JAMAICA - A FUSION THAT INFLUENCED THE WORLD

It is fair to presume that African culture is what predominantly impacts Jamaica, since Jamaicans are predominantly of African descent. Yet, it may be more accurate to say there’s another predominant influence on our people that's as a result of our fusion of cultures. Since Jamaica is also peppered with European, Indian, Chinese, Native Indian, and other influences, maybe this is the source of its uniqueness. The motto: “Out of many one people” – Suggests there's a combination of cultures that create a brand-new one. And no one can question the distinctiveness of the Jamaican culture nor its global influence. Jamaican culture has for decades had a powerful impact on the rest of the world. As it is a cocktail of other cultures it has unique appeal to those from whence it has come.

How do Jamaicans define themselves, with such a mixed bag of influence? And how does the convoluting heritage impact the collective progress and worldview? The mashup of cultures that makes the Jamaican culture what it is may be why people ask if “Jamaica is a real place.” The cultural reality may also be why Jamaicans are so migratory, and why Jamaicans can pretty much be found in every nook and cranny of the globe, Alaska included. Never mind that the United States and the United Kingdom are our primary migratory paths. Jamaicans have seemingly been comfortable settling in large numbers in far-flung and ice-cold regions. According to Google, more than 1.3 million Jamaican-born persons presently live outside of Jamaica. Well, is the ‘foreign mindedness’ affecting them negatively?

The word “Jamaican” apparently means something special on the African continent, and in Europe and Asia too. It may be Jamaicans must credit individuals, Oliver Samuels, Beenie-man, Lousie Bennett-Coverley, Sean Paul, or even Bobsled team, for helping to define "Jamaican". And that’s “No problem, man”. But we can’t negate the dynamic of the cultural melting pot. It's probably what makes “Likkle but tallawah” (meaning small but powerful) so real indeed. I once heard a colleague talk about a high-end far-flung place on a tiny island, where the rich and famous go to dine. He said the spot they go to dine, in secret, is a Jamaican restaurant. Owned and operated by a Jamaican woman. Jamaica's Jerk chicken, Ackee and Saltfish, and Patties, seems to be as appealing globally as its Reggae and Dancehall. The appeal continues too as Jamaican sport legends may be as globally renowned as Jamaican music legends. The "sauce" I say is in the fusion.

The "Eternal Father" has a hand upon the cultural fusion. The unique blend, including a probable fusion the famed "Anancy-ism", and historic "Buccaneer-ism", along with "Maroon-ism", and "Rastafarianism", makes Jamaicans the outliers that they are. ?A complex mashup has created a people of vibes, and warmth, passionate, often rowdy, enjoying spotlights and limelight, creative and colourful, and yes, assertive and often aggressive. Jamaicans are a people that see the world as their backyard. And it is apparent that they believe they have a right to any place on the globe. James Bond and Hollywood know and regard Jamaica. K-Pop stars and other relatively new trendsetters make mention and pay homage to Jamaica. It's something quite phenomenal. And whether it is academia, the world of finance, global health and medicine, or military strategist of the world, Jamaicans are represented in those spaces too. And religion isn’t spared: Jamaica is one of the only places on earth to have birthed a religion outside of the Middle East. Let it be known, "Jamaican" truly means something unique and special - It means the Cocktail Culture that influences the world.