Reggae Month 2021 activities, to be observed in February, have been moved to the virtual space.

The month-long celebration, being held under the theme ‘Come Ketch Di Riddim Virtually’, is expected to draws thousands of patrons globally to Jamaica, from locations as far as Europe and Asia.

Speaking during a virtual launch on Sunday (January 10), Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said that the virtual celebration will enable people to “get together and feel alright, even from a distance”, as Jamaica “builds back stronger to a brighter and dynamic future”.

“After all, we are a people of a glorious ancestry, a people who have used the experiences of our past to create reggae music, whose rhythms the world recognises and loves,” she added.

Miss Grange said the Month presents an opportunity to further increase the capacity of Jamaica’s technical creatives through virtual workshops in areas such as sound engineering, writing and stage management.

She said that training opportunities and master classes in publishing and copyright for songwriters, musicians and artistes will be a feature of this year’s Reggae Month celebrations.

“We will promote strategic interactions among the world creatives through our online university. In this way, we will expand the dialogue on the needs of the creative sector as we continue to position Reggae among the world’s most vibrant brands,” Minister Grange said.

February was officially declared as Reggae Month on January 9, 2008. This annual observance highlights and celebrates the impact of the musical genre on Jamaica’s social, cultural and economic development

^{Source: Jamaica Information Service}

The Big Ship captain, Freddie McGregor is, if nothing else, very consistent in giving his fans and supporters bona fide reggae music. Last year during the height of the pandemic he was one of the few established reggae singers that continued to create and promote new songs.

He is now announcing his first release for 2021! Freddie is opening the new year with “Jah Love,” which is on the Blame Love Riddim by DJ Smurf Music. The project also features new tunes from Anthony B, Richie Stephens, Delly Ranx, Bramma and Vaharie. Click here to stream and download the full compilation from iTunes.

A few days ago Neva Stop Booking, a Europe based music agency, released a new reggae single titled “Defenders.” The record is a collaboration by two of Jamaica’s musical giants: Turbulence and Anthony B.

Shortly after the song was made public the team uploaded some truly impressive visuals. Click here or on the image above to watch the official video for “Defenders“ and remember to like, comment and share.

On February 12th, Krak In Dub – The Argentinian producer who is based in France – will be releasing the Raised Riddim. The twelve-track reggae compilation will feature new music from some familiar voices: Beenie Man, Johnny Osbourne, Tiger and Capleton. It will also have some names that may be new to ardent reggae supporters this side of the globe.

Leading the project is non other than the fireman, Capleton, with an aggressive yet factual chant titled “Ah No People Dem Love.” King Shango continues to use his music to burn the fire on things that he disagrees with. On this particular record it’s the choosing of money over people.

Click here to check out Capleton‘s song and remember to like, comment and share.