TODAY (JULY 1) IS INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY!

 Top: Ken Boothe, Andra Davis

Bottom: Cherine

The media-based celebrations aim to bring reggae into sharp focus globally. This is achieved through increased airplay of reggae music, special conferences and workshops, as well as live shows. According to conceptualiser Andrea Davis, this year will see the inclusion of music markets such as Hawaii, India, African states joining the global event, as well as the hot spots of Miami, New York, and London.

She hopes this year’s observation will bring to the fore the need for a critical link between capital and culture.

In Jamaica, the centrepiece of the celebrations is a conference focusing on how local players in the reggae music industry can claim a larger slice of the international reggae market. The forum will also examine the sound system and the contribution it has made to the development of Jamaican music and culture.

Among the presenters that will be at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston are international intellectual property rights specialist David Stopps.

Prince Buster

International Reggae Day 2015 Awards will be presented to icons of Jamaican sound system movement. Merritone Music, King Jammy, Stone Love Movement, Prince Buster’s Voice of the People, the late Louise Fraser-Bennett, as well as Japanese sound system Mighty Crown and the Jamaica Sound System Federation on behalf of the entire sound system movement, will be honored.

The day’s celebrations will culminate with a concert at the Countryside Club in St Andrew.

Among the artists set to appear on this wrap event are Cherine, Ken Boothe, I Wayne, Denyque and Marla Brown, daughter of the late Crown Prince of Reggae Dennis Brown. Veteran sound system operators King Jammy and the Merritone team, as well as UK-based selector Mixmaster J are set to provide music.

— By Richard Johnson—