Reggae Month 2021 obtained a vibrant and prayerful opening on Sunday as visitors gathered, largely on-line, and some particular visitors in particular person, for the annual church service meant to kick-start a month-long slate of actions.
A vigorous reward and worship phase opened this yr’s service, and the socially distant congregation rejoiced in tune and dance on the Fellowship Tabernacle on Fairfield Avenue in Kingston. Amongst these in bodily attendance had been Minister of Tradition, Gender, Leisure and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and State Minister Arnaldo Terrelonge. Representatives from the Authorities, the tourism sector, and native entertainers had been additionally current whereas digital visitors had been inspired to ‘Come ketch di Riddim’ on the reside stream. Carolyn McDonald-Riley, director of the Tourism Linkages Community, represented effectively on behalf of Minister of Tourism Edmund Barlett as she warmly greeted the bodily and digital congregation and delivered her message of help.
“It’s good to be in the home of the Lord for the beginning of Reggae Month 2021. The journey continues, and the present should exit. Reggae music celebrates the spirit of our ancestors and early pioneers who used their artistic creativeness to compose music that may comprise the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of our Jamaican folks,” stated Grange. It’s inside this spirit that the organisers pay homage to forefathers, trailblazers, and reggae sensations in what’s now the 14th staging of Reggae Month.
Reverend Merrick ‘Al’ Miller, pastor of Fellowship Tabernacle, welcomed the native music fraternity to worship. In his handle, he highlighted that Sunday was an excellent day to have fun what God has given to the nation, this reward, known as reggae music.
“It’s the starting of Reggae Month, so there are a sequence of actions which will likely be happening. We’re encouraging you to observe it, see what is going on, have interaction the method, take part and benefit from the tradition. Yearly, it’s an thrilling and important time. What’s nice is that they notably recognise that in all that they do, they want God’s grace. So they start the month with a church service,” he shared.
Performances included the gifted Rhoda Isabella, who graced the stage after the primary scripture studying and supplied a lovely serenade, and gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, who led the cost in musical ministry and invited reggae artist Romain Virgo to affix him on stage in efficiency. The viewers was additionally invited to take a stroll down reminiscence lane with video flashbacks from the 2020 Reggae Month church service.
Reggae Month will characteristic a lot of digital occasions, all February lengthy, together with tributes to reggae legends. Bob Marley Celebration Day will happen on Saturday, February 6, the birthday anniversary of Bob Marley. Tomorrow, which is the birthday anniversary of Dennis Brown, organisers will host a reside reggae bash.
