Intangible World Heritage: UNESCO loves reggae

Singers such as Bob Marley have made reggae world famous: his coward, serious words – enough reason for UNESCO to turn the sound of Jamaica into an intangible world heritage site.

Relaxed, in a good mood but with depth, the typical sound of reggae is heard everywhere in the world. The genre now represents more than just music: fashion, colorful colors, attitude towards life. UNESCO, the United Nations cultural organization, has enough reason to make reggae the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Which was particularly crucial for the committee: despite vague melodies, the content of the songs was often serious. Performers such as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff, who have made reggae world-renowned, have sung about poverty, social inequality, love and also about faith. "Connected, sociopolitical, sensual and spiritual", UNESCO describes the orientation of the musical style.

Bob Marley – symbol of reggae culture

Reggae is native to Jamaica. In the 1960s, a new sound developed from Mento, Ska and Rocksteady, a little slower, heavy guitar, the focus was more on singing. Blues and soul have also influenced the emerging genre.

Reggae should be named after singer Toots Hibbert, who used the slang "streggae" for slightly neglected women in 1968 for his song "Do the Reggay".

Reggae did not take long to travel the world from the island nation. A name has become almost synonymous with the genre: Bob Marley. His songs like "I shot the sheriff", "Redempiton Song" or "No woman, no cry" have sold millions of copies. Since 1985, reggae is also represented in the Grammys with its own category – the best album of its kind is chosen each year.

470 traditions are already part of the heritage

Members of the UNESCO Committee once again paid tribute to gender. After deciding to record reggae as a cultural heritage, they danced on "One Love" – ​​also by Bob Marley.

The committee will meet until Saturday in Port Louis in Mauritius. In total, 50 proposals were presented this year as intangible cultural property. To date, the heritage includes 470 traditions of music, dance, crafts, art or theater – including Argentine tango, traditional Chinese medicine or organ music from Germany.