REFLECTION & REASON

I love the Auto Show, and rarely (if ever) miss it. I love the lights and the reflections, the curves of the vehicles, the car enthusiasts sitting in the front seats and running their hands across the features, and I particularly love watching the designs evolve and the brands present themselves over time. I prefer to attend as close to opening day as possible, when the crowd is thin and the view is unobstructed. Needless to say, after a long two years' hiatus, I am happy to see the festivities resume. A chapter in Donovan Watkis' book Cultural Capital to Financial Capital: Reggae-Dancehall  was on my mind all week, as I anticipated attending the Canadian International Auto Show 's Media Day on February 16, 2023. In this chapter "Dancehall's Love Affair with Luxury Car Brands," he wrote about the connection through music over the years, with a few examples of songs from Beenie Man , Popcaan , and Bounty Killa . In the same spirit as Watkis' reflections, my

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

I truly believe that Jamaica is the most powerful, deliberate, and infectious national 'brand' on the planet. Yes, I am 100% biased. For the thousands gathered at Rebel Salute this past weekend (many of whom were visitors) at the Grizzly's Plantation Cove in Priory, St. Ann, they would probably agree: Jamaica is in fact a "real place," and a wonderful one at that. Artist Jahsii during his Friday night performance said that no matter how much he travels the world and experiences other locales, that nowhere else is sweet like Jamaica. Incomparable vibes, one might say. Cultural impressions and perceptions of Jamaica tend to be associated with the impeccable cuisine, infectious rhythms, hypnotic lyrics both in music (and in conversation), confident style, and an overall unforgettable presence. Bob Marley and the kaya, too, of course. For those who don't live on the island, word of mouth, traditional media, and social media are go-to tools for experiencing the da

Live from the ROK Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica on the evening of December 21, 2022, legendary Jamaican artist Tony Rebel and his team launched the 29th staging of the Rebel Salute festival, taking place on Friday, January 20 and Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Grizzly's Plantation Cove . Moderating the evening's launch and connecting with special guests were livestream host Iesha Prendy , and on-stage host Neisha-Yen Jones  from TVJ's Daytime Live. Joined by media personnel and music industry supporters, attendees and online viewers were presented with the weekend's features, performers, and related insight. As expected, the 2023 music festival promises to be yet another impactful "experience of reggae and consciousness and soul," according to media specialist and consultant Carole Beckford . Along with food and love, music is one of the top 3 reasons why individuals around the globe travel to Jamaica. Rain or shine, Rebel Salute will continue to welcome local an