Reggae Hailed as One of Jamaica’s Greatest Assets

Reggae is one of Jamaica’s greatest assets says Director of the Tourism Linkages Network, Carolyn McDonald Riley.

“Reggae resonates as a defining thread, synonymous with a number of other exciting things that we produce, for example, our Blue Mountain coffee and other exciting drinks, [and is] really representing our vibrant culture,” Mrs. McDonald Riley said.

The Director, who noted local tourism industry stakeholders’ quest to attract “millions of visitors” to Jamaica, pointed out that “we are now going over the four-million mark”, while citing reggae as being “very impactful” in this out-turn.

She was speaking during the recent Reggae Month Church Service and launch at Fellowship Tabernacle in Kingston where she represented Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett.

Mrs. McDonald Riley also noted the influence of Jamaica’s Reggae Ambassadors, notably Bob and Rita Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Chronixx, Koffee, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths and Carlene Davis, pointing out that they and other outstanding exponents of the genre “have flown the Jamaican flag on the international stage”.

Meanwhile, Mrs. McDonald Riley is encouraging Jamaicans to participate in activities marking Reggae Month 2024, being observed from February 1 to 29 under the theme ‘Come Ketch di RIDDIM’.

The slated events include a Musical Tribute to Reggae Icons, a Reggae Gold Award, Dancehall Awards, Dancehall Street Parade, Young Reggae Ambassadors, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Open University, and Children of the Icons.

For further details on events and activities, persons can download the Reggae Jamaica mobile app from the Google Play Store.

The celebration of Reggae Month, which began in 2008, is dedicated to recognising and appreciating the genre’s influence on Jamaica’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.

Festivities are included to honour reggae’s rich history and its impact on global music culture.