In 1962 the short-lived West Indies Federation was dissolved after Jamaica decided on independence over federation. Many in the Caribbean though it was a case of sour grapes because Kingston wasn’t picked as the capital. The Jamaicans said it was because they wanted independence and The Federation was a financial burden on Jamaica. How do I know this? Through these two songs, both released in 1962. I knew nothing about the West Indies Federation or Jamaican independence until I heard these songs.
The first is Might Sparrow’s Federation. Trinidadian Might Sparrow was known as the "Calypso King of the World". He was clearly annoyed at the break up of The Federation and he layed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Jamaica. Even going as far as to tell Jamaica “don’t behaviour like a blasted traitor”. The second track, Lord Creator’s Independent Jamaica, tells the story of Jamaican independence and how great it was to escape federation. It was officially adopted as Jamaica’s song to commemorate independence from Britain on 6 August 1962. It was the first release on the U.K. based label Island Records (Island 001).
The first is Might Sparrow’s Federation. Trinidadian Might Sparrow was known as the "Calypso King of the World". He was clearly annoyed at the break up of The Federation and he layed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Jamaica. Even going as far as to tell Jamaica “don’t behaviour like a blasted traitor”. The second track, Lord Creator’s Independent Jamaica, tells the story of Jamaican independence and how great it was to escape federation. It was officially adopted as Jamaica’s song to commemorate independence from Britain on 6 August 1962. It was the first release on the U.K. based label Island Records (Island 001).
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