Jamaica’s Culture
One of the most important and apparent aspects of cultural life in Jamaica is undoubtedly music. Internationally known artists have not only helped carry out Jamaica’s name into the world (the most popular and well-known being Bob Marley), but have also given audiences around the globe a glimpse of what Jamaica is all about. We are sure that there is virtually nobody who has not heard a note of the highly influential styles of music which first came to life in Jamaica. To this day, Kingston has one of the highest rates of recording studios per capita, and the music industry continues to be an important contributor to the national economy.
With reggae and dub music, came a surge in popularity of what is probably the most visible aspect of Jamaican culture: the Rastafari culture and religion. The traditional dreadlock hair style quickly rose to prominence around the world, so much as to make Rasta culture nearly synonymous with Jamaica. Contrary to popular belief, however, only about one to five percent of all people living in Jamaica adhere to this lifestyle.
The culture you will experience in Jamaica can, of course, not be limited to just music. The island is also known worldwide for its delicious cuisine, a mix of influences from the various cultural heritages of the population, often adjusted with locally available ingredients. The most popular dish originating from Jamaica is possibly jerk chicken, whose seasonings are shipped into the entire world. Fish and seafood dishes are also particularly popular.