Lady Saw Praying For Spice

There is an honesty in dancehall culture that is such a contrast to the bigotry of religious fundamentalism.

Kingston Creative Investing In the Arts

In December 2015, The UNESCO Creative Cities Network named Kingston as a “Creative City of Music.” We didn’t need UNESCO’s stamp of approval to tell us who we are. But it’s a welcome reminder.

From Missis Queen To Dancehall and Reggae Royalty

There’s another queen in the news. Not one imposed on us from abroad. She’s royalty born and bred a yard.

High Time For a World-Class Reggae Museum

We may think that a storeroom is suitable for the Jamaica Music Museum.  Foreigners know better. 

Crushing Illegal Construction in Uptown Gaza

I wonder how the prime minister would respond to a proposal to construct a multi-level apartment building close to his fortress on Shenstone Drive, in breach of existing restrictive covenants.

Rihanna, Bob Marley and Miss Lou

We enjoy a global reputation for militancy, inspired largely by our popular culture, especially music.  But when it comes right down to it, our politicians of both parties don’t have the courage to acknowledge the power of the culture created by the masses of the Jamaican people.

BroGad Better Beg Vybz Kartel Fi Help Him

Kartel a nuh God bredda. But im talent mighta help fi save wi from drop inna di pit a hell./ Kartel a no Gad breda. Bot im talent maita elp fi siev wi fram jrap ina di pit a el./ Kartel is not God's brother. But

Psssst! Hi Sexy!

Men and women should be able to compliment each other courteously. We have to start with the children, teaching them how to treat each other with affection and respect.

Creating Wealth From Culture

So how are we going to turn our new UNESCO branding into cultural capital? And where is our museum of Jamaica music? It's on Water Lane, an alley in downtown Kingston. The creators of our music deserve much, much better than this.

Twenty Years Of Reggae Day

We don't seem to realise just how far Jamaican popular music has spread. We take our creativity for granted and we rarely stop to think about why so many people from such diverse cultures are attracted to the music produced on this little rock. And it's not just the beat and the lyrics that fascinate foreigners. It's also the academic value of the music.