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Two new local songs released to chronicle events of ‘Great March’ 1949

Released over the weekend officially on Saturday, November 25, 2023, the two songs are ‘Change Song’ by Ima Rose Smith (Left) and ‘March’ a short story by Raul R. Sprauve aka 'Jugo' (Right). Photo: VINO/File
Both songs showed how the fight of the Ancestors is almost the same as VI's fight against neo-colonialism and greater autonomy in today's era. Photo: VINO/File
Both songs showed how the fight of the Ancestors is almost the same as VI's fight against neo-colonialism and greater autonomy in today's era. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Two brand new local songs have been released as the Virgin Islands (VI) marked the 1949 Great March and Restoration of the Legislative Council Holiday today Monday, November 27, 2023.

Released over the weekend officially on Saturday, November 25, 2023, the two songs are ‘Change' by Ima Rose Smith and ‘March’ a short story by Raul R. Sprauve aka 'Jugo'. 

The latter 'March’ by ‘Jugo’ carried elements of soca within its infection rhythm, however, the storytelling style of the song along with relevant social commentary made the piece a calypso more than anything else.   

While chronicling the Great March of 1949 and the events that sparked the protest, ‘Jugo’ included quotes from the March that the VI will continue to march until freedom is secure, which could be speaking directly to the VI’s still current struggle for more autonomy from the UK and the Crown.

Songs show VI still in a fight 

Meanwhile, the second song by Ms Smith carried a classic calypso beat and spoke of the story of Theodore Faulkner and his fight for change in the VI. 

She also sang about Isaac “Glanny” Fonseca, Carlton de Castro, and the drive that moved over 1,500 Virgin Islanders to march through the streets of Road Town for betterment.

“We want change, things just can’t remain the same, change we want change, oh lawd” the song's lyrics to the infection rhythm added.

Both songs showed how the plight of VI's ancestors is almost the same as VI's fight against neo-colonialism and greater autonomy in today's era. 

Smith said the events of 1949 remain significant to not only the VI’s political growth but also its growth as a nation. Listen to “March" Short Story by ‘Jugo’ here and ‘Change Song’ by Ima Rose Smith here. 

18 Responses to “Two new local songs released to chronicle events of ‘Great March’ 1949”

  • jack (27/11/2023, 18:48) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Nice music Mon
  • Lb (27/11/2023, 19:13) Like (8) Dislike (20) Reply
    Time again to march against the coi, ranking, Collins and for our self determination
    • @Lb (27/11/2023, 21:44) Like (23) Dislike (4) Reply
      You look like you want more of the corruption. We did this to ourselves. We are so brainwashed that we have turned a blind eye to those of our own people who put us in this predicament. NOT THE COI!! What does the BVI have to sustain us if we go independent? A bunch of greedy folks wanting to help themselves and their friends to the cookie jar. We will end up one poor &$$ country riddled with crime. Keep dreaming for independence, you just might get it then you will be bawling for help.
      • @@ LB (30/11/2023, 02:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
        well the UK have deal with is weekly corruption, I am sure the BVI like anywhere else can do the same
  • i from here (27/11/2023, 19:23) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Both brilliant talents and singers
  • bvi (27/11/2023, 20:18) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    Where can I listen to the music?
  • i dont care wha a man seh (27/11/2023, 23:55) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    The lady song sounds better to me
    • @ i dont care wha a man seh (29/11/2023, 15:18) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      That’s because she can actually sing.

      Popularity boosts people.
  • NY (27/11/2023, 23:57) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    Can't you post the songs? I wanna hear them
    • @ NY (29/11/2023, 11:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Soon they would be posted .I heard a replay of both songs at the Cultural & Historical Mix Event at Craft Alive Monday afternoon. It was an Event put on by VICA President-Ms Melissa Potter. Kudos to her!
  • Free the weed (28/11/2023, 05:58) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Do BV-Islanders not understand that independence is entirely in the hands of the people of the BVI. Hold a referendum and if the majority vote in favour, then simply set in motion the process of becoming independent from the UK.
    The title British would need deleting from the Country Name and provision established for electing a President of the new Republic
    • @ free the weed (30/11/2023, 02:22) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      NO referendum needed the VIP ran on independence and won the election there you go let's make it happen fast
  • AReminder (28/11/2023, 07:04) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    We must continue to keep the oppressed people in our prayers and speak out against injustices wherever they occur.
  • RedStorm (28/11/2023, 07:18) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks vino I just listened to both songs thanks for providing them they both are deep, Rosie got liricks
    • @redstorm (29/11/2023, 11:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Rosie was born on Peter Island She has roots in Cooper,Salt,VG,Anegada maybe more and ofcourse Tortola. Rosie is an unsung Historian in our Territory. She does a great job at Our Historical Site at our former HM Prison in Road Town. She has a wonderful voice! She would have won the Calypsion Competition of these Virgin Islands...no question about that!
      Kudos to you Cousin Rosie!
  • Manjack (28/11/2023, 16:44) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Two beautiful songs reflect our forebears on the dehumanization, abuse, rape, violence, and exploitation, along with other atrocities inflicted by the conquerors and colonizers. And though time rolled, the challenges for the descendants continued. Some of the current challenges facing descendants they have contributed to. what an impressive picture showing the BIG F'king deal 1500 turn out is it not? Much has changed though, for Virgin Islanders have gotten soft, complacent, comfortable, etc. It is challenging to get even 10 people to show up to advocate, agitate, and protest for equal rights, basic human rights, and freedom and to protect basic democratic principles. That rugged individualism has vanished and Virgin Islanders are altruists, appeasers, etc.
  • jimmy (28/11/2023, 23:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    LET THE MUSIC PLAY YALL
  • bvibuzz (02/12/2023, 08:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rosie should have been the one running for zone 3 her son Aron is a big waste of time and a thin skin child.

    Rosie, we love your song "change."


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