Reggae singer Anthony B is dismissing recent claims that Reggae music is fading in popularity across Europe.
The conversation was reignited by an article published in the newspaper titled “Is Reggae Music Almost Dead in Europe?” — prompting mixed reactions from industry players and fans online.
In the article’s comment section, Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage described the headline as “sad.” Yanique Walford, public relations officer for Bass Odyssey and daughter of sound system owner Keith Walford, added, “I wonder if this article mentions the move by promoters to replace Jamaican artistes and DJs with European reggae artistes and DJs, and how that impacted the popularity.”
Dancehall deejay Kemar Highcon also weighed in, stating, “90% of music coming out of Jamaica is garbage,” while arguing that current sales for Reggae and Dancehall are “zero to nothing.”
Anthony B, who tours Europe extensively, says the claim that Reggae is dying in the region comes from an uninformed perspective.
Meanwhile, Reggae singer Romain Virgo, in a recent interview, acknowledged a noticeable decline in European club show attendance. He emphasized the importance of consistency among Reggae performers and referenced Dancehall’s growing momentum in the U.S., and how it can potentially boost Reggae.
Despite varying perspectives, from Reggae Geel to Rototom Sunsplash, Europe currently hosts more than 15 Reggae festivals each year. These events, some of which date back to the 1970s, have played a vital role in sustaining and celebrating the genre across the continent.
