World marks International Reggae Day

 

HAVANA, Cuba, July 1 (ACN) The world marks today International Reggae Day, a musical genre born in Jamaica that has transcended borders to become a global cultural phenomenon.

This commemoration, prompted by a 1991 speech by political activist and former first lady of South Africa, Winnie Mandela, highlights reggae's ability to provide hope and unity, especially in Jamaica and South Africa, thanks to its socially activist lyrics.

In Jamaica, reggae is considered a symbol of resistance against governmental injustice.

Initially, the celebration was limited to a day of exclusive broadcasts of reggae bands on Jamaican radio stations, with the aim of promoting that sound; however, over time, the commemoration gained momentum, giving rise to massive festivals in cities like Kingston and spreading internationally.

Currently, countries such as Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, and the United Kingdom also celebrate this day with events dedicated to the genre, consolidating its recognition as an expression of emotions, traditions, and experiences on a global scale.

Reggae evolved naturally from rocksteady, which in turn emerged from ska; both share rhythmic characteristics: guitar rhythms, bass lines, and horn sections.

In Cuba, its influence has also been significant, since, according to Professor Samuel Fure Davis, PhD in Art Sciences, in his seminal book "Rastafari Culture in Cuba," the arrival of Jamaican students and workers beginning in 1976 contributed to the spread of this way of life and the beliefs and social projections associated with it.

International Reggae Day celebrates not only a musical genre, but also a social and cultural phenomenon that transcends geographical borders and historical experiences. The influence, from its Jamaican roots to its global adoption, including its unique reception in Cuba, cements it as a lasting cultural legacy.