Impressions: Reggae Month in Jamaica

Photos by Ricardo “El Puru” Bailey—

Reggae Month in Jamaica came to a close last week after 28 days of free live music performances and other events celebrating Jamaican in Kingston, organized by the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association, or JaRIA. This year’s highlights included the Trenchtown Rock concert, a stageshow celebrating Bob Marley and featuring performances from Bunny Wailer, Chronixx, Micah Shemiah (pictured below) and more, and “Reggae University,” a series of panels and discussions with noted speakers from the reggae community. Weekly series included the Reggae Wednesdays concerts at New Kingston’s Emancipation Park and a Sunday afternoon “Grounation” series at the Institute of Jamaica. Photographer Ricardo “El Puru” Bailey was there at all the key events, capturing the highlights of Reggae Month in photos. Scroll through…

Melodic harmony from Addis Pablo

Kabaka Pyramid performs at Trench Town Rock

Chronixx delivers at Trench Town Rock

Nature, with kung fu actions

The legendary Bunny Wailer at Trench Town Rock

Chinna Smith give his say at the Reggae University conference held at the UWI Mona campus

Horns section of the reggae band Rootz Underground at Arts In The Park

C Sharp band at Arts In The Park

Brady on drums, of the Pentateuch band

Peter Ashbourne at JARIA Reggae Wednesdays, week one

Empress Jah9 at at JARIA Reggae Wednesdays, week two

Lead singer Kumar Bent from Raging Fyah at Arts in the Park

Ras Michael and the Sons of Negusat 12 Tribes Israel HQ Jamaica