Sometimes I wonder, sometimes I ponder, whether there have ever been citizens of Jamaica not being either musicians, in the music business or in sports? Be that as it may, the Mento came into existence "through the contact of displaced Africans with European culture". It is kind of traditional folklore and dance music, having lost its role as such through the spreading of mobile sound systems throughout Jamaican villages. The Lititz Mento Band has been part of a "renaissance" of that old-style-before-dance-hall Jamaican music, a successful band that has been awarded many a price. In case you want to know more and hear more, buy the compilation CD brought to you by the Berlin "Haus der Kulturen der Welt" (featuring an informative booklet). I got it, and I have uploaded them songs featured here to You Tube in order to make you aware of that fine music. Here they come, Mento versions of "By The Rivers of Babylon", "Lion of Judah" and "Day-Oh", songs you will all know, but may have never heard done like that before. Enjoy!
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