Redemption Live Highlights Activities in Celebration Of Jamaica’s Reggae Month

Thousands of music lovers converged on the waterfront of Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston for Redemption Live, one of highlights of Reggae Month being celebrated throughout the month of February. The Digicel sponsored event, held in commemoration of Bob Marley’s 70th birthday, saw a number of Jamaica’s top artistes including Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, Cocoa Tea, Freddie McGregor, Tessanne Chin and the Marley brothers performing before adoring fans.
 
“Music is one of Jamaica’s greatest assets and we are pleased to be associated with such an event,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Reggae Month affords fans the opportunity to celebrate the life and music of reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh and Gregory Isaacs.  Throughout the month a range of reggae-focused activities are held across the island with many of the events taking place in the capital city of Kingston.”

Jamaica’s Reggae Month activities are organized by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) and include a signature “Reggae Wednesday” series held at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston followed each evening by the popular Weddy Weddy at Burlington Avenue and DubWise Cabana at Hope Road.
 
During the month, a range of topics including Women in Reggae; New Technology and the Jamaican Music Industry; Reggae Music, Food & Fashion, The Synergies & Influences; Sexuality Gender & Dancehall in the 21st Century; Legalize It – Reggae, Rasta, Ganja will be addressed during the JaRIA Open University being held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
 
In addition, the Grounation series, organized by the Jamaica Music Museum, a division of the Institute of Jamaica, focuses on drums in Africa and its Diasporas.

The series is being held each Sunday during the month of February (February 1,8,15 & 22), under the theme, “Riddim Across the Atlantic: Di Drum in Africa & its Diasporas”, maintains Grounation’s tradition to entertain and educate through high quality performances and presentations.

Throughout the world, African drums have been the source of much inspiration for modern drum designs, including the American trap set and the post-modern drum machine. African drums and drummers have also fostered new ‘riddims’ and inspired dances, serving as the foundation for diverse spiritual rituals and popular culture throughout the Americas.

Reggae Month activities culminate on Saturday, February 28 with the JaRIA Honour Awards at The Courtleigh Auditorium.