Motto:
"Out of Many. One people" motto refers to Jamaica's multi-racial heritage (African, Chinese, East Indian, European)
Language:
English and Jamaican patois
Location
Kingston
Jamaica
Population:
2.7 million(UN 2005)
Brief history:
Located in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is an island founded by Christopher Columbus in 1494. In 1655 the British captured Jamaica. August 6, 1962 Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom.
Jamaica is widely known for its tourism industry and cultural export reggae music.
One Love (2003)– stars Ky-mani Marley.
Romantic film about a gospel singer Serena and kassrasta man (Marley) who fall in love with each other. The gospel singer’s father forbids his daughter to see the rasta because he wants her to marry one of his church members.
World Music:
Reggae music major cultural export. Famous musicians include:
-
Bob Marley
- Peter Tosh
- Barrington Levy
- Shaggy
- Buju Banton
Watch Unieros sing along to Bob Marley's music "No Woman No Cry"
Food:
Christopher Columbus discovered 'all-spice' in Jamaica. Now used world-wide, Jamaican all-spice also known as pimento or Jamaican pepper is the basis of most of the country's delicious food.
Ackee: Jamaica's national fruitNational dish of Jamaica is ackee and saltfish. Ackee is Jamaica's national fruit. Ackee prepared with salted fish, hot spicy peppers make a delicious breakfast for Jamaicans. The dish is often served with fried dumplings.
Try ackee and saltfish at Jamaican restaurants in your area.
Influential People:
Bob Marley: Reggae legendary musician from Jamaica
Louise Bennet, Jamaican storyteller: Poet/writer comedian, folk singer. Known for storytelling in Jamaican patois.
Walter “Blacka†Boyd Led the Jamaican national team, The Reggae Boyz, to the 1998 World Cup
PJ Patterson former Jamaican Prime Minister: Jamaica's longest serving former Prime Minister
Marcus Garvey: Jamaica's First National Hero
Usain Bolt, Jamaican runner: 2009 World's fastest runnerWatch Usain Bolt become the 2009 World Fastest runner Watch the YouTube video
Watch Miss Louise Bennett sing some Jamaican folk songs!
