ONE LOVE: REGGAE: Rania Kanazi AKA Miss Gemini, Psychoanalyst

{quote}The tune {quote}Reggae Beat{quote} by The Pioneers holds a special place in my heart because it is one of the first tunes I bought over 20 years ago. I have played it at events in Jamaica, Europe, South America and around the US, but most frequently, I have played this lovely tune at my own vintage Jamaican party in NYC, Reggae A Go-Go, which I have hosted in for the past 15 years. Two of the group's singers, George & Jackie, are dear friends of mine and I have had the pleasure of playing this tune at their live performances in London and Mexico City. I am proud to be one of a handful of women (and perhaps the only Palestinian American woman) who collect original press Jamaican and UK 45s from the 1960s and early 1970s. Original pressings are special to me because there is often a beautiful history behind who owned the tune before and which sound systems they were played on in Jamaica or the UK. In addition to these Jamaican treasures, I collect vintage furniture and dresses.The Pioneers and other early Jamaican artists often depict how they faced sociopolitical struggles and oppression in their lyrics. Their ability to persevere and create music despite these hardships is admirable. I often find myself turning to their music for solace and inspiration when I experience racism firsthand or when I witness Palestinians experience oppression in the occupied territories. This tune is an example of the joy that Jamaican music brings and how the reggae beat uplifts one’s heart & soul.”Rania Kanazi: Long Beach, NY, 10th February 2019The Pioneers: {quote}Reggae Beat” - released 1968Miss Gemini Selector
Rania Kanazi AKA Miss Gemini, Psychoanalyst, The Pioneers: Reggae Beat

 

"The tune "Reggae Beat" by The Pioneers holds a special place in my heart because it is one of the first tunes I bought over 20 years ago. I have played it at events in Jamaica, Europe, South America and around the US, but most frequently, I have played this lovely tune at my own vintage Jamaican party in NYC, Reggae A Go-Go, which I have hosted in for the past 15 years. Two of the group's singers, George & Jackie, are dear friends of mine and I have had the pleasure of playing this tune at their live performances in London and Mexico City. I am proud to be one of a handful of women (and perhaps the only Palestinian American woman) who collect original press Jamaican and UK 45s from the 1960s and early 1970s. Original pressings are special to me because there is often a beautiful history behind who owned the tune before and which sound systems they were played on in Jamaica or the UK. In addition to these Jamaican treasures, I collect vintage furniture and dresses. 

The Pioneers and other early Jamaican artists often depict how they faced sociopolitical struggles and oppression in their lyrics. Their ability to persevere and create music despite these hardships is admirable.  

I often find myself turning to their music for solace and inspiration when I experience racism firsthand or when I witness Palestinians experience oppression in the occupied territories. This tune is an example of the joy that Jamaican music brings and how the reggae beat uplifts one’s heart & soul.” 

Rania Kanazi: Long Beach, NY, 10th February 2019 

The Pioneers: "Reggae Beat” - released 1968 

Miss Gemini Selector