Talent overflowing in Nannyville

In 1977, Nanny of the Maroons was proclaimed the first national heroine of Jamaica. It was in that same year that the Ministry of Housing established its Nannyville Gardens project.

The avenues in the community were named after things associated with the Maroons and their time of rebellion.

As fate would have it, the people have been known to have a rebellious nature, but not one that is frightening.

One resident told The WEEKEND STAR, "There were periods when the various sections, 'Texas', 'Angola' and 'Shanti', took a simple thing as a person walking by, showing bad face, as a reason to become defensive, but Nannyville Gardens is not about that lifestyle. There is a lot to be learnt here, but a person has to visit to actually feel and know what the area means to the residents."

The community is often abuzz with chatter, from the gatherings at Ravers Park, named for the popular Ravers Clavers dance crew (as it is the home of most of its members), to the various pathways where you can find residents gathered playing dominoes or having a conversation about a trending topic.

Keniel 'Eklypse' Flowers, an entertainer from Koromante Way, says that despite past violent uproars, Nannyville still has many role models who continue to motivate the youth.

"The more people step up to the plate and show them talent, it will be good for the community to motivate a different set of youths that more stars can rise," Eklypse said.

Pioneers like ska deejay King Stitt, as well as dancehall/reggae artistes Ding Dong, Saba Tooth, G-Whizz and Tarnado, either made homes in Nannyville or were raised there.

Many other popular. Jamaicans are from the area, such as retired Reggae Boyz footballer Walter Boyd.

Tarnado, 35, who has been living there from birth, said, "A lot of video shoots happen around here, even if is jus' a piece of it, because Nannyville have a musical energy."

The dancehall artiste encourages others to come into the community to continue the trend.

Local and international artistes admire it and use the area as a backdrop for music video recordings, including American rapper Safaree, who highlighted Nannyville in his 2015 single, Stuntman.

"It normal to pass through Nannyville and see persons from all walks of life, local and international celebrities just holding a vibe on the corner. It just shows there is support for the community," said Kool Ravers.

Although The WEEKEND STAR was not lucky enough to be passing through on one of those days, the residents were out in their numbers interacting at Ravers Park.

Kool Ravers continued: "Here is a good shelter for talent, and we try to embrace them from a young age. If people see you can run, do football, or dance, you will be protected and nurtured."

Tonight is the staging of staple Nannyville event Yeng Yeng Fridays (now held monthly, every last Friday), and as the residents look forward to a large turnout, the aim is also to find new talent that can add to the entertainment value of the community.