Preservation of Revivalism – A Momentous Achievement for Jamaica
By: , February 14, 2025
Photo: Mark Bell
Members of the revivalist church performing the table ritual during a special gathering to commemorate the 114th birth anniversary of the late Zion Revivalist Mallica "Kapo" Reynolds, on February 10 at the National Heroes Park in Kingston.
Photo: Contributed
The Watt Town Revival Pilgrimage has been inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.The Full Story
Inscription of the Watt Town Revival Pilgrimage on the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List is a momentous achievement for Jamaica, says Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange.
The pilgrimage, which takes place annually, is a celebration of Jamaica’s spiritual and cultural roots, drawing on the traditions of the island’s revivalist movement.
The listing of the pilgrimage by UNESCO on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a remarkable milestone that honours the revivalist tradition and its profound significance in Jamaican culture and heritage.
Minister Grange’s remarks were delivered by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Deanroy Bernard, at a special floral tribute to commemorate the 114th birth anniversary of the late revivalist leader, Mallica “Kapo” Reynolds, held at National Heroes Park, Kingston, on February 10.
The Minister said the recognition of the revivalist movement is a result of the work done by Kapo and other leaders, including late former Prime Minister, Edward Seaga, who played a key role in preserving and promoting revivalism in Jamaica.
“This visionary, charismatic and inspirational leader successfully married his art and religion in such a way that celebrated our African heritage and our Jamaicanness,” she said.
Minister Grange noted that Kapo, who was born on February 10, 1911 in the district of Byndloss, St. Catherine, recognised his calling from an early age.
She recalled that in the 1980s, he travelled to various places, including to Jamaica House, where he led revival ceremonies, legitimising and destigmatising the cultural practice for many Jamaicans.
“This celebration of his life, today, is towards fulfilling our commitment, and present and future generations will know about those on whose shoulders we stand as we continue to build a Jamaica of which we and future generations will be proud,” she said.
In recognition of his contributions, Kapo was honoured with the Order of Distinction, the gold and silver Musgrave Awards, as well as a Gold Medal from His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.