About a year ago, I came across “Dirt in the Diamond” by Renee Maria Osubu, a short film that serves as a visual accompaniment to the album by South East London rapper Jords. The thumbnail immediately caught my attention: it depicted a young boy with his face in his palm, sitting in the back of a car with the window rolled down. The image struck a chord with me, though I wasn’t entirely sure why. I found myself reflecting on times when I was deeply absorbed in my thoughts and emotions, leading me to become quiet. The film's depiction of these emotions resonated deeply with my own experiences of navigating internal struggles.

As the film progressed, it became clear why the young boy’s expression had such an impact. His sadness was linked to attending his first nine-night, a traditional Jamaican mourning ceremony held after the death of his friend Isaac. This ceremony, integral to Jamaican culture, is depicted as a period that intertwines mourning with celebration, highlighting how grief and joy coexist. The film offers a deeper look into how these contrasting emotions are experienced and expressed within this cultural framework.

The film also layers the historical context of the 1970s, reflecting the challenges faced by the Black community during that era. Through a blend of archival footage and stylistic elements, “Dirt in the Diamond” captures the socio-political atmosphere of 1970s London. It highlights the racial tensions that characterized the period while showcasing the resilience and strength of the Black community. This historical backdrop adds depth to the personal narrative, offering a broader understanding of the struggles and triumphs experienced by the Jamaican diaspora.

As I reflect on this film, I remember its exploration of personal loss, cultural identity, and the Jamaican diaspora's experiences in the UK. I learned that grief could manifest in various ways and be perceived differently by each individual. Grief can be both culturally and ancestrally influenced, linking us to the struggles of those who fought for our rights. Observing this, I see how history often repeats itself, shaping our current experiences and understanding of loss.

In “Dirt in the Diamond,” we journey with 12-year-old Jerome as he attends his first nine-night, as previously mentioned. This particular nine-night is held for his recently deceased friend, making it a moment of deep emotional significance. The first half of the film powerfully captures the rich cultural tradition of celebrating the lives of those who have passed, intertwining grief with moments of joy and communal solidarity.

The nine-night is more than just a mourning ceremony; it's a vibrant gathering where the community comes together to remember, laugh, and dance. It's a space where the pain of loss is met with the resilience of joy. The beginning scenes show people playing games, sharing stories, and dancing. Among the attendees is a character portrayed by Jords, who delivers a powerful performance of MoBay featuring Tay Iwar. His performance isn't just a musical interlude; it's an homage to the cultural roots that bind the community together, a moment of reflection and cultural pride.

Jerome's journey through the nine-night is shaped by his interactions with other children. These interactions provide a glimpse into the curiosity and innocence of youth. The children, eager to understand the adult world, watch the grown-ups from a distance. They find themselves amused and embarrassed by the adults' open expressions of joy, reflecting their youthful naivety. For Jerome, this moment of observation serves as a break from grief, adding a lighter energy to the evening.

The adults, meanwhile, are fully engaged in the celebration. Their dancing is more than just movement; it represents their shared resilience and spirit. The film captures their expressions of joy, showing how the community finds ways to celebrate life even in the face of loss. This portrayal highlights the importance of music and dance as essential elements in the collective experience of grief and remembrance.

Meanwhile, Isaac's mother, Judith, tries to keep it together and engage in the celebration, but she eventually decides to step outside. Her husband follows behind to check on her. He knows she is struggling with their son's loss, but he reminds her of their blessings, saying, "This morning, it just felt too soon to have people over enjoying themselves, but tonight, seeing all those faces, hearing all those stories they shared about Isaac… Judith, we're blessed. Not everyone gets to have a son like our Isaac." After their talk, they start dancing to the music outside, even though it's hard for them both to hold back their grief.

Which I admire because grief is a complex and deeply personal experience. It's challenging to find moments of joy and connection amidst the pain, but their ability to embrace the celebration and honor their son's memory shows strength and resilience.

We then transition to Isaac’s funeral, where the profound pain and tears are evident in Judith’s eyes. The scene captures the somber atmosphere as friends and family gather to offer their support, including Jerome and his mother. The mood shifts from the vibrant celebration of the nine-night to the subdued tones of black and white, reflecting the gravity of the occasion.

Men carry Isaac’s casket with solemnity, marking a poignant transition from life to death. The sadness is palpable on everyone’s faces as they sit in the church. Jords performs iPray featuring Wretch 32, Miles from Kinshasa, and Mrs. Chamber. The song’s melancholy and contemplative mood resonates deeply with the scene, aligning with the themes of prayer and reflection that often accompany such moments of loss.

As the casket is carried and the procession moves towards the burial site, a spirit version of Isaac is seen dancing along with the song. This visual element, both beautiful and heart-wrenching, offers a poignant representation of Isaac’s enduring spirit. It provides viewers with a sense of hope and comfort, suggesting that despite the sorrow, Isaac is at peace and his presence continues to be felt in a meaningful way.

As the previous scene ends, we move to a mix of archival footage and Jords' performance of FIST IN THE SKY featuring Jordan Mackampa. This shift brings a lively energy to the film, offering a sharp contrast to the earlier serious moments. The song is particularly relevant here, as it captures the spirit of resilience and cultural pride that resonates throughout the film.

The archival footage provides a critical lens into the Black British experience, offering viewers an in-depth look at the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Jamaican immigrants in the UK. This footage includes pivotal events such as the 1976 Notting Hill Carnival riots, where tensions between the Black community and police erupted into violent confrontations. These riots were a response to systemic racism and discriminatory practices, highlighting the deep-seated racial issues of the time. The film also incorporates footage from the 1985 Brixton Riot and the Broadwater Farm Riot, both of which were significant flashpoints in the struggle against police brutality and racial inequality. These events are portrayed with a raw intensity that underscores the persistent challenges faced by the community.

In addition to historical protests, the film integrates contemporary footage from the Black Lives Matter movement. This inclusion serves to bridge the past with the present, illustrating how the fight against racial injustice has evolved over the decades while remaining a critical issue. By showcasing these ongoing struggles, the film emphasizes that the quest for equality and justice is a continuous journey, connecting the historical struggles of the 1970s with the present-day activism.

We also see the contrast between the past and present through the film's use of archival footage. Dirt in the Diamond offers a profound tribute to the resilience of past generations who preserved their customs and traditions despite the adversities they faced. This homage is vividly brought to life through the film’s portrayal of elders who, even while navigating a new and challenging environment, remained dedicated to upholding their cultural heritage. Their commitment to maintaining these traditions underscores their significant role in preserving cultural identity. The film captures poignant moments where elders share stories and pass down cultural practices to younger generations. These scenes illustrate the essential process of transmitting traditions and values, ensuring that cultural identity remains intact and celebrated. Through these interactions, “Dirt in the Diamond” highlights how the wisdom and customs of the past continue to shape and enrich the present.

In the end, “Dirt in the Diamond” is a beautiful film with a powerful message. It emphasizes the deep, personal nature of grief and offers a meaningful exploration of the Black British experience and Jamaican traditions. By intertwining these elements, the film highlights how cultural heritage and personal identity are connected, providing a heartfelt perspective on loss and belonging. If you haven't watched it yet, take the time to experience it.

Article by Shawna Small, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Bradley Duley, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

“Dirt in the Diamond:” A Journey through Grief and Heritage