KINGSTON, Jamaica – Despite being one of the world’s most recognized and celebrated musical genres, reggae remains an underutilized economic asset for Jamaica. While the country has long been hailed as the birthplace of the sound that inspired generations, industry experts argue that the nation has yet to fully capitalize on the business of reggae.
Unlike other global music powerhouses that have built massive industries around their cultural exports, Jamaica’s reggae sector struggles with structural weaknesses, from inadequate copyright protections to limited access to global distribution channels. The question now is whether the island can turn its musical heritage into a modern economic powerhouse.
“Reggae is bigger than just music—it’s a brand,” said cultural economist Dr. Elaine Morrison. “Bob Marley’s legacy alone generates millions annually, but most of that revenue flows outside of Jamaica. The real issue is ownership and control. Who benefits from reggae’s global success?”
The Streaming Dilemma
Streaming services have revolutionized music consumption, but reggae artists—particularly those in Jamaica—continue to receive only a fraction of the profits. Without strong publishing rights management and proper marketing, many local musicians are at a disadvantage compared to international reggae acts backed by major record labels.
“Jamaican artists aren’t just competing with each other—they’re competing with global marketing machines,” said music producer Andre Wilson. “Foreign reggae bands are getting more playlist placements and bigger festival slots than the artists who created the genre.”
A Missed Tourism Opportunity?
Beyond streaming, reggae’s potential as a tourism driver remains largely untapped. While tourists flock to Jamaica for its music and culture, the country lacks a centralized industry hub—akin to Nashville for country music or Seoul for K-pop—that could transform reggae into a more structured and sustainable economic force.
Experts have suggested that investments in music tourism, themed festivals, and cultural institutions could generate significant revenue, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
“We should have a reggae economic zone, a dedicated reggae city where the business of music is as important as the art itself,” said entrepreneur and festival organizer Michael Grant. “People come here for the music, but we’re not giving them a full experience.”
Protecting the Legacy
For reggae to become a dominant economic force, industry leaders stress the need for policy reforms that protect artists’ intellectual property, incentivize local music businesses, and encourage global partnerships that benefit Jamaican stakeholders.
“This isn’t just about nostalgia. Reggae is a living, breathing industry that can fuel economic growth if we take it seriously,” Morrison emphasized. “Jamaica has to decide—are we just the birthplace of reggae, or are we its rightful owners in the modern world?”
As Reggae Month unfolds, these discussions are growing louder. The challenge ahead is ensuring that reggae isn’t just a cultural treasure, but an economic engine that benefits the people who created it.
