Protecting reggae – Cultural heritage needs IP
A few days ago news spread that well-known musical genre reggae, which originated in the beautiful island of Jamaica, would be protected by the UN. Katfriend Natalie Corthésy (The University of the West Indies at Mona) explains what happened in detail and reflects on the implications thereof. Here’s what Natalie writes: “BIG UP!” This popular Jamaican expression used to congratulate someone for achieving success, is an appropriate toast to reggae fans all over the world. At long last, reggae, a musical genre which originated in Jamaica, has been added to the United Nation’s list of International Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The protected list was created in 2008 and came about as a result of the 2003 UN convention for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. Its aims are to ensure respect for communities, groups and individuals involved in the listed activity, to raise awareness and encourage appreciation of those activities nationally and internationally. Led by J...