"Remember the songs that used to make you rock away?" The ones that brought solace and rhythmic therapy, the soothing serenade, like Beres Hammond’s masterpiece, that calms the spirit and the upbeat rhythm gets you on your feet every time.
Music is a life-changing experience for Jamaicans; it is our lifestyle and a rich part of our culture, from the one-drop beats of reggae to Ska’s soulful melodies or the riveting pump of dancehall. Music offers empowerment for our people in the face of adversity.
The healing pulse and love for music are rooted in our history and come from our African heritage. For most of us, music is a form of expression for our high energy and cheerful spirits. It is a type of resistance to unpleasant living. It helps to build strong communities and uplift our people. We use it to fight mental battles and combat trauma. Legends such as our own Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer have left indelible marks in the music industry globally. Their songs still beat through the airways, bringing sustenance to Jamaicans, and others.
The therapeutic power of music has saved many Jamaican youth who have followed the path paved by the legends and are using their talent to inspire, spread positivity, and even help us move our bodies in more ways than are known to man. The young and the young at heart rely heavily on the new drop from our favorite artists. We can relate to each word that speaks volumes to our situation.
Music brings us together, from the corner shop in the daytime to the weekend dance hall. We come together to 'couple up and double up and wul a vibes nonstop' because for us it's more than just a sound – it is rejuvenation from the past week and motivation for those ahead. It nurtures the mind, body, and soul and offers hope for a brighter future.