by Larnies Bowen
Ok, so I’m going to let you all in on a little secret…For the past few months I’ve been working on producing a documentary, currently entitled CONTRA CORRIENTE, based on my research! Surprised, right? Well, I’ve been wrestling with the idea of producing a documentary long before I left for Panama. Last summer, I interned with a Colombian Television/Documentary producer (and Spanish Reggae enthusiast) who taught me the fundamentals of production (and gave me some valuable contacts for my research). He was confident that a documentary about Spanish Reggae would be very marketable. (Remember the success of Boy Wonder’s documentary about Reggaeton, Chosen Few, released in 2004?) The only problem is the funds allotted for my research don’t exactly cover producing a feature-length film…So, initially I was very hesitant to devote myself to this very difficult endeavor. However, I believe that a documentary film would be the best way to actually do something with my research. Not only is film a very powerful medium, but it’s widely accessible for many people. For me, it’s not enough that I have all of this knowledge about this fascinating musical form. I need to share my knowledge with others! So I’ve decided to give it a shot.
As part of my strategy to attract sponsors for my project, the US Embassy procured an interview with ELLAS, a weekly women’s magazine that is distributed with Panama’s leading newspaper La Prensa. Although I told only two people that I was going to be featured in the magazine, most of my Panamanian friends/acquaintances saw the article and congratulated me. I was even recognized by a salesperson who works at GUESS! I admit I rather enjoyed my 15 seconds of fame!
Below is my translation of the article. The interview was conducted entirely in Spanish. I was a little nervous about speaking in Spanish so early in the morning (8:00AM!), but I think the interview went well. You can find the original article online HERE.
In the cradle of Spanish Reggae
Fulbright and mtvU created a scholarship to study the power of music, and the only woman out of the four who were selected is in Panama. Larnies Bowen is conducting an academic study and documentary about “el reggaeton.”
by Vannie Arrocha
How did you win this scholarship?
Over 100 students applied for this new grant offered by the Fulbright Program and mtvU. I created a proposal to use Reggae music to study identity in the community of West Indian descendants who came to Panama for the construction of the Canal.
What did you study in college?
I received my B.A. in Caribbean Studies* from New York University. My research about Spanish Reggae is part of my post-graduate studies.
*(The official title of my concentration is Deconstructing National Identity in the Hispanophone Caribbean. But for the purposes of this interview, I said Caribbean Studies because it’s simpler.)
How did you become interested in researching Reggae music in Panama?
I’m originally from Washington DC, but I studied in New York where they listen to a lot of Reggaeton. A friend told me that Reggaeton originated in Panama. I wasn’t aware of this. I thought this music was Puerto Rican. So I decided to investigate and I realized that Reggaeton does have some roots in Panama.
What is Contra Corriente?
Contra Corriente will be a feature length documentary about the beginning of Spanish Reggae in Panama. With my documentary, I am trying to promote a positive image of the genre, so that people will understand that it’s not all about violence, sex, and drugs. It’s also a music about protest and self expression.
Which artists have you interviewed?
Chich Man, Renato, Rene Renegado, Ness, Kafu Banton, Suppose, Aldo Ranks, La Factoria, DJ Black, Principal, Killa Ranks, Bakan, and Almirante. I still have others I plan to interview.
Your favorite interview?
Until now, Chicho Man (Jeffrey Donaldson). He’s dedicated his life to God now and he says that he wants to inspire the youth so that they don’t become involved in gangs. He is very intelligent. During our interview, he spoke about his West Indian heritage, history, and identity and how reggae serves as a means of expression for people from the “barrio.” I simply asked him one question and he expounded on all of these themes. It was incredible.
Who is your favorite “reguesero?”
El Roockie is one of my favorite artists. He has a more romantic style. He speaks about God in many of his songs. My favorite song is “Nos ama tanto” (He loves us so much) which he sings with [Jamaican Reggae artist] Anthony B. El Roockie is a more conscious artist, and although he doesn’t speak about “guns,” he still sells.
Will we see Contra Corriente on the screens of MTV?
I hope so. It depends on the [financial] support of the Panamanians….
I live in Washington DC and am a member of GRUFOLPAWA (PAnamanian FOLkoric GRoUp in WAshington, DC). Day after tomorrow (Thursday evening) we have a presentation showcasing the African influence in Panama’s fokklore. It will be at the African Arts Museum (Smithsonian Institute behind the Castle from 6:30 tp 8:30 pm). I will talk about the Panamanian that came to the country from the West Indies and located mostly in the urban setting (Colon city). Could you refer me to a source where I can use for my presentation?
301-916-3094 (cell phone)