Reggae’s evolution, global reach, and future in Jamaica
What a night! On Friday, August 8th, our Coworking Space was filled to the brim with energy, passion, and the powerful pulse of our culture. We gathered our community for a Creative Meetup to tackle a big, provocative question: “Is Reggae Dead?”.
From the start, it was clear this wasn’t about a simple yes or no. The title was a gateway to a much deeper conversation, guided by an incredible panel: the brilliant Dr. Carolyn Cooper, the “Reggae Revival” pioneer Gavin “Dutty Bookman” Hutchinson, and the innovative artiste “Pan!c”.
The discussion was electric. Pan!c kicked things off with a beautiful analogy, saying, “Reggae is a primary genre,” like a primary color—it can’t die; it’s the source from which so many other things are created. Dr. Cooper offered a thoughtful perspective, noting that while reggae isn’t dead, for today’s youth, it might feel like “old people’s music,” the same way mento felt to her generation.
Gavin “Dutty Bookman” Hutchinson brought it home with a point that resonated with everyone in the room: the music is still being made, but is it living in the hearts of the people? He challenged us by saying, “Reggae is dead in us as the people,” pointing to its fading presence on the radio and in our national landscape.
But this conversation wasn’t just about challenges; it was about solutions. The final part of the night was dedicated to brainstorming how we can strengthen our reggae ecosystem, support our artists, and reignite the passion for the genre right here at home. Each panelist left us with a powerful call to action on what it will take for reggae to feel truly alive again in Jamaica.
With a beautiful performance by up and coming Reggae Artist Rivah, in addition to delicious sweet treats by creations by Chelle, drinks from Bottega Jamaica and vendors such as Irie Steppings in attendance for curious attendees to do a little shopping, the Meetup proved to once again be the place to be on a Friday night.
To everyone who packed the room and tuned in online, thank you for sharing your energy and your voice. These conversations are vital, and we’re so proud to be a space where they can happen. The beat of reggae is far from over, and together, we can make sure its heart continues to beat strongly in Jamaica.
