Reggae is known by many as Jamaica's most recognizable and influential musical genre. And now it has been officially recognized by the United Nations.
Reggae is known by many as Jamaica’s most recognizable and influential musical genre. And now it has been officially recognized by the United Nations.
This past week, reggae earned an entry on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The list is meant to “enhance the visibility of traditions from various communities without recognizing standards of excellence or exclusivity” as outlined on this year’s list.
With the selection, reggae music is joining hundreds of other traditions from around the globe, including embroidery art from Tajikistan, tamboradas drum-playing rituals in Spain and pottery skills of the women of Sejnane in Tunisia. UNESCO dubbed reggae music as a “vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice” and “a voice for all.” Augustus “Gussie” Clarke, a reggae producer and one of the leading advocates for reggae to be recognized on the list, agrees.
