Jamaica

Music 

Cultural History

Sean Paul 

Kingston and Sean Paul need no introduction. This city impresses with its gorgeous natural setting as well as its exhilarating cacophony of noise, sprawl and its locals' hustle. Hailing from Kingston itself, this hustle is clearly within Sean, who's strongly established himself worldwide with iconic songs guaranteed to be played at any (worthwhile) summer party. Sean says himself, this guide comes with "

an honorable mention to the Jamaican Govt for decriminalizing Ganja here so you can now go into dispensaries like

In line with our focus on the history and roots of Carnival this week, we go back to one of the places where this treasured tradition first started - Kingston - with Sean's top spots across the island.

The nearest beach to where I live in Kingston. Hands down the best fried fish in the entire world. Try the festival too...it's like a local combination of a donut and a dumpling.

It's where I learnt to swim and was possibly even conceived (laughs). I still go there to train every week...I play water polo and do laps. You pay a small fee and you can come and train. There's also a diving pool there if you're daredevil enough to jump off the high one.

You can't come to Kingston and not pay homage to the Great Bob Marley. It's his old house that they turned into a museum and there is a studio there. All of Bobs kids still come and play football or record here.

Start the week off with the wickedest double... one street dance ends at around 1am and everyone walks across the road to the other one. We have dances every night of the week but these two start it off RIGHT! Best place to hear the newest Dutty Rock Productions and catch the latest dance moves from dancers with creative names like Gabbidon, Energy, PrettiPretti, Kool Kid, Cyaa Tired & the Get There Squad. It's held in the parking lot outside Susie's bakery and coffee bar.

Jamaica's best strip clubs... 3 locations to pick from (Kingston, Ocho Rios & Montego bay) but Kingston is the original and best, that's where my label Dutty Rock hosts a weekly event called "Full Cup Thursdays" with CopperShaun & the Coppershot sound system... it's an awesome vibe you have to see to believe.

The historical city of the pirates and home of Sir Henry Morgan. This place is where the whole "Pirates of the Caribbean" story comes from... there was a massive earthquake and 3/4 of the city sank into the sea. They say its cuz the city was so wicked, but now its a quiet town where you can eat great seafood and catch a boat out to the cays.

As I said before, head out to Port Royal and take a cooler with you... jump on a motorized canoe and take the 20 mins boat ride out to here and just chill.

Another cay near Port Royal. Smoke a spliff and enjoy the crystal clear Caribbean sea.

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Sean Paul's 8 Favourite Places in Jamaica to Visit

Headed to Jamaica? Musician, DJ, actress and beauty aficionado

 shares her favourite off-grid spots in Jamaica.

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Zuri moved to Los Angeles, CA, in 2014 to start a career in music and broadway, which lead to her being featured as a vocalist on tracks alongside Blood Orange and Brockhampton. She’s a star in the making and has been described as one to watch due to her distinct electro-pop sound. 

As the grandaughter of Bob Marley and daughter of Ziggy Marley, Zuri's created her own sonic universe, steering away from her family's line of reggae music,  drawing inspiration from Swedish pop artists, such as Lykke Li. 

Zuri describes it as a "film [that] shows a side of my grandpa the world may not know. He was a true freedom fighter and a real rebel." 

She adds, "I think the world needs more of those right now, so it’s a great time for this movie to come out. At the end of the day peace is the goal and for Bob his music sent that message, it’s like required reading in my household."

Produced by the Marley family, the film is slated for release on 14 February and will celebrate the legacy of Bob Marley with the "music you know [and] the rebel you don't."

Ahead of the release, we caught up with Zuri to get her travel tips on off-grid locations around her hometown.

It’s a windy road up to Mount Edge, but it’s so worth it. The drive is beautiful and drinking chocolate tea, eating barrel-roasted chicken perched on top of that hill is divine. Go for sunset.



There’s an ongoing debate about which patty spot is superior. Juicee Beef or Tastee. I say Tastee all the way, but if you’re vegetarian hit Juicee for options.

Shake ass, listen to dancehall. It’s that simple.

Cleanse and clear your spirit in Blue Lagoon, take a shroomie raft down the river and find yourself at Natural Mystic to dance all night. Would highly recommend Soldier Camp for food. This is one of my favourite getaways outside of Kingston.

I actually really enjoy the tour here and have since I was a kid. It’s a great way to learn a little bit about Jamaican history and get inspired by the man himself.

Fry fish. Festival. Bammy. Go to Screechie, Aunt Merl or Aunt May.

Zuri Marley on Where to Go Off-Grid in Jamaica

Kranium

Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer, Kranium, shares some of his favourite spots across the island of Jamaica. From waterfalls to mineral springs, his guide features some of the most beautiful nature spots across the island, as well as the best ice cream shop in the Caribbean.

They have the BEST Ice Cream in the Caribbean.

You feel his spirit and appreciate him for what he’s done for reggae and Jamaica.

Bob Marley Museum

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