Tribute to Reggae Music
Reggae Month
February 1, 2024
As we embark on remembering the roles of our foreparents for Black history month, we must incorporate the legacies of our Reggae legends. Reggae Month is an annual celebration in Jamaica dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of reggae music and its cultural impact. This month-long event takes place every February, and it was officially established in 2008. The initiative aims to honor the contributions of reggae music and its legendary artists, particularly the incomparable Dennis Brown and iconic Bob Marley, who were born on February 1, 1957 and February 6, 1945 respectively. Throughout the month, various events and activities are organized, including concerts, lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, and exhibitions. These events showcase the history, evolution, and influence of reggae music, as well as its role in promoting social justice, peace, and unity. Reggae Month also serves as an opportunity to recognize the global reach of reggae and its impact on different cultures around the world.
Jamaica, being the birthplace of reggae, takes great pride in celebrating its rich musical heritage during this dedicated month. The festivities attract both local and international audiences, fostering a sense of cultural appreciation and understanding. Reggae Month has become an important platform for preserving and promoting reggae music as a powerful medium for social change and cultural expression. Reggae Month not only celebrates the music itself but aims to promote diversity and cultural expressions. It serves as a platform to recognize the contributions of reggae artists, producers, and supporters to Jamaican culture and to the world of music.
According to Hon. Minister Olivia Grange, the 2024 celebration is set to begin with a tribute to the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, at the Vera Moodie Concert Hall, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston on February 1st. highlighted a variety of events planned for the month, including tributes to Reggae fallen heroes, symposiums, and activities across the island, with a focus on Negril, known as Jamaica’s entertainment hub. Reggae Month will be observed from February 1 to 29 under the theme, “Come ketch di RIDDIM”.
A significant highlight of the celebrations will be” Dancehall Week”, spanning from February 13th to 19th. Activities will include a street parade on the 18th, starting at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and concluding at the National Stadium. Key events on the Reggae Month calendar include a musical tribute to Reggae Icons, a Reggae Gold Award, Dancehall awards, Young Reggae Ambassadors, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) Open University symposium, and “Children of the Icons” concert. For detailed information on events and activities, Minister Grange recommended downloading the Reggae Jamaica mobile app from the Google Play Store.
Reggae Month is an annual celebration in Jamaica dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of reggae music and its cultural impact.
Jamaica, being the birthplace of reggae, takes great pride in celebrating its rich musical heritage during this dedicated month. The festivities attract both local and international audiences, fostering a sense of cultural appreciation and understanding. Reggae Month has become an important platform for preserving and promoting reggae music as a powerful medium for social change and cultural expression. Reggae Month not only celebrates the music itself but aims to promote diversity and cultural expressions. It serves as a platform to recognize the contributions of reggae artists, producers, and supporters to Jamaican culture and to the world of music.
Bob Marley: One Love Movie
According to Hon. Minister Olivia Grange, the 2024 celebration is set to begin with a tribute to the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, at the Vera Moodie Concert Hall, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston on February 1st. highlighted a variety of events planned for the month, including tributes to Reggae fallen heroes, symposiums, and activities across the island, with a focus on Negril, known as Jamaica’s entertainment hub. Reggae Month will be observed from February 1 to 29 under the theme, “Come ketch di RIDDIM”.
A significant highlight of the celebrations will be” Dancehall Week”, spanning from February 13th to 19th. Activities will include a street parade on the 18th, starting at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and concluding at the National Stadium. Key events on the Reggae Month calendar include a musical tribute to Reggae Icons, a Reggae Gold Award, Dancehall awards, Young Reggae Ambassadors, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) Open University symposium, and “Children of the Icons” concert. For detailed information on events and activities, Minister Grange recommended downloading the Reggae Jamaica mobile app from the Google Play Store.
Dennis Emmanuel Brown - born February 1st
HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Reggae, with its roots deeply embedded in Jamaican culture and history, has indeed become a globally renowned music genre admired for its distinct sound and profound messages. The story of reggae’s journey from its origins to its worldwide acclaim is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural significance of Jamaican music.
Reggae music is a fusion of various musical influences, including traditional African and Caribbean rhythms, jazz, R&B, and rock. It emerged as a response to the desire for a uniquely Jamaican sound, distinct from the imported music dominating dancehalls in the 1940s and 1950s.The evolution of reggae can be traced through its predecessors, including Mento, ska, rocksteady and dancehall. Ska, characterized by its upbeat tempo, laid the groundwork for rocksteady, which slowed down the rhythm and emphasized bass and drums. Reggae emerged in the late 1960s, built upon the foundations of rocksteady but introduced a slower tempo and greater musical complexity, establishing itself as a new and distinctive genre.
The film “The Harder they Come”, featuring reggae star Jimmy Cliff, played a pivotal role in introducing reggae music and the Jamaican struggle against poverty to a global audience. Its success contributed significantly to reggae’s international recognition.
Bob Marley, with his band the Wailers, became synonymous with reggae music and played a crucial role in popularizing it worldwide. Marley’s spirituality as a Rastafarian and his profound lyrics resonated with audiences globally, solidifying reggae’s connections with spirituality and social consciousness.
The large Jamaican population in the United Kingdom facilitated the spread of reggae music across borders. Artists like Aswad, Steel Pulse, and others helped popularize reggae internationally, particularly in the U.K., during the 1970s.
Reggae’s impact transcends its musical boundaries. It serves as a symbol of Jamaican pride and national identity, embodying the struggles and aspirations of the Jamaican people. Moreover, reggae’s themes of social justice, unity, and spirituality have resonated with audiences worldwide, contributing to its enduring legacy as a genre of music that inspires, uplifts, and unites people across cultures and generations.
In conclusion, reggae’s journey from its origins in Jamaica to its status as a universally acclaimed music genre is a testament to the talent, creativity, and cultural significance of the artists and musicians who contributed to its development. Through their dedication and innovation, reggae has left an indelible mark on the global music landscape, enriching lives and inspiring change. The impact saw the birth of Hip-Hop, Reggaeton and Afro-Beat.
- 1972 – The movie “The Harder they Come” was an international success with Jimmy Cliff.
- November 2018 – UNESCO designates Reggae Music as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity.
- February – 2024 the movie Bob Marley: One Love which premiered in Jamaica, will be in theatres.