Allocate permanent venue for reggae music
Published:Saturday | February 11, 2023 | 12:13 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Reggae music is a global heartbeat. Many thanks to the early pioneers and to the present musicians who continue to deliver reggae to the world. We must not forget that, in the early days, the music was shunned by the upper class, because it was the voice of the oppressed speaking up for equal rights and justice. Reggae music is a formidable force in the music world, and Jamaica is duly credited and recognised for its development and proliferation. The music has broken across all races, culture, and socio-economic barriers and has now become the beloved choice of music for many music enthusiasts, because it resonates with people everywhere.
Reggae deserves a permanent physical space where shows, reggae carnivals, exhibits are organised, memorabilia sold and it has a ‘Wall of Fame’ portraying our reggae legends . This would be a great initiative for the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport to undertake, a fitting tribute to this genre of music, its founders, and an investment that would over time generate huge revenues.
A permanent space will increase the frequency of reggae shows and will ultimately be a pull for entertainment tourism. Jamaica is ‘Reggaeland’, so one or two reggae shows per year is not good enough. In Europe, reggae shows are a regular feature. Jamaica should be second to none when it comes to the perseverance and hosting of reggae shows/carnivals. Tony Rebel said it “A reggae put Jamaica pon top”.
In this Reggae Month, let us give Jamaica and the world a lasting and tangible tribute, name it Reggae Village, Reggae Auditorium, Reggae Park, Reggaeville or Reggae Hall.
CARLOS PIPHER