The Celtic Reggae Revolution: Saint patrick was jamaican! reggae's irish connections.


There have long been connections between Ireland and Jamaica. 350 years ago, after the defeat of Irish rebels by Oliver Cromwell's army, thousands of young Irish boys and girls were forcibly transported to Jamaica to work as indentured servants. Many of the Irish ended up working alongside black African slaves, in similar conditions, on the plantations.

Sir Alexander 'Busta' Bustamante, the first Prime Minister of Jamaica, used to boast that he was 50 per cent Irish, 50 per cent Jamaican and 10 per cent Arawak (indigenous people of the West Indies). Today Irish is the second most commonly claimed ethnic origin - after African - in Jamaica. Irish surnames (such as Burke, Collins, Mackey, Murphy and Madden) are common. And famous Jamaican's who claimed Irish decent include Marcus Garvey the Pan-African human rights leader and Chris Blackwell the record producer, founder of Island records and - according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - the 'person most responsible for turning the world on to reggae music'.

The Celtic Reggae Revolution continue this blend of Irish and Jamaican with their long-awaited, and appropriately titled, album 'Everything comes to those who wait'. The album is the latest creation of Northern Irish singer, songwriter and musician Brian Gilligan. His previous album 'Listen to your heart' recorded with Paddyrasta won praise and a cult following.

The Celtic Reggae Revolution bring together traditional Irish music and Dub Reggae with great Pop hooks. The positive vibes are infectious throughout their socially conscious, beautifully produced music.

Ok, so Saint Patrick is not really Jamaican, but he wasn't born in Ireland either. But don't worry about that. Chill out. Let the music transport you to a place where Ireland meets Jamaica.

'A fusion of irresistible reggae rhythms, traditional melodies and socially conscious lyrics, this multi-cultural band combine to produce a unique sound that makes you just want to get up and dance - simply unmissable!'
Gig n' the Bann

  The Celtic Reggae Revolution

[Everything Comes to Those Who Wait by The Celtic Reggae Revolution]

Everything Comes to Those Who Wait



The Celtic Reggae Revolution lives in Dublin, Ireland.

Tagged as: World, Folk, Reggae, Celtic.


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