Colle´ Kharis – “Rise Jamaica”
“Rise Jamaica” is a powerful anthem of resilience and national pride by Colle´ Kharis, inspired by the unbreakable spirit of the Jamaican people in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. With a stirring fusion of roots reggae rhythm and heartfelt storytelling, the song paints a vivid picture of struggle, survival, and rebirth.
From the opening lines — “Like the bedrock of the Blue Mountain peak, stand tall, stand firm pon yuh feet” — Colle´ evokes the natural strength and beauty of Jamaica, grounding the listener in a message of endurance. The recurring chorus, “Rise Jamaica, like a phoenix in the sky,” symbolizes renewal and hope, reminding the island that even in the face of devastation, its spirit remains unshaken.
Balancing poetic imagery with raw emotion, the verses capture both the chaos of the storm — “Zinc roof paint the sky, tek flight like a kite” — and the courage of the people who rebuild with faith in a brighter tomorrow. The refrain “No mamma no cry” echoes through the track like a healing mantra, offering comfort and unity.
Ultimately, “Rise Jamaica” stands as a tribute to strength, community, and the indomitable heart of the island — a musical call for the nation to stand strong, rebuild together, and let the sun shine again on Jamaica.
Like the bedrock of the Blue Mountain peak
Stand tall, stand firm pon yuh feet
Storm may bend yuh, but it nah break yuh core
Jamaica now and forever more
Rise Jamaica,
Like a phoenix in the sky, Jamaican
The storm has passed
For those who crossed
Cry, Jamaica
Head up high, Jamaica
Let Jah sun shine, pon Jamaica
Bent by the storm. But the root hold firm
Stand strong, Jamaica
Oh! What a sight,
Come like a thief in the night
The tree it a squabble, with the wind it a fight
Zinc roof paint the sky - Tek flight like a kite
Children traumatize, dem heart full ah fright
Hold on steady, Jamaica hold on tight
Every dark tunnel leads to a guiding light
You've got to push through with all your might
'Cause every likkle thing gonna be alright
Rise Jamaica,
Like a phoenix in the sky, Jamaican
The storm has passed
For those who crossed
Cry, Jamaica
Head up high, Jamaica
Let Jah sun shine, pon Jamaica
Bent by the storm. But the root hold firm
Stand strong, Jamaica
No mamma no cry
No mamma no cry
The darkest hour comes before the sun rise high
Ah you no storm can’t conquer (conquer)
You ago build back stronger (yeah!)
Strength and resilience forever (forever)
Cause yuh likkle yet tallawah (Jamaica)
Rise Jamaica,
Like a phoenix in the sky, Jamaican
The storm has passed
For those who crossed
Cry, Jamaica
Head up high, Jamaica
Let Jah sun shine, pon Jamaica
Bent by the storm. But the root hold firm
Stand strong, Jamaica
Oh! What a sight
Come like a thief in the night
The tree it a squabble, with the wind it a fight
Zinc roof paint the sky - Tek flight like a kite
Children traumatize, dem heart full a fright
Hold on steady, Jamaica hold on tight
Every dark tunnel leads to a guiding light
You've got to push through with all your might
'Cause every likkle thing gonna be alright
Rise Jamaica,
Like a phoenix in the sky, Jamaican
The storm has passed
For those who crossed
Cry, Jamaica
Head up high, Jamaica
Let Jah sun shine, pon Jamaica
Bent by the storm. But the root hold firm
Stand strong, Jamaica
No mamma no cry
No mamma no cry
For the darkest hour comes before the sun rise high
Ah you no storm can’t conquer (conquer)
You ago build back stronger (yeah!)
Strength and resilience forever (forever)
Cause yuh likkle yet tallawah (Jamaica)
