reggae

Jamaica Dreaming

I can't get to Jamaica right now but I can live the Caribbean dream in London thanks to Marshall and Brown and their lovely lockdown surprise.

Can't wait to sample the Jerk seasonings and sauces and get stuck into my Mama Brown Jamaican rum cakes, all produced in Jamaica.

Marshall and Brown is the brainchild of Dr Carlton Brown, a first generation British-Jamaican, who wanted to pay homage to his mother, now 96, and his love of Jamaican culture. 🇯🇲🌴😎🍹

One Love.

https://www.marshallandbrown.co.uk/

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/caribbean/jamaica/articles/jamaica-expert-travel-guide/

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Marley and me

Get up, stand up and follow in the footsteps of Jamaica’s most famous son on what would have been Bob’s 75th birthday

Legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Marley, is back in the spotlight once more as Jamaica’s ‘Reggae Month’
(February 1-29) – an annual celebration highlighting the Caribbean island’s musical history and heritage – gets underway. For the full low-down, visit visitjamaica.com/event/reggae-month/42/. One Love.

Learn about the life of Bob Marley
The Bob Marley Museum is a must-visit, regardless of which month you visit Jamaica. That being said, the Kingston landmark comes alive on the 6 February (Bob’s birthday) when music events, exhibitions and lectures take place from dusk until dawn. Situated on the site of the legendary’s musician’s home, which he purchased in 1975, this large colonial-era Hope Road home is where Marley recorded and lived until his death in 1981. Guided tours take you through the rooms, which are lined with gold discs. Don’t forget to take a few selfies with the famous statue of the singer in the courtyard on your way out, and enjoy a juice in the on-site One Love Cafe.
bobmarleymuseum.com  

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Mile High
Marley might be synonymous with Jamaica's capital, Kingston, but he was born (and buried) in Nine Mile – a remote district in Saint Ann Parish in the north of the island. Bob Marley devotees can visit his two-room childhood home ( +1 876-974-9848) as well as his marble mausoleum, but it’s perhaps for hardcore fans only owing to the relentless commercialisation and greedy, money-grabbing guides. As for Marley, no one need go near his grave with a seismograph: you can probably hear the spiritual singer turning from here.


Understanding rastafari

The reggae legend converted from the Christianity of his childhood to join the Rastafari Movement in the late 1960s and his subsequent lyrics were full of Rasta doctrine. Visitors can learn more about Marley’s spiritual life at the Rastafari Indigenous Village, just outside Montego Bay. Visit an organic vegetable garden, chat with the Rastas and see drum makers at work before enjoying an Ital (vegan) meal.
Rastavillage.com

Go to GoldenEye
007 fans typically make a pilgrimage to GoldenEye, an oasis in Oracabessa where Ian Fleming famously wrote his James Bond novels. However the home of Bond also enjoys a strong reggae link: following Fleming’s death, the house was sold to reggae’s most famous musician in 1976 and, just 12 months later, it was bought by the founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell – the man who made Marley a star.
Today GoldenEye has been expanded into private resort loved by the A-list likes of Beyonce. Can't afford to keep up with the Lemonade singer and stay for a night? Day tours to the property can easily be arranged.
goldeneye.com

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When the going gets Tuff
Reggae aficionados will want to tick off Tuff Gong music studio – Bob was affectionately called “The Gong” and “Tuff” you had to be to survive in the music business in Jamaica. Owned by the Marley family since 1981 and run by Bob’s son Ziggy, the studio is where Marley cut hit tracks Trenchtown Rock, No Woman, No Cry, Redemption Song and Buffalo Soldier. Visitors can access the rehearsal space and recording room via a 45 minute tour.
JAT tip: be sure to book in advance rather than just rocking up as, if someone’s recording, you may not be able to see all sections of the studio.
Tuffgong.com


Make time for Tosh
It’s not all about Bob… his bandmate Peter Tosh, one of reggae’s most fiery performers, finally has a museum of his own too. The Peter Tosh Museum tells the story of the outspoken member of The Wailers, who was sidelined by the Jamaican establishment, in a sensitive manner.
Mementos from Tosh’s life, including his beloved unicycle and Grammy Award which he won for his final album No Nuclear War, are all on display.
petertosh.com/museum

