The reggae poster contest opened yesterday focusing on raising awareness about human trafficking. The special focus is part of a campaign being championed by VP Records, several reggae artistes, and the Ministry of National Security.
“The competition is open to all graphic designers and artists internationally. Artists/designers can submit an unlimited number of original and unpublished posters,” the organisers said.
The International Reggae Poster Contest is an initiative designed to celebrate positive international reggae culture. It highlights the globalisation of reggae and the resounding impact of its message. The contest was founded in 2011 by the late Michael Thompson, and Maria Papaefstathiou. The umbrella term ‘reggae’, as used by the organisers, encompasses all the popular Jamaican musical genres: ska, rocksteady, roots reggae, dub, dancehall and the unique Jamaican sound system.
Additionally, to raise awareness and spark conversations about human trafficking, Shadows After Dark, a new single written and produced by reggae singer, Alborosie, encourages persons to be very careful of whom they trust. The song also features heartfelt performances from artistes like Christopher Martin, Romain Virgo, Kabaka Pyramid, Etana, Raging Fyah and Sandy Smith.
The Italian-born Alborosie, who has worked and lived in Jamaica for more than 15 years, is the person behind this recording and the charitable interest in this latest human trafficking initiative sponsored by The National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP).
“We have the power to bring these crimes to an end. Our voices, together, can do that, reggae music is that powerful,” he said. “Visual art and sonic art are powerful together. Working together means we can save one more child or one more person from harm and that is good.”
All artists/designers will retain the rights to their original poster art, however, the International Reggae Poster Contest and VP Records shall have the right to reproduce, publish, exhibit, promote, and disseminate them in any medium, and this includes the reproduction of copies in various formats to raise funds for this anti-human trafficking campaign.
