Jamaica is famous for a few things, although for most people the country doesn’t bring to mind anything other than Bob Marley, reggae and the 1993 film Cool Runnings.
While both reggae and Marley are hugely enshrined in the fabric of Jamaica’s cultural heritage it would be remiss not to mention the popularity of mento, ska, rocksteady, dub music, dance hall, ska jazz and reggae fusion for music listeners and musicians across the country.
But given the world-renowned fame of Marley it’s hard to visit Jamaica without constantly being reminded of his enduring influence. There are reggae festivals abound and plenty of restaurants and cafés that play tunes that are either covers of the legend or at least something sounds distinctly familiar.
Yet despite Jamaica’s rich music heritage and past, its music scene doesn’t operate quite in the same way as most others do.
There might be plenty of festivals and performers in the country, but there are few music venues that are designated to live music. Sure, Jamaica has is home to a variety of clubs and weekly street dances, but venues that function primarily has live music houses are much rarer than what you expect.
Live music is most commonly found as an accompaniment in restaurants and cafes and outdoors. Which doesn’t make it an easy task for music enthusiasts who wish to visit the island and soak up the live music on offer. It’s definitely there though; you just have to look in the right places.
Luckily for you we’ve taken some of the hard work out of your hands and picked ten music spots across the country you should check out. Most are situated in the capital of Kingston, however there are a few located in surrounding areas.
Visit The Bob Marley Museum
We included this museum in our list of the best in the world so it should be no surprise to find it included here as well. The former home of the reggae legend is also the home of the Tuff Gong label and includes newspaper clippings, the musician’s guitar and other artefacts scattered throughout.
For More Bob Marley Head To His Birth Place In Nine Mile
Tours of Nine Mile might be expensive, but in a country that celebrates Marley and reggae on what feels like almost every corner this small community is easily one of the most unique and special ways to experience the story of Bob Marley. Located 60kms south of Ocho Rios, the village is home to both the musician’s birthplace and resting place while other places of inspiration like Mount Zion can’t be missed either.
Experience Reggae Sumfest, “The Greatest Reggae Show On Earth”
Montego Bay
For over 21 years this festival has brought both local and international acts inspiring a whole host of young Jamaican music lovers to attend. Taking place mid-July each year Reggae Sumfest has become the biggest festival in the country. The likes of Rihanna, 50 Cent and Usher have performed in the past alongside local reggae artists.
Buy Classic Jamaican Reggae At Augustus Rockers Records & Museum
135 Orange St, Kingston
Decent quality records are hard to find in Jamaica, but this museum and record store pays tribute to both musician Augustus Pablo and Jamaican reggae music as a whole. This family business aims to keep vinyl and reggae alive with a huge range of reggae and rock music available in store. They claim to be the only record shop in Jamaica that still has that old time original look and vintage style.
Head To Dynamic Sounds, The Famous Jamaican Studio
15 Bell Road, Kingston
Not only is this studio the place where Bob Marley recorded tracks off his influential Catch A Fire record, but also it was the first state of the art studio built in Kingston, Jamaica. Inside you’ll find literally stack of 45s with the studio now the go to place for local Jamaican artists.
Experience Dancehall & Reggae at Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records
67 Constant Spring Rd, KGN 10 Kingston
Sports bars and music may not seem like a good mix, but the fastest man can you prove you wrong with his own establishment. Aside from providing an interesting little anecdote about visiting Bolt’s bar you catch plenty of up and coming local acts perform here on throughout certain days of the week.
Buy A Ticket To Jamaica Jazz And Blues Festival, The Country’s Premier Music Festival
Attracting around 30,000 music fans from around the globe this festival has lived up to its name since 1996. Held around late January every year past performers have included Celine Dion, Kenny Rogers, Toto and Marcia Griffiths among a whole host of local and international acts that perform each year.
Head To Red Bones Blues Café For Blues & Jazz Events
1 Argyle St, Kingston
It’s a little secluded, a fair bit trendy and probably unlike many of the food/music establishments you’re unlikely to come across in Jamaica, but Red Bones Blues Café has outstanding live music and great food. Head down on Fridays and Saturdays for live music from acts that come from around the globe.
Visit A Classic Jamaican Dancehall In Amnesia
70 Main, St Ocho Rios
Located just a stones throw from the ocean this club is nothing like what you’re used to. Sticking to its Jamaican heritage there are theme nights throughout week with ladies night on Thursdays and oldies jams on Sundays to name just a few. Be warned though, on Saturday night you’ll witness some pretty raunchy moves.
Catch Local Acts At Alfred’s Ocean Palace
Norman Manley Blvd, Negril
With live performances throughout the week and plenty of chicken on the menu this beachside venue is probably a lot like the picture of Jamaica you’ve got in your head. It may be pretty cliché but this family friendly establishment has some pretty great grub and live music that’s just as good.
