Reggae: Jamaica’s gift to the world

• Author: Catherine Jewell
• Position: Communications Division, WIPO

What prompted you to establish International Reggae Day?

Reggae Day was inspired by Winnie Mandela’s speech during her visit to Kingston in 1992, in which she spoke about the power of Reggae music to “uplift, inspire and unite” the people of South Africa in their struggle against apartheid. When Reggae Day premiered on July 1, 1994, the idea was to mobilize radio stations in Jamaica to showcase the roots and branches of Jamaican music; to promote quality standards in music and media; to establish a Jamaican Music Hall of Fame; to showcase the best of Jamaica; and to help the people of Jamaica overcome their own struggle for social equality.

With the birth of the Internet in 1996, the event was recast as International Reggae DayTM and our goals expanded: to “unite, inspire and uplift” the global Reggae community through the power of music, media and technology; to showcase Kingston as the Home of Jamaican Music; to highlight the impact of Jamaica, Reggae and Rastafari on global pop culture; and to promote support for music and arts education in Jamaica.

What are the origins of Reggae music?

Jamaica is known around the world for the diversity and rhythmic originality of its folk and popular music genres. These include Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, Reggae of course, Dub and Dancehall (see box). Few countries have had such a major impact on the global music scene over the past 65 years. Jamaica is the birthplace of the global Reggae lifestyle phenomenon, and the culturally authentic home of Reggae music.

Reggae grew from this exceptionally rich musical culture, and especially reflected the growing influence of Rastafari in urban Jamaica in the 1960s. The country’s music scene became infused with Rastafari philosophy, drumming and style, including the signature dreadlocks that have become the image of Reggae music.

Reggae’s heartbeat rhythm and lyrics about love, redemption and natural living continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Reggae music, which accents the second and fourth beats in each bar, has been the soundtrack for the “One Love” global movement led by Reggae king Bob Marley and artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown and Toots & the Maytals, whose recordings and international tours introduced Reggae music, Jamaican culture and Rastafari “livity” to the world.

Jamaica’s distinctive sounds, fashion, style, dance and language continue to influence global culture as artists, musicians, visual artists and dancers showcasing the Jamaican sound travel the world, spreading the message of “One Love” through the power of Reggae music.

How would you characterize its importance?

Like other lifestyle genres, including Hip Hop, Country and Jazz, Reggae has its own sound, fashion, dance, language, philosophy, cuisine, visuals and attitude...