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Are reggae concerts becoming more mainstream?

Kimberli MacSkeaghan

Well, from my personal experience and what I've seen online, I do think reggae concerts are becoming more mainstream. I've noticed more and more big-name artists incorporating reggae elements into their music and even doing collaborations with well-known reggae artists. For example, Ed Sheeran has a song called "Shape of You" that has a reggae-inspired beat, and he's also worked with reggae artist Koffee. Drake is another artist who has started incorporating reggae into his music more recently.

Another indication of the growing popularity of reggae is the number of festivals and concerts dedicated solely to the genre. There are now several major reggae festivals around the world, including the Jamaica Reggae Sumfest, Rototom Sunsplash in Spain, and Reggae Festival Guide in the United States. These festivals attract thousands of people every year and often feature big-name reggae artists.

Even beyond the music industry, reggae culture is gaining more mainstream recognition. Bob Marley, who is widely regarded as the king of reggae, has become an icon that transcends music and is recognized all over the world. Bob Marley merchandise can now be found in major retail stores, and his music is often played in mainstream media such as TV shows and commercials.

However, it's important to note that reggae still faces challenges in terms of gaining full mainstream acceptance. There are still stereotypes and negative associations with the genre that make it difficult for some people to take it seriously. Additionally, many reggae artists have faced discrimination and censorship, particularly because of the controversial themes in some of their music.

Despite these challenges, I do believe that reggae concerts are becoming more mainstream overall. The fact that more artists are incorporating reggae into their music, and that there are now major festivals dedicated to the genre, is a positive sign. It's an exciting time to be a reggae fan, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the genre goes in the coming years.