February is more than just a month on the calendar for Jamaicans — it is a time when we honour the heartbeat of our nation: Reggae Music. Reggae Month is a celebration of the genre that has defined our culture, told our stories, and carried our voices to the farthest corners of the world. For the people of West Rural St. Andrew, this celebration holds even deeper meaning, as our constituency has birthed and nurtured some of the most iconic reggae talents Jamaica has ever produced.
In Reggae Month 2025, we are proud to launch the West Rural St. Andrew Songwriting Competition, a groundbreaking initiative that celebrates not only reggae’s profound cultural impact, but the incredible talent that has emerged right here from our hills and communities. This competition will allow our young and emerging creatives to reimagine the music that shaped us — with a forward-thinking twist.
Honouring the Legends of West Rural St. Andrew
From the soul-stirring voice of Richie Spice, to the timeless artistry of Nadine Sutherland, to today’s rising sensation Valiant, West Rural St. Andrew has consistently gifted Jamaica with talents that have helped define reggae’s evolution across generations. These artistes represent not only musical brilliance but the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of the people who call this constituency home.
It is this proud legacy that we seek to highlight, preserve, and elevate through the West Rural St. Andrew Songwriting Competition.
The Competition Concept: Music with a Message
In this innovative competition, entrants will select a popular song from one of the established reggae or dancehall artistes who hail from West Rural St. Andrew. Their challenge? Rewrite the song’s lyrics to reflect the values and positive attitudes that underpin my campaign as the PNP’s candidate for Member of Parliament in the next election.
This is more than a celebration of music — it is an opportunity for our young talents to use their creativity to engage with the issues and solutions that matter to our communities, from empowerment and unity to education, community development, and economic opportunity. By fusing art and advocacy, we are not only spotlighting our musical heritage but also using reggae’s powerful storytelling tradition to inspire positive change.
Why West Rural St. Andrew? Why Now?
As I walk through the communities of West Rural St. Andrew, I see boundless talent in our youth, from the hills of Red Hills to the vibrant streets of Lawrence Tavern. Our musical roots run deep, and our contribution to Jamaica’s global musical dominance is undeniable. Yet, our creatives need platforms, opportunities to hone their skills, and avenues to connect their talents with purpose and progress.
This competition is a celebration of our legacy, but it is also an investment in our future — using our rich musical heritage as a tool for community engagement, youth upliftment, and the promotion of values-based leadership.
A Campaign Rooted in Culture
Culture is at the heart of our campaign for West Rural St. Andrew. I firmly believe that a strong community identity, rooted in our music, our stories, and our creativity, is key to building the kind of future we want for our families and our children. This songwriting competition is just one way we are putting that belief into action — empowering our youth to take pride in their heritage while engaging meaningfully with the issues that shape their lives.
Join the Movement — Celebrate Reggae Month with Us
I invite every talented songwriter, young creative, and proud resident of West Rural St. Andrew to be part of this celebration. Let us honour our icons, elevate our emerging talents, and use the power of music to amplify the values and attitudes that will build a brighter tomorrow for our constituency.
Together, we can show Jamaica — and the world — that West Rural St. Andrew is not just a place on the map, but a cultural powerhouse with a proud past and a promising future.
Stay tuned to www.joangordonwebley.com/reggae-month for more information on how to enter, submission deadlines, and the exciting prizes to be won.
This Reggae Month, let’s make history — in music, in culture, and in community spirit.
