Global Reggae: Jamaican Popular Music A Yard and Abroad

Kingston, Jamaica

The conference and the associated reggae concerts will consolidate and disseminate knowledge on the global impact of Jamaica's distinctive musical contribution to world culture. This conference builds on the foundation of the 1995 symposium that was held at the University of the West Indies, Mona, co-sponsored by the Reggae Studies Unit and the Bob Marley Foundation, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of Jamaica's premier cultural ambassador , the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley. The Global Reggae 2008 conference will provide an opportunity for musicians, scholars, cultural practitioners and entrepreneurs from Jamaica and around the world to reflect on and document the global impact of reggae.

Conference keynote speakers from each continent will share their perspectives on the ways in which Jamaican reggae has been appropriated and adapted in a variety of cultural contexts. This international conference will also examine the local impact of the reggae music industry in Jamaica and assess ways in which the Jamaican economy can benefit more directly from the investments of intellectual property in this vibrant multinational industry.

The conference is designed to convene the academics, music business leaders and the artists to collectively explore the achievements and to shape the future of Jamaica’s globalised reggae. The major objective for this event are to create a forum for: 1) the exploration of the history and the development of reggae themes and ideas; 2) exposing all persons who may be interested to more detailed knowledge of the business aspects of the Reggae music industry; 3) showcasing young and upcoming talent both local and international to a wider audience; and 4) honouring and celebrating excellence in Reggae internationally.

Full Conference Decsription