International Reggae Day is a twenty-four hours’ celebration held annually on July 1st for reggae culture and its influence on Jamaican music.
The music genre finds its roots engraved in Jamaica, as it is an integral part of the country’s custom.
5 FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY.
The objective of a day like this is to celebrate the best of Jamaican creativity and its worldwide impact using the power of music, media and communication technology to unite nations. In light of this, let’s check out
5 FACTS ABOUT INTERNATIONAL REGGAE DAY.
- WHAT IS REGGAE MUSIC
Reggae is deeply rooted with spiritually conscious lyrics and inclined with the religion of Jamaica and Rastafarianism that has existed in Jamaica since the ’30s, and most of the reggae artistes belong to this religion.
Specific prevailing themes are sung in the reggae genre, associated with the Rasta lifestyle, are peace, love, and social justice.
Hip-hop lyrics also have earned a lot of motivation from reggae.
- THE FOUNDER
This musical holiday was founded by Andrea Davis who is a Jamaican strategist to create an annual global reggae party.
She envisaged such an event after a visit to Kingston in 1991. Whilst there, she heard a speech by Winnie Mandela on the inspiration reggae music has given to the people of South Africa in their fight against apartheid.
Thus the very first International Reggae Day was held on July 1, 1994 and proclaimed by the Governor General in 2000.
- TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS
International Reggae Day is observed all over the world to celebrate soothing Jamaican music and the reggae culture. Kingston, Jamaica, holds the international reggae festival on this day.
Various music festivals are organized worldwide on International Reggae Day to celebrate the spirit of this popular Jamaican music.
- HOW TO CELEBRATE
If you want to celebrate this day in the best way, you should definitely visit the festival and immerse yourself in the rhythm of reggae.
This popular style has a rich history, so choose this day to know about its roots.
Brilliant documentaries like ‘Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music’ and Roots, Reggae, Rebellion’ are available online to make you fall in love with this culture.
You can also enjoy the reggae culture by hosting a Jamaica-themed party. Cook some Jamaican food, play Bob Marley, and have fun!
- YEARLY THEME
Every year, there is always a theme to celebrate the day. International Reggae Day (IRD), the annual global celebration of Jamaican music culture will this year, spotlight and commemorate “60 Years of Ska music”.
Participating media in Jamaica and internationally are invited to spotlight the music and legends of Ska and the genre’s impact on Jamaican music culture and its global legacy.
