OLDIES SUNDAY: Lasana Bandelé – Living In Shacks (1987)

February is recognized as “Black History Month“. The month reflects on the plights of Black people, and celebrates the achievements and innovations by them. It is also recognized as “Reggae Month“, celebrating the global impact the genre has over the past few decades, and will have for generations to come. For today’s “Oldies Sunday” selection, we highlight a musical figure who used his voice to shed light on the struggles his people faced, seeking for better ways. His name is Lasana Bandelé, and the track is called, “Living In Shacks“.

Arranged by Lasana Bandelé and Leebert “Gibby” Morrison and released through Storitela Music in 1987, “Living In Shacks” finds Bandelé doing some Social Commentary. He looks at the destitute conditions many are living in and what they have experienced for centuries, and calling out those who can help but are caught up in vanity and corruption. Bandelé’s song came with powerful words, and at a time when Black people around the world faced great hardship. “Living In Shacks” earned its respect shortly after its release, and it connected with many around the world thanks to its lyrical content. The song was included in Bandelé’s “Storitela” album that was released in 1989. The music video for “Living In Shacks”, directed by Phase 3 and Dermot Hussey, was premiered on JBC TV (now Television Jamaica/TVJ) as a part of Lasana Bandelé’s “The Storitela” TV Special, and was aired regularly.

Since the release of “Living In Shacks”, Lasana Bandelé continued to share his powerful content over the years. From Poetry to Filmmaking, Bandelé made his voice be heard, and messages connect to many locally and Internationally.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter, TikTok, Threads, and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.