The news made us smile in 2008: Prime Minister Bruce Golding and his Culture Minister, Olivia "Babsy" Grange, had decided to proclaim a "reggae month" every year in February. As if celebrating reggae in Jamaica did not go without saying…
But after three rather low-key editions, it must be admitted that the initiative has matured and now manages to bring together the major players of Jamaican music: the 2011 vintage of reggae month looks set to be an unprecedented cultural event, with a serious and comprehensive programme backed by free events.
The festivities got off to an early start this weekend with a big tribute to Dennis Brown, born on 1 February: Beres Hammond, Freddie McGregor, Horace Andy, John Holt, Ken Boothe, Marcia Griffiths, Tony Rebel, Big Youth and Julian and Damian Marley, among others, shared the stage at Big Yard, on Orange Street in Kingston, the birthplace of the "Crown Prince".
A series of four free concerts, one every Wednesday, is also being held at Edna Manley University, centred on the different Jamaican musical styles. The highlight should be the concert on 16 February, where Sly Dunbar and Lloyd Parkes will officiate side by side, joined by Junior Reid, Cooca Tea, Big Youth and Five Fab.
The Marley family will not be left out, with a double birthday party on 5 and 6 February, a Bob Marley day at the "Tuff Gong" museum, a conference and a "Trench Town tour" (a visit to the neighbourhood and its emblematic sites).
The JAVAA association, which works for the recognition of the veterans of the Jamaican music industry, will pay tribute to Gregory Isaacs at its annual night.
Finally, reggae month will close with an awards ceremony on 26 February.