Culture

Jamaica's culture, in the words of former Prime Minister P. J. Patterson, is the

linchpin that bonds us as a people and is vital to our quality of life", and like that of
any other country, is reflected in everything that Jamaicans do.
Through music and dance, the joys, sorrows, triumphs and tragedies of the people
are expressed creatively and artistically. Over the years, these two have evolved and
we have charted the course in some aspects while influencing many other forms of
music elsewhere.
Mento was used to address areas of life considered to be taboo in every day speech.
Often done with a touch of humour, the words of the accompanying songs addressed
our social and economic struggles. Years ago, a mento band could be found in every
village in Jamaica. This music form is regarded in some circles as Jamaican calypso.
Reggae is the latest Jamaican music form which has crossed the boundaries from the
sprawling slums of Trench Town, West Kingston to high places like Buckingham
Palace where Prince Charles is said to indulge. Reggae gave the Third World its first
and only superstar in Jamaicas Bob Marley whose Album, Exodus, was voted album
of the century and single, One Love song of the century.
Dance
The quadrille is a dance form that is a blend of 18th and 19th French and English
dances. It highlighted the elegance and mannerisms of the elite of these societies.
Quadrille is performed in four distinct movements called figures. A fifth or "brawta"
figure was later added to the dance - the Mento.
Dinki Mini / Gerreh
Dinki Mini originates from the Congolese word `ndingi' which means lamentation or
funeral song. Dinkies are celebratory occasions. Although associated with death, the
music is lively, joyous and exciting, intending to cheer the family and friends of the
dead person. Dinki Mini was practised openly throughout slavery but is now done
mainly during Jamaica's annual Festival activities.
The Dinki Mini dance focuses on the pelvic region as it is performed in defiance of the
death that has occurred. The dancers, male and female, make suggestive rotations
with the pelvis in an attempt to prove that they are stronger than death, as they
have the means to reproduce.
Religion
The Jamaican Constitution of 1962 (Chapter III) guarantees freedom of religion.
Religion is a very important aspect of Jamaican life.
There are traditional and non traditional churches in Jamaica. The majority of
Jamaicans, are Christian. Almost every Christian denomination and sect is

represented on the island, with over 100 denominations, the Church of God having
the largest membership. Other Christian denominations include Roman Catholic,
Methodist, Baptist, Anglican and Congregational, Ethiopian Orthodox and the
Seventh-Day Adventist. There are also Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Bahai and Rastafarian
communities.