As many people might remember , Matisyahu, A Jewish man from Brooklyn, has his album, Youth" nominated for the Grammy Awards (held this year). He was nominated alongside such greats as Buju Banton, Ziggy Marley, Sly and Robbie (among others).
So what is happening to Reggae Music? Robert "Nester" Marley created this amazing genre of music. With the deep bass sounds and distinctive "Skank" beats it has taken the world by storm.
It has been incorporated in almost every known musical sound. Most recently linked with the pouplar "Reggaeton" beat.
Charles Campbell, a Jamaican Observer writer points out these facts, "In essence though, this is the still largely underexploited potential which Jamaica has to increase our annual earnings from tourism and entertainment/music. Ironically, the biggest obstacle to doing so is the Jamaican status quo. "
Local Jamaican artist generally have to rely on some of the big multi-national companies to make them successful. They do depend on them for marketing and promoting their music internationally. We have many artist relocate, because it is easier to break into the business abroad then in Jamaica.
So has Jamaica lost its ownership or rights to saying it is a "Jamaican based Product?"
Source:Jamaican Observer
2 comments:
Reggae is still a "Jamaican thing" from the standpoint of Jamaica forever being recognized as the birthplace but there is no doubt that our style has been adopted by many cultures.
When a movie about South Africa and Apartheid is named "Could You Be Loved" and features lots of Reggae, or an artist born in the US and raised in Bermuda, Collie Buddz, can top the charts with a Reggae song - we know our music is international for sure.
It doesn't diminish Reggae, just gives more opportunities for our local producers to earn more.
Rock and roll is a product of the American south--white country/western mixed with black rhythm and blues. And it has taken over the world... it no longer belongs only to the US south, and hasn't since The Beatles and The Who.
If reggae speaks to universal experience and the inner-self/soul of everyone (as I believe it does!), then it will go worldwide, too.
I am a huge fan of Putumayo's World Reggae CD, which has reggae from all over the world, in various languages too. This wonderful music that gets us in touch with our deepest selves and shows us our souls, comes directly from God and should not be cordoned off for just SOME of the people who were lucky enough to hear it first, although of course we must honor the culture that gave it to the world. I try very much to do that!
I am sure His Honor Bob Marley would agree with that! :)
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