Reggae-ton
Reggae is now a global phenomenon that’s been recognised as a cultural institution by UNESCO. However reggae originated in Jamaica and the sound permeates the air whenever and wherever you travel around the Caribbean’s largest and liveliest island.
Jamaica’s reggae calendar revolves around two colossal events: take a bow Rebel Salute (held every January in St Ann) and Reggae Sumfest. Jamaica’s largest reggae festival is held in Montego Bay every July and visitors can expect electrifying performances from local and international reggae acts alike. 2019 performers included Koffee, Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, Etana, Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, Spice, Agent Sasco, Dexta Dapps, Spragga Benz, Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Proteje and Chronixx to name but a few….
reggaesumfest.com

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Words and pictures: Kaye Holland

Jammin' in Jamaica

One Love...

Tune into 'Jammin’n Jamaica' with yours truly at Women’s Radio Station for the low down on the island of all right, where you’re assured of a welcome as warm as the weather:

http://womensradiostation.com/podcast/talking-travel-jamming-in-jamaica/

Remembering Bob Marley

Born Robert Nesta Marley in Jamaica in 1945, Bob Marley began his career in The Wailers in 1963 before an assassination attempt almost cost him his life.

On what would have been the reggae legend’s 74th birthday – 6 February – JAT takes a look at some of Marley’s most inspirational, uplifting, and important quotes…

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”

“Better to die fighting for freedom then be a prisoner all the days of your life.”

“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold.”

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”

“The winds that sometimes take something we love, are the same that bring us something we learn to love.”

“The biggest coward of a man is to awaken the love of a woman without the intention of loving her.”

“Beginnings are usually scary, and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.”

“You can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”

“The day you stop racing. is the day you win the race.”

“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.”

Most wanted

The best things to buy in Jamaica

Blue Mountain coffee

Considered one of the most expensive coffees in the world, Jamaican coffee is grown on the mist capped Blue Mountain, Jamaica’s highest mountain standing at 7,402 feet. Blue Mountain coffee has been grown in Jamaica since 1728 when coffee was first introduced to the island.

This smooth Arabica coffee is sweet-toned, easily enjoyed without additives, naturally alkaline and contains vitamins and nutrients making it beneficial for daily consumption. 

Unlike the majority of the island, the Blue Mountain experiences its own micro-climate of significantly cooler temperatures and trustworthy afternoon rain, the ideal ingredients for ruby red coffee blossoms to grow.

Red Stripe

It’s the beer that thrives on positive vibes and reggae jives. With a rich history dating back to 1928, the born and brewed Jamaican lager has earned a loyal following around the world for its quality, taste and signature stubby bottle. 

Heineken acquired Red Stripe in 2015 and returned its export operations back to its roots in Jamaica – renewing the brand’s authenticity as a truly Jamaican product.

Reggae

Reggae is Jamaica’s most internationally recognised music and the heartbeat of the people. It is synonymous with both hardship and a good time, both the endurance of and the celebration of overcoming a struggle. The feel-good experience of reggae music blaring from sound system speakers is had both at the local corner store and a major reggae festival. Closely linked with the Rastafarian religion, reggae invokes a sense of upliftment and an appreciation of life in all its forms. 

JAT tip: purchase a CD or three to take home to keep you feeling good.

Wray & Nephew white rum

Established in Kingston, Jamaica ,in 1825, Wray & Nephew white rum has been one of the island’s most beloved spirits ever since.

Wray & Nephew is used to christen new family members, sprinkled on the foundation of a newly built home to ward off duppies (spirits), and also plays a prominent role in the dead yard, a nine-day wake/party to celebrate the life of a deceased loved one.

One caveat: white rum is ridiculously strong, so be sure to sip it slowly.

View the post here: http://www.justabouttravel.net/2019/02/06/bob-marley-the-best-quotes-from-the-reggae-legend/