When I think of Reggae music, Jamaican icons such as Bob Marley immediately come to mind. His hits like “Three Little Birds” and “One Love” symbolize peace, love, and the radical resolve for freedom at Reggae’s core.
My Reggae journey began while studying abroad at Edna Manley College in Kingston, Jamaica. At the Bob Marley Museum, I learned about Reggae’s origins. Emerging in the 1960s, Reggae blends mento, ska, and rocksteady rhythms. This fusion reflects daily life and social change in Jamaica. Consequently, this soulful music was exactly what I sought at the Houston Reggaefest.
The festival took place at Peggy Park. Vendors lined the park’s sidewalk, offering clothes, jewelry, and natural cosmetics. However, the real highlight was the food trucks. I enjoyed Jamaican treats like stew chicken, jerk patties, and ackee and saltfish. Additionally, the vegan Jamaican cuisine truck offered unforgettable Jerk French fries. Even as someone who avoids soy protein, the jerk-seasoned soy protein “chicken” was exceptional.
After exploring the vendors, I grabbed a drink from the central bar and set up my blanket on the grass. As the evening progressed, I enjoyed great Reggae music and danced with fellow festival-goers. Performers included DJ Silent Killa, Nando Boomz, Jemere Morgan (a pleasant surprise and my favorite), and headliner Gyptian. The crowd’s response to Gyptian’s hit “Hold You” was exactly as expected.!
Overall it was a fantastic experience of relaxing Reggae music, food, and good vibes!
Original post date: October 9th, 2021
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