Veteran Reggae band Inner Circle recently launched their latest, and arguably, most important initiative, to save Rggae music. Stemming from their dissatisfication with contemporary Jamaican music they became inspired to launch the 'Saving The Reggae Music campaign'
. Bass player and founding member Ian Lewis warns that "unless proper steps are taken, then we are going to lose the best thing that we ever had."
Lewis says current reggae is too influenced by American hip hop. In light of this trend, the group is pushing their latest song, This Is Reggae Music, a cover of the Zap Pow band's hit song from the early 1970s.
According to Lewis, the song is "very appropriate" to get the band's message across. "We think it is a key song to express to the world our sentiments," he said, adding that an accompanying video will cement the quartet's message.
Lewis believes Jamaican youth have lost touch with their culture, and foregners have noticed this.
"In America alone, there are over 400 white reggae bands, they are the ones enjoying nine months out of the year tours," said Lewis.
Recently, Billboard Magazine did a feature on the rise of American bands like Rebelution and Groundation, who have made a name through constant touring.
Lewis hopes the Inner Circle mission will go viral and influence real change among Jamaican youth to get back to basics as far as reggae is concerned.