Reshma B Talks International Reggae Day At TIDAL, Curation And Changes In Jamaican Music

July 1st is a day of both celebration and reflection for Reggae fans worldwide. As streaming giant TIDAL welcomes International Reggae Day with fresh content, its Dancehall and Reggae Editor, Reshma B, talks curation, changes in Jamaican music culture, and the platform’s responsibility to artists.

International Reggae Day was first observed in 1994 following a three-year campaign mounted by Andrea Davis. The annual celebration has roots in a 1991 speech, delivered in Kingston, in which South African activist Winnie Madikizela-Mandela praised Reggae music for aiding the struggle against apartheid. Davis, who was in attendance, was so moved that she sought to further entrench the global recognition of Reggae. She succeeded. Three decades on and the world still celebrates.

To commemorate this, TIDAL released exclusive playlists curated by Reggae flagbearers Sean Paul, Shaggy, ZJ Sparks, Sting, and Gwen Stefani.

“Each playlist offers fascinating insights into each artist’s own unique taste in reggae and dancehall, ranging from classics and UK Hits to cutting-edge dancehall,”  TIDAL said. These offerings accompany the streaming service’s own flagship playlist which spotlights the different shades of Reggae throughout the years.

Music journalist and filmmaker Reshma B is a driving force behind much of this Reggae and Dancehall-centred content at TIDAL. The scope of her curation stretches from playlists to campaigns to her monthly column, Murda She Wrote. Even as Reshma B flits between formats, the mission remains the same: bridge the gap between artist and listener.

Throughout her career, the West London native has written for publications ranging from the BBC to Billboard and her catalogue of interviewees includes Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, and Spice, among others. She also produced the 2019 documentary Studio 17: The Lost Reggae Tapes, recommended viewing for anyone interested in behind-the-scenes Reggae history.

How long have you been a part of the editorial team curating Dancehall at TIDAL?

I started working with TIDAL as the Reggae & Dancehall editor just over 4 years ago — amazing how time flies! During that time we’ve been able to curate some great campaigns and bring some very cool content to the world.

 What responsibility do you think streaming platforms like TIDAL have towards the artists that they platform?

Many music fans look to streaming services as the first step in music discovery and it’s important that platforms properly represent what music looks like today. At TIDAL, this means spotlighting emerging talent just as much as the current chart-toppers alongside all the different sounds and subgenres that are out there. TIDAL has always been focused on empowering artists.

 What are some of the ways that TIDAL spotlights Reggae artists and music?

We try to ensure Reggae and Dancehall are represented in a variety of different forms across the platform, all of which can be explored on our Reggae/Dancehall genre page. Be sure to check out our flagship playlists like Dancehall Massive, Roots Revival and Outernational, which highlights the intersection of Jamaican sounds and artists around the globe. During special campaigns like Reggae Month, we curate deep dives into the culture by highlighting Jamaican studios and producers, and offering original video content. Additionally, I write a column that lives on TIDAL Magazine called “Murda She Wrote,” which highlights the latest reggae and dancehall releases of each month.

We’ve been celebrating International Reggae Day ever since I joined the team, but this year is particularly special due to our exciting guest playlists from some notable names in music who have played an influential role in the genre’s popularity.

 Do you have any guiding philosophy when it comes to curating music?

My personal philosophy is to always reflect the heart and soul of the music in the realest way possible. At TIDAL we look to provide our listeners with hand-selected playlists as much as possible because we believe no specific science or algorithm will ever be able to match the individuality that comes from hand-selected playlist curation. It’s a delicate balance of including notable classics, but also introducing rising artists and new sounds to further enhance music exploration.

How do you keep up with the constant stream of new music coming out of the island?

I’ve been a reggae specialist throughout my career as a music journalist and filmmaker so it comes naturally to keep my finger on the pulse of the scene. Over the years you build a reputation for the work you do and artists, producers, and labels seek you out to share their latest work with you. I’m constantly seeking out and listening to new music. That’s my favourite part of what I do.

What are the biggest changes that you’ve noticed in Jamaica’s music culture since you began your career up until now?

The sounds of the streets are always shifting but as the old saying goes “The more things change the more they stay the same.” One thing that’s been good to see is that reggae and dancehall artists and producers seem to be more focused on the business side of the music business, which is important so that they can receive their fair share of the rewards that flow from their creativity.

 The global popularity of Jamaican music seems to ebb and flow constantly, even when its influence is so deeply woven into the identity of pop music. What do you  make of Reggae-Dancehall’s current standing in the mainstream?

Reggae & Dancehall are a constant source of inspiration to artists of all genres and cultures. Whether they are sampling, interpolating, or collaborating with Jamaican artists the influence is clear. Many of the most popular genres on the global charts are profoundly impacted by reggae and dancehall sounds and styles. In my opinion reggae and dancehall should be considered mainstream at this point—no matter where you go around the world you’re always hearing this music playing.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that you’d like to pass along?

Don’t let anyone talk on your behalf. Everyone has their own unique voice and it’s important to respect that. As the great Bob Marley once sang, “None but ourselves can free our minds.”

How are you spending your International Reggae Day?

Listening to TIDAL of course!