Reggae enlisted as cultural heritage by UNESCO
Recognised for its unique and heavy bass lines and drums, whenever most people hear the term reggae, they associate it with Bob Marley, as he was a key figure to popularise the genre with songs like One Love, Buffalo Soldier and many others. Having its roots embedded in Jamaica, reggae originated in the late 1960s out of the nation's ska and rocksteady styles of music. It also took inspiration from American jazz and blues.
Given that reggae has a much deeper and spiritual meaning besides the groovy tunes, it recently made it to United Nations' list of global cultural treasures. Based on reports, Jamaica's Culture Minister Olivia Grange expressed, “This is a historic day. We are very, very happy.”
According to UNESCO, reggae started out as the voice of the marginalised. Now it is played and embraced by a wide cross-section of society, including various genders, ethnic and religious groups. Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual.
Source: AFP
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