International Reggae Day: History, Significance, and Best Reggae Songs Of All Time

International Reggae Day, which happens every year on July 1, is a worldwide celebration of Jamaica’s gift to the world, Reggae music. The event marries the force of music, media, and technology and is a global invitation to celebrate Jamaica’s creativity and to showcase the many dimensions of Reggae’s way of life all over the world.

The thought for International Reggae Day came to her following discourse by Winnie Mandela who discussed the motivation reggae music provided for individuals of South Africa in their battle against apartheid.

This motivated Andrea Davis to launch the first International Reggae Day in 1994. Jamaicans and individuals all over the world are welcome to take part in the ILOVEJA campaign by wearing their Reggae colors, listening to Reggae, logging on to the IRD website, drinking a Red Stripe, donating to a Jamaican charity, and planting a tree.

International Reggae Day History

International Reggae Day was made in the year 1994 as a way to initiative marketing to celebrate the force of reggae music yearly on July 1. It is the main event to be officially announced and devoted to celebrating reggae music and its way of life. Few cities like Miami, New York, Honolulu, London, Bombay, and Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean denote the day by holding way of life parties.

Notwithstanding, reggae music likewise has a rich history behind it; reggae is a music style that has its starting point in Jamaica in the last part of the 1960s. It is believed to be made from Ska and rock steady style of music. Today’s, sounds of Jamaica incorporate ska, rock constant, reggae, dancehall, dub, and sound system movement.

Reggae later spread to numerous countries all over the globe with contrasts in instruments and genres utilized. As per Bob Marley, reggae word came from a Spanish expression, i.e., the king’s music. Many individuals appreciate various genres of reggae music, and its historical experiences are profound and bright.

The 10 Best Reggae Songs Of All Time

1. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
2. “Funky Kingston” by Toots & the Maytals
3. “Montego Bay” by Freddie Notes & The Rudies
4. “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff
5. “The Tide is High” by the Paragons
6. “Red Red Wine” by UB40
7. “I Shot the Sherriff” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
8. “Revolution” by Dennis Brown
9. “Love is My Religion” by Ziggy Marley
10. “Hold Me Tight” by Johnny Nash

Bob Marley and the Wailers are considered the most iconic reggae artists ever and are credited for bringing reggae music to the international stage.

A heavy four-beat rhythm describes reggae music. These beats are done by drums, congas, bass guitars, and electric guitars. One more famous instrument in reggae music is the scraper. A scraper is a corrugated stick that the musician rubs with a plain stick.

By the 1970s, reggae music became known all over the world. The style of music was particularly well known in the United States, Great Britain, and Africa. Many individuals say that reggae music fills in as a voice for the persecuted.