RP Productions

The Original Roots and Culture group from the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua held the 1st , “Bob Marley Birthday Reggae Festival” on February 6, 2004 in Pearl Lagoon, South Atlantic Autonomous Region of Nicaragua (R.A.A.S.). This out-reach project promoted the heritage of the Caribbean people of Pearl Lagoon. This was the first time an event like this had ever taken place on the Atlantic Coast, where the majority of the people speak Creole English. To uphold their culture, the concert was held in their native creole language. The founders of Original Roots and Culture Chapter in Pearl Lagoon: Cleveron Garth, Barry Berry, Original Cleto, and many others helped to plan and execute this groundbreaking event, which took place at Harry Taylor Memorial stadium. The event was funded by the Chapter’s founders, and Donations by Rasta Punch Productions, and others. Additional expenses were paid by the monies received from ticket sells. The audience was comprised of nearly 1000 local residents, representing various communities within the Pearl Lagoon basin. Many efforts were taken by our founders to include local artists, so that the event could embrace the talents of the indigenous people. This headlining event included performances by a Bluefield band, “Caribbean Taste”, “Black Survival” of Pearl Lagoon, a local elders duo “Old Blues” as well as a A Tai Yoga performance by an Original Roots and Culture founder, Original Cleto. A historic commentary of the life of Bob Marley was given by Original Roots and Culture founders, which also included a discussion of his deep rooted faith in the Rastafari movement. RP Productions was inspired to bring this event to fruition by the comments of several people from the community, who spoke of the absence of any live musical performances in their community in the past 10 years.This event is truly remembered as an historic milestone for the African heritage of the people of the Atlantic Coast. The people of the Misquito are indeed a diverse group of indigenous people, who make up six different ethnic groups: Mosquito, Black Creole, Garifuna, Suma, Rama and the Mestizo, all of whom have Native and African roots. The Spanish-speaking, Latino and Mestizo populations are considered the majority and are distinguished from other ethnics on the Atlantic Coast by their very divergent culture. The Latino and Mestizo people mainly reside on the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua partly due to the fact that the Autonomous Atlantic Region has newly been recognized as part of the country just being reinstated in the past 100 years; despite the fact that the indigenous peoples have lived on the Atlantic Coast for many centuries. Before their recognition as Nicaraguan ,the Misquito people lived under the rule of their own Mosquito Kings and Queens. Original Roots and Culture would like to give many thanks to all who made the February 6th Bob Marley event possible. We would like to especially thank the Baseball Commission, “Caribbean Pearl” Radio 97.9FM, Hotel Las Estraya, Hot Spot Dancehall, and the talented and generous cooks who fed all of our artists.Liberation of the coastal people can only be accomplished through events that will uphold and embrace their heritage and traditions and break the suppressive shackles of the imperialistic oppressor. Original Roots and Culture will continue to sponsor educational programs and events that will represent the indigenous culture of the people of the Misquito, so-called “Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua”. RP Productions will continue to help the Original Roots N Culture Movement in Central America!!!!