"My Very Own Brother" Song by Emmanuel Carlos St. Omer: A Soul-Stirring Anthem of Truth and Healing
On his latest release, "My Very Own Brother," Saint Lucian singer, songwriter, and poet Emmanuel Carlos St. Omer boldly and honestly addresses historical betrayal and spiritual healing. This is more than just a song; it is an account of the wounds we carry from the past, transcending oceans and generations.
"My Very Own Brother" is rooted in a steady pulse of roots reggae, and it directly addresses the painful reality of Africans selling their own into slavery. You won't find many artists using lyricism like this anymore: "Iron sang on mother's shore, a hymn of silent screaming." St. Omer sheds light on some buried truths and creates an avenue for dialogue about internalized oppression, ancestral sorrow, and reconciliation in the world.
The song is musically warm yet haunting, employing a heavy use of traditional reggae instrumentation but adding layers of atmospheric richness, which gives this song a spiritual weight and melodic depth. St. Omer's voice carries wisdom, pain, and intent, leading you on a journey from turmoil to consciousness.
In a world still recovering from the damage and trauma of colonialism and racism, “My Very Own Brother” is a brave anthem that demands honesty, courage, and collective healing. It is a vital and beautifully written song that connects with the spirit of a people and the conscience of the world.