The World Celebrates With Jamaica Its Musical Culture In A Message of 1Love
July 1 marks the annual celebration of International Reggae Day (IRD). The events pay homage to the music which has made a significant impact worldwide from a small Caribbean Island.
Reggae, as a genre, was developed in the 1960s in Jamaica. It transported a nation and lyrical dialect to the world through its uniquely characterize strong bass line, complemented by bass sounds and rhythms with accents of alternate beats on each bar
Today Reggae is considered an international staple in all musical cultures. It is believed that the music carries the heart and soul of a nation and people with warmth and love second to none. Countries such as Australia, Germany, New Zealand, among others, have adopted and embrace Reggae music as their own. Today they join the Jamaican people in celebrating the music, the message, and the legends who laid the foundation.
Now in its 27th year, the annual global celebration of Reggae music features the theme ‘1Love’. It represents a return to the root and the message in the music. “In collaboration with their partners who include the Bob Marley Group and VP Records, the International Reggae Day organizers on Friday unveiled their major plans for this year’s ‘1Love Rally’, which is set to unfold this Thursday, JulyOne.” (South Florida Caribbean News, June 2021). Each event is intended to highlight and infuse love into a season of social distancing.
The International Reggae Day official website details the day’s activities. It started at midnight with the 1Love Pull Up, led by the on-air rendition of Bob Marley’s One Love, followed by Dennis Brown’s Love and Hate, and ending with Jah Jah Give Us Life to Live by the Wailing Souls. In alignment with IRD, several activities and events have been launched to commemorate this year’s recognition of reggae music. These include the:
– The hosting of the virtual broadcast on the Tuff Gong Television YouTube channel.
– The Plant One Million Reggae Trees Campaign in Nigeria
– Live Streaming on VP Records
– 24-hour Live Streaming and panel discussions are scheduled to be streamed on JulyOne platform.
Reggae is appreciated as the music that embraces everyone from everywhere. Hence, the organizers of IRD welcomes the globe to join in a day of taking a backward glance to strengthen the forward stride for Reggae music and the message of love for one and all.
– Share a line from your favourite Reggae Song with BGB. Email: info@blackgreenandbold.com
