Jamrockin' All Over The World! Caribbean Country Pips India, China, USA To Cultural Top Spot
Could a tiny island in the Caribbean contribute more to modern day culture than a global superpower such as China or India? "Yeh mon!" says the latest research.
Online, February 10, 2014 (Newswire.com) - According to a nationwide survey conducted by the London-based pop-up shop, 'Jamrock' which opened on reggae legend Bob Marley's birthday, Brits believe that Jamaica has had the most influence on the world's popular culture thanks to its unique contribution to music, sport and the culinary arts.
Boasting one of the world's most iconic musicians in Marley, in Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world and the emergence of 'Jerk' as the next gastronomic trend, Jamaica with a population of just 2.7m people was touted as a bigger influence, when considering their size, than any other country including China, a country over 500 times bigger.
When asked to consider their population, over half of those surveyed believed Jamaica (52%) had contributed the most followed by the USA (25%) and the UK (15%). China, the world's populous country, attracted just 5% of the votes. In musical terms, Jamaica topped the list again with almost two-thirds claiming that Jamaica (61%), the birthplace of reggae and ska, had the most influence. The USA and UK completed the top three with 20% and 16% respectively.
However, it was in terms of their sporting achievement that Jamaica really excelled with 65% of those questioned, stating that the island, better known for its stunning beaches, punched way above its weight on the track. 16% voted for the USA and just 8% voting for their home country the UK. Brazil, five time winners of the football World Cup, received just 4% of the vote.
Jamaica performed in the kitchen too with 63% hoping to see more Jamaica-style cuisine, such as jerk pork and chicken, in their local communities followed Caribbean neighbours, Mexico, whose tacos and burritos attracted 12% of the votes and Brazil with 6%.
Jamrock's owner, former Miss Jamaica April Jackson said "When you think of Usain Bolt, Bob Marley, Reggae, the beaches, the rum, the coffee, the distinctive accent, it's easy to forget that Jamaica is just 150 miles long - it's not even as big as most US states but has contributed so much. As a country, it is a great life lesson because it shows that you don't have to be the biggest to have an impact in this world."
I'm always eager to showcase the best of my island and hope to share a piece of this wonderful culture by making unique products available to customers in London."
"Pop-up boutiques have been trending in London for quite some time," continued Jackson. "I felt that launching on Bob Marley's birthday was perfect timing to celebrate Jamaica's contribution to the world through music, clothing, jewellery, food, coffee and rum."
Jamrock opened its doors in 425 Coldharbour Lane in Brixton on February 6th and offers people the chance to enjoy the spirit of Jamaica. Staying open through March 6th , the boutique features a range of products to include pieces from Cedella Marley's acclaimed Catch A Fire line, Blackwell Rum, Marley Coffee, Strawberry Hill Blue Mountain Coffee and exclusive prints from one of Jamaica's most prominent photographers.
More information can be found online at facebook.com/jamrockpopup or by following them on twitter.com/jamrocklondon.
ENDS
Survey conducted via SurveyPlanet.com
For more information, contact April Jackson on 07960 180151 or at aj@savourjamaica.com