“Reggae Music” to be protected by UNESCO as a Global Cultural Treasure
Reggae is “cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual,” said Unesco.
(source:Reuters)
Reggae has been added to a list of international cultural treasures which the United Nations has deemed worthy of protecting and promoting.
On Thursday, reggae was “inscripted,” as the UNESCO term goes, to the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, in a statement said about reggae music:
“Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual. The basic social functions of the music – as a vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice, and a means of praising God – have not changed, and the music continues to act as a voice for all.”
The Paris-based agency of the United Nations, made its ruling at a meeting this week.
Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture added, “reggae is uniquely Jamaican”. It is a music that we have created that has “penetrated all corners of the world”. Reggae was born in the innercities of Kingston, Jamaica, mainly Trench Town and West Kingston. The genre began as what was known as Ska, Rocksteady and Ragga. It then evolved in the 1960s with pioneers such as, The Heptones, Culture, Toots and the Maytals, Millie Small’s 1964 ska cover of “My Boy Lollipop”, Bob Marley and The Wailers and many others. The music was an avenue for marginalized ghetto youths to voice their discontent and dissatisfaction about social, political and economic issues. It was a reaction against the oppression of colonialism. Nevertheless, it encompass a wide range of emotions such love, peace and happiness. The rhythm, drums and beat creates a melodic and spiritual mento that gives the music it’s unique sound. Today reggae music is one of the best loved music genre around the world. The Latin countries has been very successful with their version of Raggaeton. Popular Artist such as Drake, Justin Beiber and Rihanna sampled the genre. Reggae music can be heard on every street corner, train stations, town squares and music venues around the world. The former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding made February 2008 the first annual Reggae Month in Jamaica. To celebrate, the Recording Industry Association of Jamaica (RIAJam) held its first Reggae Academy Awards on February 24, 2008. Therefore, it is befitting of the world wide recognition and protection. It is an identity of the Jamaican people and should be recognized and protected as such.