Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, will again take the spotlight during February as part of the celebrations in observance of Reggae Month.
Throughout the month a range of reggae-focused activities, under the theme The Journey Continues, will be held across the capital city. Now in its fifth year, Reggae Month kicks off with a Reggae Legends Roots Party featuring Mutabaruka, TTI Sounds, Mikey T and Pablo Soul.
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The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) is the organizer of the month-long activities which include its signature “Reggae Wednesday” series. The series will highlight the social backdrop and genres of Reggae; from Mento to Dancehall, dramatically chronicling the evolution and dynamism of the Reggae experience. Each week live concerts will feature: Traditional Drumming, Folk, Mento, Jazz, Classical, Ska and Rocksteady, Reggae, Rockers, Dub and Dub Poetry, Dancehall, Gospel and Alternative music. Reggae Wednesdays will take place at Emancipation Park, except February 19 which will be held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center.
“Reggae Month provides us with another great opportunity to promote capital city Kingston and its rich cultural heritage,” said John Lynch, director of tourism for Jamaica, in a written release. “With the various events being held throughout the month, reggae fans will be able to celebrate the life and music of legends such as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh and Gregory Isaacs. A visit to Kingston during February is sure to delight true reggae fans from around the world.”
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On Sunday, February 23 a free public concert will be held on the Waterfront, Downtown Kingston, in tribute to Denis Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae. This event will be a celebration of his prolific career through interpretations of his songs performed by leading reggae artistes.
Reggae Month 2014 is presented in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board and the Ministry of Youth and Culture and was officially declared by Sir. Kenneth Hall, then Governor General of Jamaica, on January 24, 2008.
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