‘Journey With Stripe’ tracks history of J’can music brilliantly

KNOWN FOR its iconic music, culture and experiences, the ‘likkle but tallawah’ island of Jamaica continues to emblazon its mark on the world. Although impossible to be quantified, you would be hard-pressed to deny the impact of Jamaican culture on the world. It is also fair to attribute a large part of that impact to a legacy of musical innovations spanning 50 years.

The indigenous musical stylings have often been copied, and so this year, the great Jamaican beer giant, Red Stripe, through its Journey With Stripe EP, intends to take back ownership of authentic Jamaican music with a seven-track EP. This album takes listeners on a musical journey by highlighting the various genres of music throughout Jamaican history.

Featured on the album are a mento band; musical giants such as Christopher Martin, Agent Sasco and Tifa; and up-andcoming artistes such as Tosh Alexander, and J Summa, whose original Keeping it Up is also featured on the newly minted Red Stripe global campaign.

“One of our pillars and one we strongly support is music and its development as a part of Brand Jamaica,” said NashaMonique Douglas, senior brand manager for Red Stripe global, domestic and international brands. “Our music has influenced sounds across the world and it’s important to us as an authentic Jamaican brand to support the development of the industry by giving artistes more avenues to gain exposure.”

WIDE REACH

Without Jamaican music genres such as ska, rocksteady, reggae and dancehall – all of which are featured on the EP – popular artistes such as Skrillex, No Doubt and Major Lazer might never have existed. As time progresses, more artistes infuse and sample our sound, more often than not without giving credit to the creator.

The EP will be made available to the public on Friday, August 31, part proceeds from which will go towards the We Are Tomorrow Foundation, which was formed by Grammy Award-winning producer and producer of the

Journey With Stripe EP, Paul ‘Pablo’ Stennett, and is geared towards nurturing the talents of aspiring musicians between the ages of 10 and 19.

Agent Sasco performing at the Red Stripe EP launch and listening party.

J Summa, whose song is the sound track for the new commercial.

Dancehall diva Tifa.

Christopher Martin. FILE

PHOTOS BY SHORN HECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER Tosh Alexander performing at the Red Stripe EP launch and listening party.