Mutabaruka and Yasus Afari at PHC Field A Caribbean poet once said the purpose of art is to cast an enhancing and redeeming eye on the society from which it comes -- and to allow a people not only to know their society, but to change it.

It seems the overarching message Bermudians are opening themselves to -- made most obvious in this past week by the art of Derek Walcott and Mutabaruka -- is that regardless of your particular political affiliation, it is time to take control of your own destiny.

The vibe that struck me as one of the thousands who turned out to hear the famous Jamaican dub poet Mutabaruka was that this is a tremendously exciting time to be in Bermuda.

And the message that hit me loud and clear from Muta is that perhaps it is time for Bermudians to become tired of social, cultural and political sleepwalking -- and choose to take a more active role in their own lives.

The free concert began very early in the evening with good intro performances by Innasense, Empress Menen African dancers other local talents.

And local artist, Ras Mykkal, gave an impressive showing with his political satire dub poetry, performing songs from his upcoming CD including `Shuffle De Deck' and `Rude Bwoy Inna De House'.

It is always gratifying to see local talent stand on par with foreign guest artists, and Ras with his clever lyrics and strong stage presence was even better received than Yasus Afari.

Although the lyrics of Yasus' dub poetry were serious and profound in a way I genuinely `appreciloved' (at one point he dropped a dub about God also having to be `nothing' in order for God to encompass `everything' -- I had to go home and meditate on that one), I strongly disliked the quality of his voice.

But clearly the guest of honour for the evening was Mutabaruka, who held the crowd spellbound with his insightful deconstruction of colonialism, sex, religion, drugs, violence, gender issues, politics and culture.

I think it's safe to say that Bermuda has never experienced an event or a style of talent even remotely similar to his -- I've personally never seen a performance like it.

Mutabaruka's poetry flowed seamlessly in and out of a wry critique that caused the local audience to laugh, roar approval, and clap for more.

Even more impressive than his compelling voice and powerful stature was Mutabaruka's ability to rivet the audience's attention for almost two hours with a complete absence of stage props, half-naked women, a driving bassline, or buffoonery.

There was only his presence, his voice and his message to contend with, transmitting purely without the absence of distractions.

"Black people love to dance too much and don't listen, and that is the weapon of politicians and religious leaders,'' said Muta.

"They use words to define your identity and future -- music is for the body, but words are for the soul,'' he added.

In perhaps in the most politically astute observation I've heard since the election campaign began, Mutabaruka reminded Bermudians that any real improvements to their living conditions must be based in a fundamental shift -- not just through a political party.

"An election not going to save you; look into the system and make it more compatible with your culture, or else next Government come and you go cry for another election five years from now if you don't change the system,'' he said.

"We have to find out what is ours -- religiously, culturally, socially, and economically... find your culture, know your history, and shape the Government out of that,'' he added.

Mutabaruka's incisive critique of colonialism and neo-colonialism reached a high point about midway through his performance, where he intoned "shame on Bermuda'' for having pictures of Queen Elizabeth on the currency instead of Bermudians who had a positive influence on the society.

"Not even in Heathrow or Gatwick airport do you get off the plane and see a picture of the Queen -- it's a symbol of neocolonialism at its highest,'' he said.

Mutabaruka levelled his poetry with exacting aim at the cancers of society including drugs, violence and even environmental concerns of radioactivity.

He urged the youth to "stop using your nose as a vacuum cleaner,'' reminding how crack and cocaine had devastated Jamaica.

And he also criticised cigarettes, alcohol, and junk food stating that "the legal drugs are more dangerous than the illegal drugs''.

But the theme that weaved through his analysis and bound together the varied topics of his poetry was: "They use national boundaries to divide us, but you don't have to go to Africa to be an African... if a cow born inna pigpen, it still a cow -- that is what link us.'' It was a concert that caused me to think for a long time after I left the stadium -- about both the points I agreed with and the ones I disagreed with.

Ultimately, Mutabaruka's art was a successful tool for causing Bermudians to begin thinking about what it is we actually believe and want for our country -- as opposed to having others think for us.

Dred and Baha, nuff respect.

Kim Dismont Robinson COMPELLING -- Jamaican dub poet, Mutabaruka, told a free concert at PHC field on Saturday night that change comes from more than just switching political parties REVIEW REV