The True Story of Reggae Music

Julian Reynolds
Feb 17
3 min read

By Julian "Jingles" Reynolds

📅 Published: February 10 & 17, 2019

🎵 The Rise of Reggae: A Cultural Revolution

Reggae music, born from the heart and struggles of Jamaica, has grown into a global cultural phenomenon, recognized by UNESCO as an "intangible cultural heritage" that deserves protection and promotion.

But reggae’s journey wasn’t easy. It faced media resistance, classism, and industry barriers, yet it thrived through sound systems, grassroots movements, and the influence of Rastafari.

🔥 The Roots of Reggae & Its Global Recognition

On November 29, 2018, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Olivia "Babsy" Grange, stood before a UNESCO panel in Mauritius, ensuring that reggae music received its official global cultural status. Supported by nations like Cuba, Senegal, and Palestine, the decision was a testament to reggae's universal impact on music, politics, and culture.

This recognition reflects reggae’s deep connections to social justice, African identity, and global unity, themes championed by legends like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear.

🎶 Reggae’s Foundation:

✔ 1968 – Reggae is first recognized as a genre.

✔ Musical pioneers – Toots & the Maytals (Do The Reggay), Desmond Dekker (Israelites), and Larry Marshall (Nanny Goat).

✔ Rastafari influence – Reggae became the voice of peace, justice, and African consciousness.

📻 The Industry Struggles & Sound System Influence

Despite its raw power, reggae struggled for airplay on Jamaica’s two major radio stations (RJR & JBC). Artists and producers, including Bunny "Striker" Lee, Prince Buster, and members of The Wailers, fought for radio access, at times even threatening DJs to get their records played.

But sound systems like Merritone Discotheque gave reggae its real breakthrough. Unlike the elitist media, sound system selectors played what the people wanted, making reggae a music of the streets, the people, and the revolution.

🎤 Reggae’s Early Barriers:

✔ Ignored by radio stations – Preference for U.S. & European music.

✔ Faced classism & racism – Reggae was seen as "ghetto music."

✔ Sound systems led the way – Bringing reggae to the masses.

🌍 The Business of Reggae & Its Economic Potential

Reggae isn’t just music—it’s big business. But unlike the U.S., which invested heavily in its creative industries, Jamaica has underfunded its music sector.

📊 How Reggae Can Drive Economic Growth:

✔ Establish a Reggae Task Force to boost investment.

✔ Develop reggae hubs in Orange Street & Trench Town for tourism.

✔ Secure international funding from the IDB, World Bank, & CDB.

✔ Expand reggae into film, publishing, and merchandising.

If properly monetized, reggae could significantly increase Jamaica’s GDP, just like Hollywood did for the U.S.

🎶 Reggae: A Door to Socio-Economic Freedom

Reggae is more than music—it’s a movement, a voice, and a way of life. As Jamaica looks to the future, it must prioritize reggae and creative industries as a core pillar of its economy.

The words of Rastafarian leader Sam Brown echo strongly:

"The black man in his bid for freedom walked through many doors. Reggae music is certainly one such door."

Please see article below.

🔗 What’s Next for Reggae?💬 Join the conversation! How can Jamaica better preserve & monetize reggae for future generations? Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏾