Global Reggae Studies Launched by Carolyn Cooper

Yesterday January 6, 2010, Reggae music made another milestone with the launched of Global Reggae Studies Centre at the University of the West Indies. Carolyn Cooper was on hand to make the announcement. Reggae push Jamaica on to the world centre stage and Carolyn Cooper should be congratulated on taking this one step further.

Almost 20 years ago, a Reggae research project started at the University of the West Indies. Over the years several lectures have been held including the Bob Marley Lecture Series. Many Reggae enthusiasts have attended these lectures looking to learn about the origins of Reggae and its connection to the Jamaican culture. In 2004, Professor Hubert Devonish, Head, Department of Language at the University of the West Indies presented a lecture titled “Black Mystory, Not History’.

History of Reggae

The history of Reggae music has frequently been told through the lyrics of Mento,Rock Steady, Ska and Dancehall and recently through Jamaican Music Online Resources. Reggae music has changed significantly over the years. In the early days it was mainly for entertainment but in the 1970s it became a form of political and social expression.

A New Day for Reggae

With the formal launched of the Global Reggae Studies Centre, Dr Carolyn Cooper provides is a unique opportunity for both academics and Reggae artists and enthusiasts to become more informed.