Tracing the history of Jamaican music, which he said evolved some fifty years ago from folk and Mento to Ska and Reggae, Mr. Hussey said Jamaica gave the world a new rhythm-reggae, whose melodic bass lines come closest to a heartbeat.

Turning to Bob Marley’s contribution to the music, Mr. Hussey pointed out that  “Marley, the poet, an original iconic artist of the century, and possibly the best known Jamaican of all time, who 28 years after his passing, his persona, his music, and message are as alive globally, as when he lived. On his birthday, February 6, yet another book, one of photographs, ‘soul rebel an intimate portrait was released in the US Capitol, Washington DC.”
Mr. Hussey paid tribute to the pioneers of Reggae, and in particular those who paved the way. He told the standing room only audience that the concept of celebrating Reggae Month was in deed laudable and one, which should be embraced internationally.

In his remarks, Jamaica’s ambassador to Washington Mr. Anthony Johnson said the idea of Reggae Month was to have people reflect on the contribution of this important industry to Jamaica and how it can be exploited and improved to the benefit of the Jamaican people.
Jamaican artist Richard Blackford, who displayed his art  as part of the exhibition, presented a portrait of  Jamaica’s world famous Olympian Usain Bolt  as a gift to the Embassy to be hung in its conference room.

Time Magazine’s award winning photographer Davis Burnett showcased some of his more unique photographs of the reggae Icon Bob Marley and also did a signing of  his latest book entitled  “ Soul Rebel: An Intimate Portrait of Bob Marley”. Among the persons in attendance were  The Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines  H.E. Lacelia Prince, former Jamaican Ambassador to the US  Dr. Richard Bernal and  the  President of the Jamaican Nationals Association, Dr. Jackie Payne.

Derrick A. Scott
JIS Washington DC

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