Reggae music is truly the sound of Jamaica. There is not a day that goes by without you hearing reggae music, either near or far. An island sound so transcendent, outgrowing its home, reggae music has captured the hearts and minds of citizens all over the world. It goes without saying that the king of reggae music, Mr. Bob Marley himself, is the stronghold behind this musical genre and its cultural phenomena. To commemorate the genre and its accomplishments, and celebrate its most notable contributors throughout history, February is officially Reggae Month. No coincidence that this is the time we celebrate Black History; the most notable artists of this genre of music, Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, are also born in February.
Besides having more frequent music festivals and intentional gatherings to celebrate in the month of February, the occasion is no different than any other time in Jamaica. We celebrate with music and do so without cause. Turning on the radio is the first thing most Jamaicans do in the morning. The newscaster delivers the news and adds a tune or two in between. It’s not unusual for the programming MC to continue speaking as the music plays in the background and/or pausing in between lyrical lines for announcements or to hype up the tunes they’re playing. Reggae is often married with great acoustics. A proper sound system for your music is mandatory in Jamaica. There isn’t a single neighborhood without a dancehall sound system. Bluetooth speaker systems are cute and modern, but the trend has yet to be caught on. If your heart doesn’t beat from the vibration of the sound system, it doesn’t count. This can be unpleasant to most, but it is the way in which we listen to reggae and thus, all forms of music. For the most part, this way of listening to music is on the top of the list of neighborhood nuisances, but in its designated space of a dance, outing, plaza or any public gathering, it is expected and tolerated.
A day on the beach is not complete without the lyrical tunes of “Jammin” ushering you into relaxation and good vibes all around. It is our unofficial beach anthem. Next up is the “Sun is shining.” When the music plays you know where you are. Reggae is a feeling, lifestyle and way of living. On the coldest North American day, listening to reggae music immediately takes you to the beach. Many don’t even listen to the lyrics sometimes, they just go with the feeling. This is common if one doesn’t understand patois, but it also speaks to the power of reggae music pulling you in. For those who understand, it’s jubilation for the soul. One would think that Jamaicans are used to or are tired of hearing reggae music all the time, but no matter where we are, when we hear that song (and there could be many), we’re alert, hips are moving, volume turned up if possible, and then there is a comforting smile that emanates from within. At home it is our entertainment and life, abroad it’s ours. And it’s so special having something that belongs to you. Reggae music is the world’s bridge in connecting and it gives us, Jamaicans, agency to belong.