Photo © Danny Creatah

It is a beautiful day for Reggae Music, November 29, 2018! Today we got the news that Reggae Music, our beloved music has been added to the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The music that originated in Jamaica in the mid 60’s Spread all over the world and touches and inspires many people on a daily basis.

The original text on the UNESCO list says:

“Having originated within a cultural space that was home to marginalized groups, mainly in Western Kingston, the Reggae music of Jamaica is an amalgam of numerous musical influences, including earlier Jamaican forms as well as Caribbean, North American and Latin strains. In time, Neo-African styles, soul and rhythm and blues from North America were incorporated into the element, gradually transforming Ska into Rock Steady and then into Reggae. While in its embryonic state Reggae music was the voice of the marginalized, the music is now played and embraced by a wide cross-section of society, including various genders, ethnic and religious groups. Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual. The basic social functions of the music – as a vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice, and a means of praising God – have not changed, and the music continues to act as a voice for all. Students are taught how to play the music in schools from early childhood to the tertiary level, and Reggae festivals and concerts such as Reggae Sumfest and Reggae (Rebel) Salute provide annual outlets, as well as an opportunity for understudy and transmission for upcoming artists, musicians and other practitioners.”

We, being World A Reggae, can only say we are proud of Jamaica and its music to be listed as cultural heritage.