REFLECTION & REASON

I didn't want the story of the legendary reggae artist Joseph to end, and even though I knew it was loosely based on the life of Bob Marley and that the inevitable outcome was not going to be favourable, I still turned each and every page with anticipation that his fate wouldn't be as disappointing..."gone too soon". From the opening of the novel, the funeral of the fictional Rastafarian reggae superstar Joseph, the reader is introduced to just how significant this moment in Jamaican history is. His death is a loss to the music industry, and to the Jamaican community. His presence was necessary...and unfortunately lost. This is the introduction of the journey created by author and cultural communicator Barbara Makeda Blake Hannah. Through her character Joseph, his associates and peers, she takes us on a spiritual and musical expedition as spectators to the historical milestones in his life. From the first moments of the novel, we are taken back to 1970s Jamaica, t...

Everything about Jamaican musician Koffee reassures me that the future of reggae music and culture is in good hands. There were times, admittedly, that I was concerned. Over the years there have been lyrics, trends, visuals, and dance "moves" that have made me question what was really happening to the young people under the powerful influence of dancehall culture. These moments in questions furthermore made me wonder if this effect would overpower the positive vibrations of roots reggae music and the feel-good Jamaican legacy that has transcended international borders based on messaging of peace and love over the decades. And then came Koffee. Much like her career has developed over the past two years--leading her on an international press and performance spree and into the hearts of many--that's how her music has taken a place at the top of everyone's reggae playlist. "Burning" was hot, and had a mellow reggae groove to it. Produced by Upsetta Recor...

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...