This is a really special street-dub filmed at Windrush Square, Brixton, London and features Nai-Jah, Joe Pilgrim & Setondji Spirit. This song is called 'False Profit', those who claim to be churning over huge profits in the name of human prosperity always neglect to mention the catastrophic losses they incur, human suffering, animal suffering, indignity and environmental destruction.
Reports for the UN into the activities of the world's 3,000 biggest companies estimate one-third of profits would be lost if firms were forced to pay for use, loss and damage of the environment, this is likely an underestimation. Sentondji ends this song beautifully, and reminds me that if we are to inspire positive change, we have to look beyond economics and politics, collectively, and introspectively, as a species, to shine a spotlight on the destructive nature of disunion and dichotomies. As Joe says, the true warriors are the ones who are working hard to free humankind, and in the words of Morihei Ueshiba "A warrior is charged with bringing a halt to all contention and strife. Universal love functions in many forms; each manifestation should be allowed free expression. The Art of Peace is true democracy."
Over 70 years ago the SS Empire Windrush reached the UK, marking a new era of Caribbean settlement in post-war Britain, in the face of discrimination and racism the Windrush generation helped to rebuild Britain after WWII and in the years that followed (along with their sons and daughters) made untold contributions to the country, including the very music we all love.
In 2010 the UK government destroyed thousands of landing cards and for many people, these cards would have been the only proof of exactly when they arrived in Britain. Shortly after, Theresa May introduced the 'Hostile Environment Policy' declaring "the aim is to create here in Britain a really hostile environment for illegal migration." I had to re-read this quote a few times before it really sank in. Now many of the people who arrived in the UK as children with their parents have been told that they must prove that they're living here legally, they've been sent to immigration detention centres, denied national health services, social welfare and faced deportation.
These immigration policies are shameful and disgusting and I would much prefer if we worked towards making Britain a hostile environment for callous and incompetent politicians. The government is happy to welcome migrants who will contribute to the economy, but when they reach a stage where they can no longer work they're disposed like trash.
Another case of profit before people. As Nai-Jah & Joe remind us, profit rules.
