Lifestyle

The global influence of Jamaican musicians, writers, artists and craftsmen is nothing short of phenomenal. Reggae music and dancehall powerfully identify destination Jamaica in the international marketplace.  The iconic appeal of Bob Marley and his successors is felt from Germany to Japan and “One Love”, declared the BBC Millennium Anthem, continues to be Jamaica’s message to the world. 

Jamaica shines as a nursery for stars from cross-over artistes Shaggy, Sean Paul and Sean Kingston to representatives of raw dancehall.  There is a big buzz on island when it comes to mega music events like the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest.  The response is no less intense to National Dance Theatre performances, “roots” theatre, the island’s international fashion events and annual “Calabash” literary festival. But big events aside, throughout the year, the creative and faithful aficionados representing many genres seek inspiration and authenticity on an island that defies categories and constraints. 

The museums, galleries of fine art and recording studios bear testimony to the creative genius of an island of just 2.7 million. Craftsmen at work in the resort towns, architecture from charming Jamaican Georgian to the highly modernistic, film-makers following the innovative tradition of Henzell's “The Harder They Come” starring Jimmy Cliff, all help to tell a tale of an island where creative industries consistently override constraints of size and resources.  The imagination soars and the creative soul finds its freedom in the open spaces, lush landscapes, cool hideaways and brilliance of the Jamaican sunshine.