Uba analyses impacts of Reggae music on Africa, celebrates World International Reggae Day

By Motolani AbdulGafar

A Reggae music expert who is the founder of Reggae Republic in Ejigbo, Mr Washington Uba, has explained the significance of promoting Reggae music among various African cultural music heritages, saying it is to help address the challenges of desertification and climatic change in Africa.

He said this in commemoration of 2021 International Reggae Day.

He explained that aside from promoting the music, the celebration is meant to promote ‘eco love’, saying lovers are charged to execute a one-million Reggae Tree campaign by planting trees within their communities to aid human survival.

Uba expressed much commitment his Reggae Republic has put in place in enhancing the objective of the celebration within the community.

“Reggae music, though has its origin from Jamaica, in all modesty, it is a black man’s music and belongs to the African continent, where our Carebean brothers and sisters came from during the slave trade era and we, here in Ejigbo, are integral part of the whole system.

“Reggae music according to the definition of a prominent Reggae producer in Jamaica, Lee Scratch Perry, is divided into two – lyrics from the street and the rhythm from the ghetto.

“Reggae has not made so much impact in the Ejigbo locality with regards to raising of known Artistes but, I am very convinced it has in the minds of its fans because it’s a spiritual music with a lot of lyrics, vibes, used in fighting against injustice and oppression of whatever kind and also a vehicle to convey love and unity among mankind. In this regard, Ejigbo is not an exception,” he said.

He encouraged residents to log unto the social media handles of International Reggae Day, #IRD1Love Rally, #IReggae and
Reggae Republic social media handles to get interesting updates about the celebration.