MANIFESTO

“we Jah people can make it work–come together and make things work…” Bob Marley

Bob Marley and the Wailers exploded onto the world stage in 1970 ushering in a new level of international recognition for Jamaica and its long history of cultural excellence. Reggae's blending of the ethos of the oppressed with the rhythms and melodies of the African experience brought to the world a healing force that was readily embraced.

By the end of the century, reggae had traveled to the four corners of the earth, spawning other genres [Dancehall (Jamaica), Rap and Hip Hop (USA), Jungle (UK), Punjabi (Asia), and most recently, Reggaeton (Puerto Rico)] and influencing billions such that Bob Marley's signature tune, "One Love" was declared the song of the century by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Yet, as fate would have it, today's purveyors of roots reggae languish in the shadows while their young progenies rule the airwaves with computer generated beats laced with vulgar messages that instigate enmity and denigrate where reggae once elevated and fans the world over are left yearning for the authentic sounds and messages of roots rock reggae.

The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music is a charitable organization that works to preserve the art form and its traditional message of healing and unity. The mission of the coalition is to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and presentation of reggae, elevate the profile of its purveyors and increase opportunities to enjoy wholesome reggae. In pursuit of its mission, CPR presents music events and conducts forums and other educational events in the New York metropolitan area which raise funds for underwriting the CPR Fellowship program at the University of the West Indies to research, codify, curate and disseminate literature regarding reggae music.

REGGAE ORGANIZATIONS CONVENE FORUM TO ASSESS COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TOWARDS POPULAR ARTISTS ACCUSED OF SERIOUS CRIMES

Brooklyn, N.Y. February, 6^th 2010...The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) announced today, their collaboration with Reggae AMPPS (Reggae Artist, Musicians, Producers, Promoters and Songwriters) in staging the 2010 season premier of the Community Conversation Series. The highly anticipated forum is scheduled to take at place 6:30pm on Wednesday, February 24^th at the historic Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton Street near Utica Avenue in Brooklyn. The season premier comes on the heels of a year of multiple cases of reggae and dancehall artists facing criminal charges, and the forum will address this in the framework of “The Buju Banter: Should communities defend or denounce accused artists before evidence and verdict are known?”

Carlyle McKetty, president of CPR states, “We are pleased to collaborate with Reggae AMPPS on this venture and we look forward to the community coming out to make their voices heard.” The community is invited to attend the panel discussion and express their feelings about the issue. The forum promises an evening of enlightened discussions of a topic that has become a hot button issue within the industry and the community at large.

An esteemed group of panelists and commentators have been assembled to lead this discussion. Serving on the panel are attorney at law and long time radio host Jeff Barnes; renowned music executive, Maxine Stowe; musician, singer and philanthropist, Mystic Bowie and musician, singer, producer and president of Reggae AMPPS, Ed Robinson. Offering their insights as commentators during the evening’s discussion will be WHCR radio host, Vinnie B; promoter, Junior “Nakisaki” Lynn; reggae writer, Pat Meschino and Michelle Arthurton of Reggae AMPPS.

Sponsors of the event are Caribbean Food Delights and Dennis Shipping. Media partners ZYNC TV, New York Liberty Star and Culture Jam radio 93.5 FM have also helped make the evening possible. The event is free and open to the public but a reservation is required and a suggested donation of $2.00 is requested. To make a reservation, please email or call 718-421-6927.

About CPR:

The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) is a charitable organization working to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and presentation of reggae music. CPR conducts educational forums, presents music events and conducts research to codify, curate and disseminate information about reggae music.

About Reggae AMPPS:

REGGAE A.M.P.P.S (Reggae Artists, Musicians, Producers, Promoters & Songwriters) is a membership-based organization which represents the interests of professional reggae musicians. Reggae AMPPS is committed to organizing seminars and conferences to educate members on industry issues; negotiating fair agreements on their behalf; protecting ownership of their recorded music; and developing health care and pension schemes that benefit members.