Inna De Yard

Inna De Yard brings together the forgotten pioneers of reggae, ska, roots and rocksteady from the 60s and 70s to capture the sound of resistance and its continued social relevance by juxtaposing the vibrant rhythms of reggae against the heartbreaking struggles of its legendary musicians. Ostensibly, the documentary is not only about Jamaica’s celebrated creativity but a display of the collaborative spirit as the older generation pass on the passions and values of music to the new generation of musicians. Featuring Ken Boothe, whose hit single Everything I Own confirmed his status as one of the country’s iconic musicians, Cedric Myton from The Congos, Winston McAnuff and Kiddus I, who is best known for featuring in the film Rockers, guest Judy Mowatt (vocals with Bob Marley), The Viceroys and Jah9, the film shows the making of the eponymous record Inna De Yard, which follows the success of the album The Sound of Jamaica (2017).

British filmmaker Peter Webber (Girl with a Pearl Earring) takes viewers through the luscious mountains of Jamaica where the pivotal role of music as activism serves to examine the colonial history of the people and their continuing struggles against poverty, limited opportunities and simmering violence. The house in Stony Hill, upper Kingston, with its open windows overlooking the spectacular scenery of the island is a shrine for the merging of the sound of nature with the raw acoustic sound of reggae that reflects the sacred quality of the place as a site where, historically, many enslaved peoples escaped in pursuit of their freedom.

The walls of the house are lined with vinyl through which Inna De Yard explores the evolution of reggae. By introducing the artists with some biographical details that are interspersed with footage of the recording of their best-known songs, Webber’s film prepares artists and viewers alike for the finale that culminates in a live performance in Paris.

Marissa Khaos

Inna De Yard is released in select cinemas on 30^th August 2019.

Watch the trailer for Inna De Yard here: