Music Plays an Integral Part of Jamaica’s Cultural Identity – Global Sound

Global Sound –
Music Plays an Integral Part of Jamaica’s Cultural Identity

Music lovers around the world continue to seek all inclusive travel to global cities with strong music ties. In the United States, New Orleans, Seattle and New York are just a few of the cities where music has become a part of the cultural fabric. On the global landscape, this music tradition continues, especially in Jamaica where Reggae, Kumina, Mento and Jonkunnu create a diverse, uniquely Jamaican sound for visitors.

All inclusive holidays are a great way to travel without worrying about hidden costs. Most beach resorts offer some type of live music, with Reggae representing one of the islands most popular sounds. The late Bob Marley put reggae and Jamaica on the map with his music. His lasting contribution to this music style continues abroad as artists from Damian Marley to Sean Paul who have infused traditional songs with a native reggae sound. He also inspired artists to continue evolving the reggae sound with cultural reggae and Dub reggae. While his songs continue to be played around the island, new reggae artists continue to experiment and create the reggae sounds of the future.

Just because you’re on a Caribbean all inclusive vacation doesn’t mean that you have to listen to reggae alone. Kumina has a strong African sound, and workers brought it to the island from the Congo after emancipation. This type of music involves rhythmic drumming and dancing and is often used at major life events such as births and deaths, weddings and anniversaries.

Drawing from both European and African styles, Mento represents Jamaica’s folk music. Generally, this style of music showcases a wide variety of instruments, including drums, flutes and brass. Many music historians credit Mento as the basis for the evolution for the aforementioned reggae. Certainly there is the trend to draw from other music styles in creating future music trends, as seen in the Jamaican music community.

Jonkunnu is a type of music that resembles a play and is generally performed around the Christmas holidays. Its Christmastime-origins come from the fact that it was the lone holiday that slaves were allowed to celebrate during the calendar year. With the fife playing in the background and dancers elaborately costumed and masked, Jonkunnu is still very much a part of the country’s national identity. The Jamaican government annually sponsors Jonkunnu in its carnival and at other commissioned events. This support ensures that Jamaicans and visitors alike will be able to experience the richness and history of Jonkunnu’s songs, dances and sounds.