Each year, on July 1st, International Reggae Day is celebrated. The music genre is an integral part of Jamaica’s culture finds as its roots are etched in this country. Reggae is a combination of rhythm and blues, African, calypso, and Latin American music. The music is distinguished by a heavy four-beat rhythm, which is carried out by drums, bass guitars, congas, and electric guitars. A scraper is also used in Reggae music. A scraper is a corrugated stick that the musician scratches with a plain stick.
History
This Day is an annual event celebrated in Kingston, Jamaica. It values this kind of music that was introduced to the world by the Caribbean. While originated there, this style of music eventually spread into every corner of the world and with its easy and relaxed rhythm struck a chord with music lovers.
Andrea Davis founded this musical holiday in order to create an annual global reggae party. She planned such an event after visiting Kingston in 1991. While Andrea was there, she heard Winnie Mandela’s speech on the inspiration reggae music has given to the people of South Africa in their struggle against apartheid. Consequently, the very first International Reggae Day took place on July 1, 1994. Many people now say that reggae music has actually served as a voice for the oppressed and an emotional platform.
Originated in Jamaica, reggae music is now immensely popular in Africa, the United States, and Great Britain. This music style has seen some great personalities taking it to new heights and making it incredibly popular. The well-known Bob Marley and the Wailers are regarded as the most iconic reggae artists ever, owing to their steps in bringing reggae music to the international scene.
International Reggae Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and hype keeping the spirit of the music intact. To celebrate the amazing history of reggae music, its people, and its culture, thousands of fans and musicians attend this event from different parts of the world.
Timeline of International Reggae Day
1960s (Reggae Becomes Popular) – Reggae music developed and evolved into a popular style of music.
1968 (The Term ‘Reggae’ is Used) – The song “Do the Reggay” by Toots and the Maytals became the first popular song to use the word “reggae.”
1970s (Reggae goes International) – Reggae music became known around the world, mainly in Africa, Britain, and the United States.
2018 (UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage List) – UNESCO added the “reggae music of Jamaica” to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
FAQs about International Reggae Day
What is reggae short for?
The word “reggae,” according to Bob Marley, comes from a Spanish term for “the king’s music.” A collection of Christian gospel reggae, also suggests that the word reggae came from the Latin “regi” meaning “to the king.”
Who are some of the biggest reggae stars?
Bob Marley was one of the most popular reggae stars that need no introduction. Some of the other popular stars are Sizzla, Desmond Dekker, Steel Pulse.
Is reggae still popular today?
Reggae may not be a commercially popular genre nowadays, though it inspires countless other songs. Most significantly, reggae is still a big deal in its home base of Jamaica.
Activities on International Reggae Day
Attend a Reggae concert – Every year, on International Reggae Day, in Kingston, Jamaica, the International Reggae Festival is held. On this day, many concerts are held around the world such as in South Africa, Kenya, Bahamas, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. You can immerse yourself in the spirit of this music by attending any of the concerts taking place in different parts of the world.
Host a Caribbean-themed party – Organize a Caribbean-themed party at your house. Play some reggae music in the background, by cooking Caribbean delicacies add a culinary twist, and enjoy the festival’s spirit.
Watch a documentary – Online you will find many documentaries that will help you understand the development of reggae music and culture. One such is “Roots, Reggae, Rebellion” or “Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music.” You can discuss the documentary with your family and friends and share the information.
5 Interesting facts about Reggae
Reggae month – February is celebrated as Reggae Month by the Caribbeans.
Reggae festivals – Every year, to celebrate reggae music, there are over 2,000 events held across the world.
Reggaeton – Reggaeton is quite popular in Latin America. It is a blend of reggae and dancehall.
Reggae is made of a holy trinity – It consists of the lightness and the intensity of ska music, emotional depth, and the holy ghost.
Reggae’s essential instruments – The drums, bass guitar, keyboards, brass instruments, and singers are the six instruments used to create reggae music.
What date will be 45 days from today?
Why We Love International Reggae Day
It is a form of expression – Reggae music is one of the few folk music genres that are still in existence. Reggae has been used by people to express their emotions, experiences, traditions, and life. It has served as an emotional platform for the people of Jamaica.
Reggae is a global music experience – Reggae has become widely popular around the world and many of them have included their own local instruments to make the music. To create a unique music experience, musicians are also fusing it with other genres.
Reggae music is relaxing – Although this music genre is a form of expression, it helps one grow self-esteem, boost creativity, and put one at ease. Reggae music evokes a sense of calmness.
