If you have visited tropical paradise Jamaica earlier, particularly during the month of February, then you already know what it is like on the streets of capital city Kingston. The atmosphere in this creative city becomes musical with many events taking place throughout the month. The year 2016 is therefore no exception. The Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment of this prime Caribbean destination is organizing the 9th annual Reggae Month with much fanfare. The entire February until its very last day would keep the city lively. The Reggae Month this year is being celebrated under the theme ‘Reggae Mekyah’.
The observance dubbed this year is ‘Reggae Month – It’s Kingston for February’. This month is of immense cultural importance because of the creation of unique reggae music and a prime attraction to Kingston. The events taking place are also related to reggae, and also to other musical art forms that are essentially typical of Jamaica alone. The events are presently taking place and will continue for the whole month until February 29 throughout Kingston and St. Andrew Metropolitan Area. The Jamaica Tourist Board has also chipped in and endorsed the events. The Reggae Month has been extensively promoted both in Jamaica and abroad, and also widely publicized on social media as well.
The fact that Kingston has been recently designated by UNESCO as a Creative City specifically for music is already working wonders and making the activities of Kingston parish quite visible. The designation of the city is also providing a platform to local talents for further strengthening the cultural goods and its distribution, production and creation in innovative way.
Brief History
It was during the month of February that Reggae icon Bob Marley was born. Bob Marley’s birthday falls on February 6. To celebrate Bob’s birthday and iconic creation Reggae music, February became an important month in Jamaica’s calendar. A number of events started to honor his memory and celebrate his music. A series of events are organized by the Bob Marley Foundation. These include many events at the Bob Marley Museum. Last year was quite special. A concert was held to mark Bob Marley’s 70th birth anniversary. A renowned Jamaican automobile company also collaborated with Bob Marley Foundation to refurbish and unveil Bob’s Land Rover at the special concert. Interestingly, Dennis Brown, popularly called the “Crown Prince of Reggae”, was also born in the month of February. Many events are also held to honor his memory, but they are not on such a grand scale as of Bob.
Events
The 9th annual Reggae Month has already kicked off at the Praise City International Centre in Trench Town with a church service. A lineup of activities marks the 2016 Reggae Month calendar. Major events to be held during the month-long celebrations include Reggae Wednesdays, the JaRIA Honour Awards and the Reggae Open University. The signature event would be taking place every Wednesday at Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree during the entire month. Some of the biggest reggae’s entertainers would be regaling local Jamaicans and international tourists every week.
Reggae will continue to dominate Jamaica’s musical scene and so different reggae-related events. If you have still not visited Jamaica, there is still time for you to do so. Take next flights to Kingston and immerse in the innovative music that this fabulous Caribbean destination has to offer.
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