The Culture of Jamaica

Jamaican culture signifies a rich combination of various traditions that have settled the island and the first Taino settlers. English is the official national language broadly added with local languages and Elizabethan usage. The main local language is Jamaican Creole. Christianity is the major and considerable religion of Jamaicans. In spite of this, there are other religions noticed and practiced in the country such as Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. A spicy, rich combination of cuisine includes banana fritters; curried goat; jerk chicken, fish and pork; pepper pot soup; rice and peas; salads and fruits.

Popular sports in Jamaica are Football, Cricket, athletics and horse-racing. There is a significant amount of golf courses in the country. Crafts are influenced by Indian, European, African, and Arawak cultures. Jamaican paintings highlight bright colors and bold lines. Manufacturers of clay, fabric, shell, straw, wood and semi-valuable stone are on display outside markets and small galleries.

The musical types that originated in Jamaica are dub, mento, reggae, rocksteady, ska, and lately, dancehall and ragga. The country also played a significant role on the improvement of punk rock, in reggae and ska. Reggae has the effect of American rap music, as they both contribute their roots as melodic, African way of music. Some of the internationally recognized artists born in the country are Beres Hammond, Beenie Man, Big Youth, Bounty Killer, Bunny Wailer, Dennis Brown, Desmond Dekker, Grace Jones, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Peter Tosh, Shaggy and Supercat. And the recognized band artist groups are Black Uhuru, Chalice Reggae Band, Fab Five,, Inner Circle, Morgan Heritage and Third World Band. One of the most popular films that showcase the beauty and culture of the country is Cocktail, an American film that starred Tom Cruise.