Written by: Melissa Talbert
Black History Month is that time of year when the accomplishments of black historical figures are reviewed. But for Sidney Mills, former member of Steel Pulse, it doesn’t stop there. He uses the month-long event to assess his contributions to black culture.
Sidney ‘Predator’ Mills joined the roots reggae musical band Steel Pulse in 1988. While on tour with Judy Mowatt, he was asked to work with Steel Pulse. Though his role as keyboard player and musical arranger for Steel Pulse lasted roughly 15 years, it placed him among reggae’s prominent musicians. Mills collaborated on albums released by Ziggy Marley, Sister Carol, Shabba Ranks, The Meditations, Sly & Robbie among others.
Recently, the musician attended Survival ’76- a virtual celebration in honour of Reggae Legend Bob Marley to kick start Black History Month.
Related: Skip Marley makes history
“Well, since we’re all in Covid mode I watched a few interviews and listened to the virtual performances on YouTube and tuned into a few radio stations to hear the celebrations as they were being aired,” Mills said in an on-the-phone interview with Buzzz Magazine.
The virtual showcase arranged by the Bob Marley Foundation was segmented into two parts: the ‘Morning Ceremony’ and the ‘Reggae Jam Session’. Mills enjoyed the splendour of the show but more so how each performance solidified Marley’s incalculable influence on black people.
“His lyrics were the road map for my life as a kid,” Mills admitted.
It’s no secret that messages in a song transcends the ear of the listener and can influence their way of life. As a youth growing up in the breezy hills of Airy Castle, St. Thomas, Mills accessed Marley’s music from the radio or the sound systems locally. Marley’s conviction and commitment to equality and justice fascinated Mills. His lyrics often promoted love, unity and peace which is an important step in fighting discrimination.
Related: Celebrating a Legend: The Legacy of Bob Marley
Alongside Marley, Mills respected and admired other music producers. Before moving to New York in 1981, Mills relocated from St. Thomas to Kingston for school where he would visit nearby studios to learn from influential producers.
“His lyrics were the road map for my life as a kid,”
Sidney “Predator” Mills
“While attending Kingston College I would hang around studios in Kingston where producers worked. Legendary producers like Willie Lindo, Beres Hammond and Ossie Hibbert among others imparted their knowledge about making quality music and I embraced it as much as I could,” he said.
Years of experience and other musicians inspired Mills. But Black History Month goes far beyond reflecting on those who inspired us. It’s about being an inspiration ourselves.
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As a producer, Mills uses his recording studio in New York, ‘Living Room Studios’ to share black stories.
While working with talented singers, Mills encourages them to embrace their struggle and success stories in the music they make.
Sharing black experiences is an opportunity to show others how powerful, creative; impactful they can be. Recording black stories is imperative especially now in the digital age when songs and their messages are discoverable at any time. With their music on the internet, the artiste will have the power to influence tomorrow’s generation even when they have passed.
However, there are singers who avoid putting positive messages in their songs. Mills understands the motivation behind it since these songs may garner more attention or sell more.
Still, Mills is urging them to reconsider. “I would like to challenge such individuals to look back and see how much they’ve learned from music. When we listen to the music, we process the lyrics. We are learning and feeling the thoughts and messages of the writer.
“Even the sound of music has an effect on our health and physiological being,” he stated.
All in all, Black History Month should emphasize looking within as much as it does looking back. Reflecting on what others did for us generates a feeling of appreciation but self-analysis can advance the efforts of black people to propel black culture.
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #10 in a store near you.