REFLECTION & REASON

Yes, Jamaica is a real place. That's a question that commonly pops up on social media because some of the things you see about Jamaica...you can only see in Jamaica. And only understand it in a Jamaican context. I am biased by birth, but I truly feel that the island of Jamaica is magnificent for so many reasons. A place with beautiful weather, delicious food, the most charismatic people you'll ever meet, gorgeous landscapes, a tourism industry like no other, a unique style of music that has transcended borders and inspired a multitude of sub-genres within the genre, and an abundance of talent performing, managing, and maintaining the industry that makes this island experience one that millions continue to return to. Reggae Sumfest is one night of the year where Jamaica has the opportunity to put this talent on full display and remind the world just how powerful and influential reggae music is. Downsound Entertainment, in association with sponsors including Grace Foods, ...

Very seldom can we witness a moment in history and know that, without a doubt, it is going to be a memory that remains a significant part of our lives forever. There are incidents that we'll always recall for personal reasons, or times we hold dear as a part of our family legacy, but the cultural moments that simultaneously resonate with us all are rare to come by. But when they do hit...we feel no pain. It wasn't my intention to watch the inaugural performance of the Buju Banton " Long Walk to Freedom Tour " from the cold familiarity of Toronto, Canada. Since Buju was released from incarceration, in December of last year, I knew that every moment up until this particular performance was going to be one of great musical anticipation...and I wanted to be there for the climax. "Due to circumstances beyond my control..." I was unable to fly to Kingston to see Mark Myrie touch the stage after nine long years. Instead, I made sure to lock in every device and ...

We have all seen the footage of Bob Marley and The Wailers at the National Stadium in Kingston, on April 22 of 1978 joining the hands of then political rivals the PNP's Prime Minister Michael Manley and the JLP's Edward Seaga. The photograph made international headlines, the video is a classic glimpse at the state of reggae music and Jamaican politics in the 70s, and the overall sentiment is that it was an historical moment that will forever be cemented in the archives of monumental musical episodes on the island. "Love, prosperity, be with us all..." Bob said to the crowd of 32,000 spectators gathered. For those who were too young to be present in Kingston that spring day, and for those who were living abroad in Canada, the U.S., or the U.K., an intense moment like this has yet to take place in the reggae community. There has been excitement and controversy, musical hits and glorified performers: the industry has seen its fair share of peaks and crashes over th...

Growing up in a Jamaican household our family always listened to reggae music, but my parents also had a taste that spanned from Bob Marley...to Neil Diamond at times. While reggae, calypso and sounds of the West Indies were honourably celebrated, so was the music of Blondie, Queen, Ashford & Simpson, and Whitney Houston to name a few. A musical family from Toronto straight back to Manchester, Jamaica, we all had an innate appreciation for all good music: period. I can remember the Caribbean compositions of ska, lover's rock, and roots reggae as a late 70's baby; it was a natural soundtrack to outings and special events. The rhythms were soothing, and the lyrics even at times humourour to our young ears. For example, when Lovindeer released his tribute of disdain to Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, my siblings and I laughed at the patois-laden lyrics, singing along to the instant hit about the storm that ravished our island, devastating many. Reggae music is special--albeit...