|
|
aren’t far from the town of Nine Mile. Not terribly well-known as the hamlet that is exactly nine miles east of Alexandria, Nine Mile is well-known as the birthplace and resting place of the Honorable Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley, the “King of Reggae.” It is through this man — and many of his musical brethren — that I feel another of my many connections to the culture and style of Jamaica, for this is a powerfully music-driven country.
From musicians and songs as diverse as Harry Belafonte Jamaican Farewell), Jimmy Cliff (The Harder They Come), Burning Spear (Marcus Garvey), and Millie (My Boy Lollipop), Jamaica has consistently been the hot spot on the Caribbean’s radio dial. Jamaica also continues the English tradition of military bands with many groups including the Jamaica Military Band, which dates back to 1795, a continuation of the English’s West India Regiment and still wearing its unique Zouave uniform (English military duds that have a North-African origin). Marley’s crypt is part of the Nine Mile’s Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to memory of this commanding cultural icon. One month after being awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit for service to his people and his country, the 36-year-old Marley died of cancer. The funeral procession stretched for 50 miles. Having always stayed true to his roots, Marley was a consistent, worldwide voice against racism, oppression, and injustice. His inspiration continues in the form a widespread movement of spiritualism, rebel music with socially conscious lyrics, unification, peace, and “one love.” More than 20 years later, he continues to be reggae’s biggest seller. Rich in many ways, Jamaican culture and Jamaican music often seem to the same thing. An island of only about three million population, Jamaica has produced an extraordinary amount — more than 100,000 — of records in the last 45 years. This hard-driven creativity has resulted in Jamaican music being an effect heard around the world — being probably the most significant, global, musical influence in recent decades. Boasting African-roots folk music (“ring-game” songs, work songs, and Revivalist Zionist songs), mento (simple folk/calypso), soca (soul-calypso), ska (mento with a jazzy merengue influence), rock-steady (a syncopated, melodic, dancehall version of ska), reggae (an upbeat style of protest music set to a rougher version of rock-steady), dub (re-mixes of popular, original recordings turned into powerful dance-beat songs), ragga (from “ragga-muffin,” a techno-driven, dancehall-digital musical form), and the roots of rap, rave, and hip-hop, Jamaican music stands alone in its international influence and cultural importance. The ska phenomenon started the same year — 1962 — that Jamaica started to gain its independence from England. The strength and power of English culture is present everywhere in modern-day Jamaica, but the story of its musical culture is a study of how Jamaicans have forged their own form of culture out of their social independence. Music for Jamaicans is a way of life, a constant background soundtrack to life, a partner to dance to, and a celebration of freedom. Played to music, the Jamaican lifestyle — one of pride, remembered heritage, community, and sincere friendliness — has become an art form. On our journey, we’re destined for Sandals Dunn’s River, our very first excursion into the world of all-inclusive resorts. Located west of Ocho Rios, this resort is situated close to a renowned Nature park, Dunn’s River Falls. One of the ten Sandals Resorts tossed all around the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Sandals Dunn’s River boasts the best white-sand beach in the area and Jamaica’s largest fresh-water pool. The concept of the all-inclusive resort is a one-price-covers-everything concept: accommodations, casual, gourmet, and in-room dining; various parties and celebrations; exchange privileges at associated resorts; access to full-service spas and fitness centers; |
|||||||