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Jamaica’s Reggae Month

In Jamaica, February — the birth month of both Bob Marley and Dennis Brown — is dedicated to reggae music. It’s an opportunity to bring the genre into sharp focus and examine where it came from, where it is now, and where it might go next. For Jamaican entertainment journalist Richard Johnson, who has a reputation as a spotter of new talent, Reggae Month is a chance to take the temperature of the island’s music scene. He shares his tips with Shelly-Ann Inniss.

What makes a good musical artiste?

It’s a combination of things. These days, talent gets shoved to the back burner, and things like look and international appeal are brought to foreground. For me, talent is still very important. Lyrical content — whether it’s just a catchy hook or deep lyrics which cause you to think — there should be something for your audience to hold on to. Being able to connect with an audience is high on my list, too.

Tell us about a reggae artiste you predicted was destined for success.

Lila Iké, born Alica Grey, comes to mind. performing at an underground show with Chronixx as the headliner. Protoje was also on the bill, and he brought her on stage. She did her breakout hit, “Biggest Fan”. I was blown away. I had to interview her.

For the next few days, until I got the interview, my co-workers were sick of hearing the track in the office. Something about her voice, delivery, and overall vibe just made you know greatness was in her future. She now has an international record deal, a new EP, and has been making a name for herself.

Do you think you have a knack for identifying rising stars?

I know what I like, but as a journalist you must develop the ability to step outside yourself and see what also moves others. Sometimes you don’t understand it, simply because it’s not I read something about this young girl your speed, but you must see it. If anything, I have developed the ability to step outside myself and see who and what is moving the audience.

What’s your most memorable reggae experience?

It was possibly the summer of 1991. I was at Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay. It’s the final day of the festival and patrons are battle-weary. The July sun is beating down on the open field with all its fury, but thousands, including me, are standing our ground. The closing act is Dennis Emmanuel Brown, the Crown Prince of Reggae. Out of nowhere his voice comes through the giant speaker towers: “Here I come, with love and not hatred.” And the crowd erupts. Over the years I have experienced many moments with reggae acts, but that moment always does it for me.

Which Reggae Month events do you recommend?

Among my favourite events are those organised by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, JaRIA. These include Reggae Wednesday, a free public concert each week. I recall veteran British broadcaster and reggae lover David Rodigan remarking how honoured he was to see the calibre of reggae acts performing for free in a park in the heart of the city. JaRIA also stages Reggae Open University, which is a biweekly panel discussion covering a range of topics dealing with the music. The panellists are often some of the music’s insiders, who offer a trove of information. So, if this is your thing, it’s definitely something to check out. Lastly, if you can, attend JaRIA’s honour awards at the end of Reggae Month. This event recognises some of the stalwarts of the music, including those who work behind the scenes, such as producers, engineers, and session musicians.