The Soul of Consciousness
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2023
by Sista Irie
July 3, 2023
#forWarren
“Reggae must be lived, not played. It is a life beat every time, mon” Peter Tosh
In synchronicity with the mission of roots reggae music, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival 2023 never strayed from Warren Smith’s vision to bring an authentic celebration that goes beyond entertainment. This year’s festival featured a selection of Jamaica’s top talents accented by roots music from countries such as Mali, Haiti and Brazil, all driven by common African beats.
SNWMF feeds a unified ‘soul of consciousness’ through musical talent within an environment of family and peaceful loving vibes that has existed for many years among faithful attendees. The SNWMF devotees represent multigenerational adoration, including elders who were indoctrinated from early years of roots reggae music, to babies in strollers whose faces reflect a harmonious glow of happiness. Many children and babies bounce to the intoxicating musical riddims and expound in happiness.
“When the music hits, you feel no pain.” Bob Marley
As a long time radio DJ, photographer and writer, I came home thinking about the expansive depth of festival benefits. There is an immediate impact of conscious music that stimulates the mind and body. However, there is an ongoing building and bonding of a musical family that adds to festival reunions. Sadly we sometimes lose critical foundation artistes between each annual festival presentation, increasing the magnificence of what was given to a grateful audience. The presence of the upcoming children of foundation artists to carry the torch into the future and transition musical trends into the current environment, is heart warming. They are the seeds that add new generations to the growing family. How beautiful is that?
This year’s SNWMF was very emotional for all including organizers and fans. It had been five years since we came together to share in the SNWMF glow. Since then, the world changed dramatically. We lost the precious gift of Warren Smith, founder and organizer, whose presence was felt every day in this tribute party carefully executed by his wife Gretchen. Her opening and closing statements were reflective of a great loss to be honored through this magnificent tribute.
Conscious reggae music continues to feed our joy of life in a world of confusion, lockdowns and economic scares. What will the future bring? The determination of roots reggae fans, the ongoing acknowledgement and education of the “roots” of reggae music must be a priority for those of us who love it. I feel honored to document and to re-tell the story whether it is on the radio, in writing or word of mouth. Our greatest contribution to pay homage to those who leave us is to continue the magic .
“The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love. Therefore we should not cry about something that was taken from us, but, yes, love what we have been given. Because what is really ours is never gone forever.” Bob Marley