Howard McIntosh - File

The 2009 Reggae Month will be remembered as much for its celebrations as the ban on some dancehall songs by the Broadcasting Commission.

In a month where there have been numerous entertainment awards shows, the celebration of Bob Marley's 64th birthday and a deeper look at reggae's invaluable contribution to Jamaica, all that seemed to have been eclipsed by the ban on dancehall songs with sexually suggestive and explicit lyrics and images on radio and television.

Reggae Industry Awards

Still, the Reggae Month celebrations throughout February, which climax this evening with the Reggae Industry Awards at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, is being viewed as a success.

Howard McIntosh, Reggae Month Committee chairman, said there were many high points for the month.

"It has helped to bring about a focus on reggae and its importance in Jamaica, the Jamaican economy and the global music space. There was greater collaboration with the people in the music business. And, there was greater communication and discussion with external parties," McIntosh told The Sunday Gleaner.

There was dialogue between Red Stripe and the committee, which led to the formation of Learning for Life - Project Artist. This initiative will allow 40 persons between the ages of 18 and 24 years old to make a living in the music industry after being trained as musicians and entertainment managers.

On the more controversial side, there was discussion between the music industry and the Broadcasting Commission about the banning of indecent material from the airwaves. Through this, McIntosh said, the members of the industry were able to make recommendations and he hopes the dialogue will continue now that the month is complete.

In addition, he said there were discussions with the Government and the music industry about how music can benefit the economy.

Reggae Month started with a church service at Fellowship Tabernacle, a reception hosted by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, a live concert in New Kingston and a music seminar.

Collaborations

Throughout February, the Reggae Month committee also collaborated with other organisations to put on events such as the Dennis Brown Birthday Special on Irie FM, the week-long celebration of Bob Marley's birthday in Negril, reggae villages, parties, symposia, films, exhibitions, award shows and school tours. Reggae was also saluted at weekly dances such as Passa Passa and Bembe Thursdays.

Another high point, McIntosh said, was the revival of Music Cluster, which was started through the European Union and the Private Sector Development Programme in 2008. But McIntosh said he could not say whether there were major improvements over last year.

"That is really for the people to say, but there have been a lot more focus and discussion about reggae (this year). Can it be improved on? Absolutely," said McIntosh.

Under the current economic climate, McIntosh said the achievements were still great.

"Funding and the economy has made it a bit tougher this year. Pulling off what we were able to pull off can only be regarded as a tremendous feat," he said.

McIntosh said work for next year's celebration will start now.

"The planning is going to start in March. So any mistakes we made would not be repeated," he said.