Jamaica's Culture

Reggae legend Bob Marley, along with such artists as Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Toots and The Maytals and Third World have received global acclaim for decades. A more recent derivate or reggae, Dancehall, has become the driving force for a younger generation, heavily influencing local and international trends in fashion and dance – even street language. Sean Paul, Beenie Man and Shaggy are lighting up the charts across the Caribbean and around the world.

It’s not only our music gaining world recognition. A variety of Jamaican paintings and carvings are on display at Kingston’s National Gallery. Priceless intuitive pieces of Dunkley and Kapo, as well as contemporary pieces, ensure the art scene in Jamaica remains as vibrant as any. Regular exhibitions grace art galleries all around the island.

The National Dance Theatre Company showcases Jamaica’s colorful history and contemporary ideas, while groups like the Jamaica Folk Singers and University Singers perform traditional song and dance that honor the country’s past. Kingston’s lively theatre scene offers a rich variety of locally themed and contemporary plays. A hallmark of Jamaican theatre is the Ward Theatre’s LTM Pantomime – an annual Jamaican folk musical with original song and dance and dramatic costumes. The season opens each year on December 26th and runs for several months.

Popular Destinations in Jamaica

•  Kingston

•  Montego Bay

•  Negril

•  Ocho Rios

•  Port Antonio

•  Runaway Bay

•  Jamaica's South Coast

Visit these Related Pages:

• Jamaica Sightseeing Tours & Attractions

• Things to Know Before You Go

• Meet The People Program

• Do's and Don'ts in Jamaica

• Shopping in Jamaica