In Summary
- UNESCO grants reggae music Protected Status
- The growth and influence of reggae music
July 1st is recognized as International Reggae Day.
This is a celebration for reggae culture and its influence on Jamaican music.
UNESCO on reggae music
The impact of reggae music on the world was recognized when it was granted ‘protected status’ by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in November 2018.
“Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, sociopolitical, sensual and spiritual,” UNESCO said.
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Jamaica submitted massive application to convince UNESCO that reggae is a cultural phenomenon worth protecting and honoring.
Ahead of the vote, Jamaican Culture Minister Olivia Grange said her country was pushing for reggae to be added to the prestigious list as a “uniquely Jamaican” musical tradition that has touched communities across the globe.
The Growth and Influence of Reggae Music
Reggae is a powerful style of music with deep roots by the time Bob Marley joined the scene.
Since then, the world has enjoyed popular releases from the genre, from notable names including, Toots and The Maytals, Joseph ‘Culture’ Hill, Alton Ellis, John Holt and more, to recent greats such as Sizzla Kalonji, Beres Hammond, Shaggy and Sean Paul .
The style of reggae has made its mark and spread wide, with tons of different styles and variations popping up.
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International Reggae Day is celebrated in Kingston, Jamaica, with thousands of fans and musicians coming from all over the world gathering there to celebrate the amazing history of reggae history.
