back in his direction, but using Jamaican patois as an impressive intro, “Yeah mon, ah come wi come fi eat some yaad food!” only to realised that he was clueless to my utterance and was more confused than ever.

After that awkward moment of realising that he is not Jamaican and does not understand patois, we eventually learnt that he was directing us up the staircase because the first floor was either closed or serving as another business.

We made it upstairs to what appears to be an establishment trying to mimic something out of the Caribbean, it had a bar-like setting with wooden tables and chairs. Some tables showcased images of Jamaican icons such as Louise Bennett-Coverly and Usain Bolt, so we were still hopeful of having a taste of home.

It must be noted that it was very quiet, no music, and apart from us five, there were only three other people there; the man with dreadlocks, a woman, who seemed to be the chef and a white man tapping away on his laptop.

I am purposely highlighting his ethnicity because he appeared to be the owner or manager, and if I’m correct, it was just not what I expected from a Jamaican restaurant in Cape Town. Furthermore, he barely acknowledged our presence, but not in a resentful way; it was more of a nervous manner when he realised that we were Jamaicans asking for Jamaican foods, every question we asked he gave whispery answers to the other two without looking at us.

I’d be nervous too, because after we scanned the menu, it was clear that this restaurant is misrepresenting the name “Jamaica”. Other than jerk chicken, there was nothing Jamaica-related being cooked or sold there. As a matter of fact, there’s no Caribbean food there.

And to add more disappointment to the experience, the jerk chicken which was on the menu was not available.

Needless to say that we left as hungry as we arrived with a side dish of disappointment. Unfortunately, Jamaica Me Crazy will make any Jamaican crazy, but not in a good way….. next stop, Cool Runnings, Cape Town.

© Ian T. Sebàs 2023

Jamaica Coke Rush

Politics, tricks, deprivation of rights and the revocation of a privilege, Jamaica Coke Rush challenges the subject of a country’s independence, the purpose of its Head of State and the scrutiny of foreign subjects versus nationals when the power of government is exchanged, while highlighting the use of controlled substance as an unprecedented tool.

© Ian T. Sebàs 2023

Emblem of Jamaica

The National Emblem of Jamaica © designed by Ian T. Sebàs. This is a preliminary concept/ vision for the country‘s national shield / crest / coat of arms. The element herein are a burdened but strong donkey, map of Jamaica’s greenery, a fertile female, fruitful basket, a strong black man, defender of land and family, a machete as a farm tool and weapon, a shield embossed with a Christian cross and above all, the sun shines.

Popcaan

Popcaan by Tina Sebàs

Capleton

Capleton by Tina Sebàs

Ras Mokko

Koffee

Mikayla ‘Koffee’ Simpson

Damion Crawford

Damion Crawford (Politician, Jamaica)

Art by Tina Sebàs

Andrew Holness

The Hon. Andrew Holness of Jamaica

Art by Tina Sebàs

Buju Banton On Mute

I recently read an article in Loop Jamaica, which was written by Karyl Walker, a journalist who is accredited, supposedly, for previously working with two or three renowned media houses in Jamaica.

Mr. Walker’s writing was in criticism and opposition to Member of Parliament and Health Minister, Christopher Tufton, who apparently believes that former convict and famed reggae artiste, Buju Banton, owes the Jamaican people some explanation regarding his arrest, charges and finding of guilt in the United States of America, before being deported back to Jamaica in late 2018.

As much as I am a long-standing fan of Buju Banton and could care less about his explanation, personally, I must disagree with the journalist for defending Buju Banton’s muted stance on the matter surrounding his deportation.

Unfortunately, a celebrity status tends to draw similar attention and responsibility as all other public figures.

Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, rose to fame on the support of people, who bought into the words of his music, whether it was “Boom bye-bye” or “It’s not an easy road”, people were led by the artiste throughout or during one of his two career phases.

In his heydays, Buju Banton sang about subjects such as “Batty Rider”, while leaning toward one area of the Jamaican culture and received full support from Jamaica, for his music, before crossing over to what was viewed as a sign of maturity and growth when he embraced Rastafarian and began portraying himself as a conscious and righteous individual in music.

Buju Banton took on a role as Shepherd, leading a flock out of darkness into a light, his lyrics were enlightenment to the dull and the ignorant as he philosophized, in music, under the light of a noble messenger.

Considering these facts, it is clear, in my opinion, whether Buju Banton owes the Jamaican people an explanation about his incarceration.

Of course, he does. He is a celebrity, he is a public figure, he chose to be a servant to the people.

People wants to know whether or not he was framed and sent to prison, falsely, under the US famed monotonous cycle of locking up innocent people or whether he had misled his fans into believing that he was a truly converted and righteous Rastafarian.

It is clear that if he has deceived the people with his image and music, he faces the loss of his fan base, but of no consolation, Buju Banton would not be the first celebrity to fall from grace, shamefully; either way, in respect of his audience, he should not remain mute on the matter.

© Ian T. Sebàs 2019