We love reggae, says Brazil reps
CULTURAL REPRESENTATIVES from Brazil believe the soon-to-be inauguration of a Reggae Museum in the state of Maranhão sends a strong signal of intentions to make reggae a staple item in the country.
Speaking with The Gleaner during a visit to Jamaica recently, Secretary of State for Maranhao Diego Galdino indicated that a major objective of the trip to the island was to create avenues to strengthen bonds between both countries, specifically regarding the advancement of reggae music – a genre of music he said people love.
“We wanted to get close to Jamaica so that this museum that we are opening will be a joint project, almost, with Jamaica. We know the history of reggae that Jamaica has, and also for Maranhão, our state. We came to Jamaica to showcase this fantastic project which we have, so that we can build content for the museum,” he continued.
POSITIVE OUTCOME
The objective, he believes, was achieved, indicating that he has met with several key stakeholders including the Ministry of Culture, in addition to some of Jamaica’s reggae artistes and experts.
“We had several productive meetings for Maranhão and Jamaica, too. We are leaving here with the objective of more collaboration and creating greater bonds. For the inauguration of our museum, which would be by December, the intention is to invite representatives from Jamaica to the opening, as well as artistes and authorities we have met to realise our dream.”
For Ademar Danilo, journalist and director of the Reggae Museum of Maranhnão, he said such collaboration could bring even greater recognition for the genre of music.
“We have a big history of reggae and so we want the museum to be representative of Maranhão and also of Jamaica. We have reggae activities one day per week, and every Thursday we have what is called ‘Reggae Thursdays’.
“I created the first reggae radio programme in Brazil, 33 years ago. We have 11 daily radio reggae programmes and two television programmes. Since the early ’70s, we have been following reggae. It’s so important that the government has now decided to create a museum.”
We wanted to get close to Jamaica so that this museum that we are opening will be a joint project, almost, with Jamaica.