feature: “kingsun” – a bright literary tribute to jamaica by author gladstone taylor

Jamaican author Gladstone Taylor presents an unconventional tribute to his home country with his latest publication “KingSun; The Testaments of Sunlight and Water”, a rich tale of reverence and self-exploration. “This book, as it says, is a testament to the fact that Jamaican people and culture are both incredibly unique and complex and that there is a relationship between this and the Sun”, said Taylor when describing his work. The 23-year-old writer aims to use his youthful, yet learned, perspective to broaden the narrative of his people.

By  Damola Durosomo, AFROPUNK Contributor 

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“KingSun”, whose title is a reference to Jamaica’s sun-drenched capital, is a chapbook consisting of various compositions separated into “testaments” that tackle numerous subjects, including the Internet and the role it plays in shaping ways of thinking and behaving, as well as religion and its often ambiguous presence amongst today’s youth. Other thought-provoking ideas are shared through incisively crafted quotes, expressive poems and dynamic short stories, where Taylor addresses questions of race and female identity, while also asking fundamental questions about human existence. Striking graphics and illustrations also fill the pages of the imaginative book, making “KingSun” an elaborate, multilayered work both visually and conceptually..

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Art credit: Kokab 

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Its colorful cultural references, allegories, and streams of consciousness make “KingSun” a refreshing and engaging read. Taylor shares thoughtful insights throughout the book and he does so through a distinct lens— allowing him to focus on experiences of people in his native Jamaica, while also making observations about society at large. Taylor does not shy away from addressing heavy topics as they pertain to his homeland, but he makes it undeniably clear that despite challenges, the sun will never stop shining on Jamaica.

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Be sure to grab a copy of “KingSun; The Testaments of Sunlight and Water”, available via amazon.

Banner Photo credit: @phvrvohxo (IG)

All other photos were taken by Jik Reuben