REFLECTION & REASON

Living in Canada, having an international perspective and appreciation for reggae-dancehall music is a natural occurrence. We can feel the impact from afar. As a Canadian of Jamaican descent, it is also evident how the culture is transferred from a distance, and how it inevitably changes across generations. Reggae music is a force, as is dancehall music. I have grown to appreciate it and appreciate the effects of Jamaican culture around the globe. The island has such a unique and infectious vibe that it is often imitated, circulated, and in some cases...appropriated. We know this, we witness this, but somehow the culture as a whole still hasn't received the full rewards...financially or otherwise. While it's nice to see artists like Kabaka Pyramid or Shaggy win Grammy awards for their creations, it is also natural to want the international force that is reggae-dancehall have a deeper impact on industry and infrastructure as well. An insightful conversation broadcast earlier thi...

The beautiful thing about information is that it's readily available and exists in abundance. Whether through formal education, the historical transfer of cultures, or through curated events like this week's Island Music Conference  (IMC) that are specifically catered towards a particular demographic. Founded by  co-CEO's Sharon Burke and Judith Ann Bodley, and event Chairman Dr. Orville Burrell (Shaggy), the Conference is, "an Island meeting place where music professionals share experiences, forge alliances, expand knowledge base, expose new music and talent, and connect with the heartbeat of the global industry," as stated on the event website, with the intention of helping participants navigate challenges, network, and gain education on the business of the island music industry. The event takes place from February 8 through 12, 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica. Keynote speakers over the next few days will include Shaggy (reggae musician, singer, DJ, and actor), Kyle B...

February is Reggae Month, established in 2008 by Jamaica's Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport , and the Jamaican Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) . It has been a joy to receive this extra dedicated month of teachings, events, and specialized celebrations for reggae music that can be enjoyed globally. It's another opportunity to showcase the brilliance of Jamaican music, culture, and to witness the ways in which these elements can contribute to Jamaica's international impact and local development. A nice precursor to the month was the announcement of the artist nominees for Canada's 2023 Reggae Recording of the Year Juno Award: Ammoye, Celena, Exco Levi, Kairo McLean and Kirk Diamond, and also Kairo McLean and Finn on January 31. Take a look at this ReggaeNorth.ca article for the overview (Juno nominee image via Reggae North). We're at an era in reggae music where it's just as easy to consume live music online as it is out in a venue. Nonet...

Every year since the Jamaican government's declaration in 2008, Reggae Month has officially honoured the genre's impact, and is highlighted through events and activities orchestrated by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport , the Ministry of Tourism , and other presenting partners on the island. February was selected to also commemorate the birthdays of two reggae music legends: Dennis Brown who was born on February 1, and Bob Marley, born on February 6. This year, we'd like to celebrate Reggae Month by recognizing the innovative contributions made to reggae music in Canada , specifically during the past twenty-three months that the world has been in the midst of this seemingly neverending pandemic. Despite quarantine restrictions, travel complexities, and an overall global apprehension to gather, there have been music practitioners around the world dedicating their time and energy to creatively sustaining reggae music...by any means necessary. The regga...

Every time I take a flight, there is one artist that I listen to for take off and landing, and the relaxing duration of travelling in the sky. In the peak of my vacation anticipation, one artist alone can match the musical high I aspire to achieve, and provide the perfect soundtrack to my journey. Bitty McLean is my artist. Bitty McLean has the one voice that can always put my mind at ease. Every time. He personifies everything that is great about reggae music, and music in general, and has proven to consistently produce and perform a style of reggae music that can speak to the deepest reggae lovers both in Jamaica or abroad. Through various eras of changes and trends, industry hype and confusion, the music of Bitty McLean has remained wholeheartedly great, technically sound, vocally strong, reggae music. A British Jamaica, born in Birmingham, England 46 years ago, Bitty has one of the purest and most identifiable singing voices in reggae music today. A uniquely clear tone, wi...

There were so many amazing reggae artists performing at the Rebel Salute roots reggae music festival this year that by 7 a.m., I was barely awake...but still engaged in the stage performances. Used to arena concerts events ending by 11 p.m. here in Toronto (or 3 a.m. for reggae performances in club venues), it was an exercise in stamina to be actively observant of everyone who touched the stage at Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Priory, Saint Ann. With my digital SLR camera in hand, and cell phone serving as a secondary recording device, I didn't want to miss a thing. Looking back at my footage  upon returning to Canada, it was evident to me that I had just experienced a once-in-a-lifetime cultural moment in Jamaica, and I felt blessed to have witnessed the performances and exchanges up close and personal. I have so many memories from that weekend. The feeling of pride, enjoying music amongst the Jamaican patrons, and lingering backstage with the likes of Capleton and Yendi: J...

Every February since 2008, the government of Jamaica formally recognizes the celebration of Reggae Month on the island. Two of the genre's most influential musicians, Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, were both born early in the month, making it a fitting time of year to pay tribute to the music that helps to define Jamaica's identity domestically and internationally. Organized by the Jamaican Recording Industry Organization (JaRIA), Reggae Month features a variety of events from lectures to parties, showcases and documentary screenings, to pay homage to the music and also encourage its continuity. The best place to be: Kingston, of course. Here reggae lovers can participate in any of the annual special events like the Open University public lecture series, or JaRIA Live a series that presents emerging reggae artists to their potential fan bases. For each Wednesday in the month, Reggae Wednesdays features live concerts, and the following night Vinyl Thursdays is a great way t...