AN important facet of this year’s Reggae Month activities has been the launch of the Preserve the Music Campaign. This campaign which will continue past reggae month marks the intensification of JaRIA’s efforts to advocate on behalf of the industry tackling issues which affect the full spectrum of our participants.

These issues include the need to: increase music education in schools; amend the Noise Abatement Act; bring back the playlist to radio station operations; enforce the artiste’s legal right to attribution on the radio; and eliminate payola practices in all media. Persons have been asked to show their support for the industry’s objectives by signing the Preserve the Music petition, as you are able to tonight … already overwhelming support has been received not just locally but internationally as well.

In addition to the JaRIA organised events, certain endorsed events which have taken place during the month: the JCDC Symposium, Trench Town Festival, Fi Wi Sinting, JAVAA’s tribute to the King, Crown Prince and Cool Ruler and tomorrows IRIE FM Tribute to Peter Tosh, to name a few, have ensured that islandwide the celebration of Reggae Month has been a success!!

At this point, I must take a moment to thank those in the public and private sector who have helped to make these celebrations possible: Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, CHASE Fund, Jamaica Tourist Board, JAMPRO, Red Stripe, RJR Group, Irie FM and Culcha Clothing. I must also thank the JaRIA Board, membership, and Jamaican music fraternity because, in spite of the sponsorship received, without their donations of time, talent and equipment this would not have been possible.

Many thanks must also be extended to the Edna Manley College of the Performing Arts. The alliance that has been forged by the organisation with the Principal, Staff and Students of this institution which has seen this amphitheatre become the official home of Reggae Month’s celebrations in important for a number of reasons. We have been able to provide edutainment at its highest level with the involvement of and to audiences filled with the future of our industry. Last night is a classic example of the level of continuity and knowledge transfer that occurs throughout the month as a result of this alliance. During the month the next generation of musicians were given an opportunity to perform with and for the living legends of our industry: an experience meant to inspire and encourage the retention and expansion of our cultural legacy.

Indeed, in the three years since JaRIA was granted the honour of organising the nation’s official Reggae Month celebrations it has become a true labour of love for the organisation. At once a wholly fulfilling and rewarding task but nevertheless one fraught with challenges. Why? Because, in the words of Brian Schmidt, the guest speaker at the official launch of these month-long celebrations, despite its legacy, despite its contribution to nation building and the national identity “Brand Jamaica”, Jamaica is yet to truly make reggae feel at home! It continues to be a struggle to get persons to fully understand and by into the concept and importance of Reggae Month.

Therefore, as I conclude my comments this week, I wish to make one final appeal to all Jamaicans, on the importance of these activities and the need to re-affirm Jamaica as the home of Reggae through the entrenchment of Reggae Month by clearly espousing JaRIA’s vision for these celebrations.

We recognise and truly believe the Reggae is Jamaica’s gold. Reggae Month is for us and for them; about inviting the world to come. In the month of February let’s make Jamaica Reggae’s mecca.

Email: che.campbell@gmail.com