Reggae Month 2024 is set to resonate with the rhythm and vibes that make Jamaica's musical heritage truly iconic. Kicking off with a tribute to the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown, at the Vera Moodie Concert Hall, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston on February 1, this month-long celebration promises a melody of events, symposiums, and activities across the island. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, unveiled the exciting lineup, inviting Jamaicans to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Reggae.
Dennis Brown Tribute: The opening tribute to Dennis Brown sets the stage for a month filled with homage to reggae icons and the vibrant cultural landscape of Jamaica. The choice of the Vera Moodie Concert Hall emphasizes the fusion of education and the arts, mirroring the ethos of Edna Manley College.
Reggae Month Theme: 'Come ketch di RIDDIM': Under the resonant theme, 'Come ketch di RIDDIM,' Reggae Month invites music enthusiasts, cultural connoisseurs, and revelers to catch the rhythm and immerse themselves in the heartbeat of Jamaica's musical legacy. This theme reflects the essence of reggae as not just a genre but a cultural force that unites people through its infectious beat and powerful messages.
Inaugural Dancehall Week: A groundbreaking addition to Reggae Month 2024 is the inaugural Dancehall Week, endorsed by the Ministry and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. From February 13 to February 19, the Dancehall Week promises a vibrant showcase of Jamaica's dancehall culture. The highlight—a Dancehall street parade on February 18—will take enthusiasts from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre to the National Stadium, a symbolic journey celebrating dancehall's influence on the nation's spirit.
Minister's Call to Action: Minister Grange encourages active participation in the events, emphasizing the importance of supporting reggae music and inspiring artists to reach greater heights. Her call extends beyond appreciation, urging Jamaicans to become ambassadors for the genre, ensuring its continued growth and global impact.
Reggae Month Core Events:
- Musical Tribute to Reggae Icons: A soul-stirring tribute to those who have shaped the reggae landscape.
- Reggae Gold Award: Recognizing outstanding contributions to reggae music, this award honors individuals who have left an indelible mark on the genre.
- Dancehall Awards: Acknowledging the vibrant dancehall culture and its key contributors.
- Young Reggae Ambassadors: Nurturing and showcasing emerging talents in the reggae scene.
- JaRIA Open University Symposium: A platform for intellectual discourse on reggae's cultural and global impact.
- Children of the Icons Concert: Celebrating the next generation of reggae talents, highlighting the legacy passed down from iconic figures.
Partnership with J Wray and Nephew: The excitement surrounding Reggae Month reached new heights with J Wray and Nephew's sponsorship of $90 million for the next three years. This partnership reflects a commitment to preserving and promoting Jamaican culture. Minister Grange and Jean Philippe Beyer, the managing director for J Wray and Nephew Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the private sector's role in supporting cultural initiatives.
Reggae Month App: For real-time updates and information on events and activities, Minister Grange encourages Jamaicans to download the Reggae Jamaica mobile app from the Google Play Store. This app serves as the primary vehicle for communication and will guide attendees with event details, demographics, and directions via Google Maps.
Reggae Month 2024 emerges as a vibrant celebration, honoring the roots of reggae while embracing the evolution of Jamaican music. The fusion of traditional tributes, innovative additions like Dancehall Week, and corporate partnerships exemplify the dynamic nature of Jamaica's cultural heartbeat. As the nation immerses itself in the melodious embrace of reggae, Reggae Month 2024 promises to be a harmonious journey, uniting generations and fostering a continued legacy of musical brilliance.
