Veteran Reggae Singer, Freddie McGregor heads JRIA

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned international Reggae artiste, Frederick ‘Freddie’ McGregor, has been elected Chairman of the newly formed Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JRIA).

Mr. McGregor was elected, during the organisation’s inaugural elections on Tuesday (May 5) at Jamaica Trade and Invest’s (JTI) head office, Trafalgar Road, Kingston. He defeated his only competitor, fellow recording artiste, Patrick ‘Tony Rebel’ Barrett.

The JRIA was established in February, coinciding with activities marking Reggae Month. It aims to address some of the challenges facing the music industry, including those relating to access to information, advocacy, business advice, and financial credit.

Freddie McGregor at Reggae Symphony 2008 file photo: Photo Courtesy of Dreamy Riley
The association’s membership comprises some 109 active music industry stakeholders, primarily individuals, firms and companies, and partner organizations, approximately half of whom are artistes, booking agents, promoters, event planners and teachers.

Other persons elected to the JRIA’s executive were: Artiste Representative – Ventrice ‘Queen Ifrica’ Morgan; Producer Representative – Stephen Stewart; Musician Representative – Michael ‘Ibo’ Cooper; Youth Representative (18-35 years) – Joan Webley; while Jerome Hamilton and Howard McIntosh were selected from the general membership to serve on the Board.

JRIA was established within the framework of the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP), a European Union (EU)/Government of Jamaica-funded initiative that aims to enhance socio-economic development locally through the strengthening of the private sector.

The initiative focuses on the contribution of, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), by addressing policy and regulatory challenges, and enhancing the competitiveness of these stakeholders through the provision of assistance and support of varying forms.