Born Frank Dowding in St Mary in 1954, Kiddus (which) means "Blessed One " in Amharic) operated a Rasta commune and crafts center (Zap Pow, the band who brought us non other than Beres Hammond and whose horn section included David Madden and Nambo who went on to play with Bob Marley, Sly and Robbie and more) at 1C Oxford Road (Kingston, JA) : it's location at the juncture of Uptown and Downtown meant persons of all social strata could meet in a harmonious atmosphere.
A graduate of Ras Michael's Sons Of Negus, a key member of The Wailers milieu, and a Black Ark artist, his recordings - centred on the Roots Reggae period - are marked by the openness of their musical horizons, and a striking originality and integrity. (Also during this era he was a key voice raised in the Jamaican music industry against political oppression.) Kiddus I's disdain for careerism has held him back from the spotlight though, and few of his recordings were released, aside from a 7" and a couple of 12"s recorded with Lee "Scratch" Perry at the Black Ark and the track 'Graduation in Zion' as featured on the 'Rockers' soundtrack.
Kiddus I was also a very prominant member of the 1978 Peace Movement, praising the efforts of "brother Claudie, brother Buckie, Tony" on record with "Security In The Streets" issued on his Shepards label.
On a contemporary note, Kiddus I has waited 27 years to release Inna de Yard, his full-length debut on the Makasound label in 2005. Its acme, No Salvation Until, honours reggae’s timeless one-drop rhythm; the bulk of Inna de Yard feels like blues bred on the Mississippi Delta.
More recently a compilation of his 70s and 80s tunes have been released through the Japanese label 'Dubstore', who plan to release another 2 compilations of unreleased tunes over 2007 and 2008.
Graduation In Zion
Kiddus I Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No it won't be too long
All of the sufferings
And wrong soon will be right
Oh yes, yeah, yeah
Keep the faith my brothers and sisters
It's the cross that you bear
And fear not saying Jah Law
Whatsoever, ever, ever man soweth
They all will reap, the fruits of their labours
Yes they will, in the end
Oh yeah, yeah, oh yeah
So, seek ye good and not evil
Ooh, I beg you, my brethren
And cheer up, cheer up, cheer up
Cheer up, cheer, yeah
Now all folly workers now beware
Ease my cry
Less the wrath you call down on yourselves
Be too dread for even you, to bear
Oh yeah, yeah, oh oh yeah, yeah
(.)
As the way is of the Lion, is death with Babylon
And the gift of Jah, eternal life in Zion
Oh yeah, yes, oh yes, yeah, oh yes.
The lyrics to Kiddus I's song Graduation In Zion speak to the idea that although life may have its challenges and suffering, it won't be too long until everything is made right. The song encourages listeners to keep the faith and not fear the consequences of their actions, as everyone will ultimately reap the fruits of their labors. It also suggests that seeking goodness over evil is important, and that those who do not heed this advice will face the consequences. The song further speaks to the idea that there is a spiritual battle brewing between the forces of good and evil, and that ultimately, those who align themselves with the forces of good will be rewarded with eternal life in "Zion".
Overall, the song is a call to action for listeners to stay committed to their spiritual paths, and to work towards creating a more just and peaceful world. It encourages people to take responsibility for their actions, and to be mindful of the impact they have on others.
Line by Line Meaning
No it won't be too long now
The time for redemption is near and will be here soon.
All of the sufferings
All of the pain and hardship we face in this life.
And wrong soon will be right
All of the injustice and wrongdoing will be made right.
Keep the faith my brothers and sisters
Stay faithful and committed to Jah, my fellow believers.
It's the cross that you bear
Our burden as believers is to carry the cross for Jah.
And fear not saying Jah Law
Do not be afraid to preach Jah's word and law.
Whatsoever, ever, ever man soweth
We will reap the consequences of our actions.
They all will reap, the fruits of their labours
Everyone will experience the results of their efforts, good or bad.
So, seek ye good and not evil
Strive to do good and avoid evil in your actions and thoughts.
Ooh, I beg you, my brethren
I implore you, my fellow believers.
Now all folly workers now beware
Those who behave foolishly should be cautious.
Ease my cry
Relieve my sorrow and pain.
Less the wrath you call down on yourselves
Avoid bringing down Jah's wrath upon yourself.
Be too dread for even you, to bear
The consequences of your actions may be too terrible to imagine.
As the way is of the Lion, is death with Babylon
The fate of those who oppose Jah is death at the hands of the Lion.
And the gift of Jah, eternal life in Zion
Those who follow Jah will receive the gift of eternal life in Zion.
Contributed by Bailey D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.