Schools host reggae conference - Full slate of activities to run over three days

 

The Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Reggae Studies Unit, in association with the Office of the Principal at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, will host the third International Reggae Conference (IRC2013) beginning Valentine's Day at the UWI, Mona campus.

The International Reggae Conference is being hosted under the theme 'Traditional and Emerging Themes in Popular Music'.

As a seminal component of the activities for Reggae Month and Black History Month, the International Reggae Conference and associated events will consolidate and disseminate knowledge on Jamaican music, culture, and associated music forms and reflect on Jamaica's attainment of 50 years of Independence and beyond. It will also celebrate the 68th anniversary of the birth of Jamaica's premier cultural ambassador the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley with the hosting of the Annual Bob Marley Lecture in affiliation with the Bob Marley Foundation.

Showcasing reggae lifestyle and culture

In addition, IRC2013 will highlight the international spread of reggae music and culture in affiliation with Europe's acclaimed Rototom Sunsplash Festival as it celebrates 20 years of showcasing reggae lifestyle and culture.

Academics, researchers, artistes, musicians, scholars, cultural practitioners, entrepreneurs, journalists, students, and music lovers from around the world will share their experiences and perspectives on Jamaican music. The IRC2013 will also explore particular aspects of music creation and dissemination to assess the trends affecting the movement of reggae and dancehall internationally and highlight valuable strategies for enhancing the development of cultural/creative music enterprises.

Over its three-day staging, the IRC2013 will feature a fully packed schedule featuring academic panels, special presentations, roundtables, showcases, and a variety of cultural activities.

The event runs from Valentine's Day until Saturday.

Highlights

Thursday, February 14

Minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna to address opening ceremony of the conference at the Undercroft, Senate Building, UWI, beginning at 10 a.m.

Rototom Sunsplash photographic exhibition 'Sunsplash Music, Sunshine People' in the Assembly Hall beginning at noon. The exhibition will run for the entire conference.

The Hon. Edward Seaga will deliver a special presentation titled 'Wake the Town and Tell the People: Securing our Share of the Music Industry Pie in a Changing World' in the Multifunctional Room of the Main Library from 1-2:30 p.m.

The Mona ICT Policy Centre will convene a Special Roundtable Session titled 'Reflections on Jamaica's Sector and the Click Economy: Technology and New Business Models' in the Multifunctional Room of the Main Library from 3-4:30 p.m. Panellists include Clyde McKenzie, Michael Witter, Evon Mullings, Michele Thomas, and Georgia Gibson-Henlin.

Mr Allan 'Skill' Cole to deliver Bob Marley Lecture titled 'Bob Marley: The Man that I Know' at 6 p.m. at the Undercroft.

Friday, February 15

Rototom Sunsplash showcase continues from 2-3.30 p.m. in the Multifunctional Room.

Renowned musician, Peter Ashbourne and Friends to showcase 'A Musical Overview of the Development of Jamaican Music' from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Old Dramatic Theatre.

Special Jamaican Music Industry Roundtable Session, featuring veteran Jamaican music producers Bunny Lee, King Jammys, Bobby Digital, and Baby G from 4-5.30 p.m. in the Assembly Hall.

Book launch and entertainment showcase event at 6 p.m. in the Assembly Hall.

Saturday, February 16

Rototom Sunsplash showcase continues from 2-3.30 p.m. in the Assembly Hall.

Screening of Rototom films from 12:30-2p.m. in N1/Neville Hall Lecture Theatre.

Reggae Sumfest (Summerfest Productions) will make a special presentation from 3:45-4:15 p.m. in the Assembly Hall.

The conference will also feature a Reggae Village where exhibitors will showcase a variety of products for sale and where sponsors will exhibit their products.

The main conference proceedings and select presentations will be streamed live on the Internet via UWI-TV at http://tv.mona.uwi.edu/.