A Music Lover’s Guide to Jamaica, According to 5 Rising Local Artists
Introduction
Music is one of the best windows into a culture—and nowhere is that more evident than Jamaica. The Caribbean country is known for its sound above all else, having gifted the globe with six genres of music: reggae, dancehall, dub, ska, rocksteady, and mento. It makes sense, then, that the best way to truly understand Jamaica when you visit—to truly tap into its cultural spirit—is through the music.
Reggae Month in Jamaica
February in Jamaica is reggae month, an annual, government-led celebration of the incredibly influential genre that revolves around the birthdays of two of its greatest icons: Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley and Dennis Brown. To honor the occasion, locals gather for all sorts of cultural events throughout the month, from street parties to festivals to workshops and more.
Meet the Rising Local Artists
I asked five of the country’s top emerging musicians—Sevana, Samory I, Lila Iké, Jaz Elise, and Teejay—for their favorite spots in Jamaica right now. These performers have their fingers on the pulse of the Jamaican music scene and can guide you to some of the best music experiences on the island.
Sevana
- Rumfest in Montego Bay
- Frenchmen Party in Kingston
Samory I
- Dub Club in Kingston
- Uptown Mondays in Kingston
Lila Iké
- Lost in Time Music Festival in Kingston
- Dubwise Café in Kingston
Jaz Elise
- Boom Sundays in Kingston
- Skyline Levels in Kingston
Teejay
- Pier One in Montego Bay
- Boasey Tuesdays in Kingston
Island Music Conference
If you really want to immerse yourself in Jamaican music culture, consider attending the annual Island Music Conference in Kingston. Led by Shaggy, the event features workshops, panels, discussions, and live performances by top musical artists, producers, and managers.
With the guidance of these talented local artists, you can explore the vibrant music scene of Jamaica and experience the rich cultural heritage that has influenced the world.