CHATTING: with Natalie "NATAHLEE" Burke.
Surrounding the topic of Caribbean Music, one cannot help but feel a sense of comfort and personal pride in this budding diva...so refreshing is the appeal of her combined beauty, brains and talent. An abundance of wittiness and self-respect co-exists in yet another Barbadian / Caribbean woman…..look out world.
di_shango(smilin bajan prince)
The interview was conducted over a (4) day period.
This is an edited portion of such, a full transcript can be obtained from "Natahlee's" management company Roett/Hoyos Productions.
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di_shango: Let's get right to it Natahlee... Do you see yourself as a role model?
Natahlee: Any person who is placed in the limelight, especially in a small society like Barbados , is considered a role model. That person therefore has the responsibility of being a positive influence - most importantly, when dealing with children. My page for the "Ringbang Pickney" , speaks for itself.
di_shango: Let me re-phrase the question. If I have a sister, (9 - 13) years old telling me she has a "weakness for sweetness" while gyrating and dancing suggestively, then, and I quote "she doan give a hell if I call her skettle" am I to believe that she is being properly influenced by the lyrics of your songs?
Natahlee: Firstly, I would advise your little sister not to eat too many sweets for the sake of her teeth and her health. Or should I advise your mother against indulging her in this practice? Secondly, I believe that your reference in quotation is directed at "Ah Gotta Dance". This is the exact issue being raised in the song. My dear friend, I believe that you have, quite unintentionally, misinterpreted the child. What the song says, is that through expressing what is innately ours (culture), West Indian women are constantly being cried down, not only by men but by pseudo-conservative women in our very own society. It is time that we dispel this myth (so to speak) and reclaim our heritage, starting with the smallest child.
di_shango: Great. I see nothing wrong with the expression of our culture…still I'm inclined to believe that the children are better served learning about for e.g. sexuality in the class room. in particular "weakness"……..
……to be continued (very soon!!!)
last edited by
Michael Hewitt
For
11/30/98