THE Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Reggae Studies Unit in association with the Office of the Principal at the University of the West Indies, Mona will host the International Reggae Conference from February 17-20 at the UWI, Mona Campus. The International Reggae Conference is being hosted under the theme “Current and Future Trends in Popular Music”.

The International Reggae Conference will provide an opportunity for artistes, musicians, scholars, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs and music lovers from around the world to share their perspectives on the ways in which reggae and dancehall have been appropriated and adapted in a variety of cultural contexts. Over the three full days of the conference (February 18-20), there will be a variety of speakers from the music industry as well as from academia locally, regionally and internationally.

The conference and associated events will consolidate and disseminate knowledge on the current and future trends of Jamaican music culture as it continues its international movement across different geographical and cultural sites. It will also celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Jamaica’s premier cultural ambassador, Robert Nesta Marley, with the hosting of the Annual Bob Marley Lecture, in affiliation with the Bob Marley Foundation on Thursday, February 18 at 7pm at the Undercroft at the UWI, Mona.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, will address the Opening Ceremony of the conference at the Ruins, Mona Visitors Lodge beginning at 6.30 on February 17.

Professor Carolyn Cooper will deliver a special presentation on Thursday, February 18 in the Neville Hall Lecture Theatre. The Annual Bob Marley Lecture will be hosted as a component of the conference on Thursday, February 18 at 7:00 pm at the Undercroft, UWI. Ras Tekla Mekfet will deliver the Lecture.

Edward Seaga will deliver a special presentation in the Multifunctional Room of the Main Library on Friday, February 19 from 1:30 — 2:30pm.

David Katz, author, researcher, journalist, deejay whose work with Jamaican music spans over 25 years, will deliver the closing presentation in the Assembly Hall on Saturday, February 20 from 3:30– 5:00 pm.

The conference will host a special “Music in the Community” event in the neighbouring August Town Community in collaboration with the Peace Management Initiative, community leaders and specially invited artistes on Friday, February 19.

Entertainment includes a fashion sowcase and reggae concert on Friday, beginning at 8pm on the Mona Campus. Fashions by Biggy, renowned dancehall designer, will be on display at the Fashion Show. The concert will feature a mix of local and international reggae artistes, including performers from Brazil and Italy.

The conference will also feature a Reggae Village where exhibitors will showcase a variety of products for sale.