In support of Reggae Month 2016, please see forwarded Press Release from Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kingston, Jamaica – January 4th, 2016 The Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) has shifted into high gear with the planning of the 9th staging of the annual Reggae Month celebration in February. Emerging as a distinctive brand on Jamaica’s cultural landscape, Reggae Month has garnered international attention attracting over 20,000 attendees in 2015. The month long festival of events pays tribute to the indisputable global impact of Jamaica’s musical heritage.
Under the theme “Reggae Mekyah”, Reggae Month 2016’s calendar of activities features JaRIA’s signature events including , Reggae Open University, the JaRIA Honour Awards and its signature Reggae Wednesdays which will transform Mandela Park with weekly performances every Wednesday as of February 3, 2016 from musical icons and rising reggae stars. .
The announcement of this year’s theme is coupled with exciting news from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) who named Kingston as one of the 47 creative cities in the world, specifically named for music. Thus JaRIA will continue to play its part in ensuring that Kingston continues to be the mecca of reggae through its own events as well as endorsements of other events showcasing music all month long. In this regard, JaRIA invites all event organizers and promoters to submit applications for their respective events to be endorsed and included on the Reggae Month Calendar. The calendar is widely promoted bringing patrons from all corners of the globe to Jamaica, the reggae capital. All reggae, musical or cultural events in Jamaica, slated for February 129 are applicable. To apply, organizers are being asked to contact JaRIA via email jaria.org@gmail.com no later than January 20th, 2016.
About Reggae Month
Reggae Month was first staged in 2008 by the Ministry of Culture. In 2009 the festival was mandated to Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) as the lead organizing entity of Reggae Month as a way of fostering unity in the Reggae industry. JaRIA diversified the Reggae Month programme by establishing signature events which augmented its celebratory note. The focus of Reggae Month is “edutainment” highlighting Jamaica’s musical history and heritage. The programme has garnered international attention and pays tribute to the global impact of our musical heritage. The success of Reggae Month was made possible by the overwhelming support of the local media partners, music industry practitioners, dedicated government and corporate sponsors who share JaRIA’s vision of making Jamaica the Reggae Mecca of the World.
For interviews please contact Joan Webley at (876) 285-3659 or visit www.jariajamaica.com