CPR conducts research to explore, codify, and curate information about reggae. It engages academia in the mission by collaborating with universities on various levels. These collaborations pursue field research and scholarly examination of reggae, its development, its impact on social, economic, and political development and its influence around the world.
CPR Reggae
CPR Reggae
Monday, 25 April 2011 17:11
Homage To A King
HOMAGE TO A KING
“Conflicts between nations will continue to arise. The real issue is whether they are to be resolved by force, or by resort to peaceful methods and procedures, administered by impartial institutions. This very Organization itself is the greatest such institution, and it is in a more powerful United Nations that we seek, and it is here that we shall find, the assurance of a peaceful future.”
H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie I, October 4, 1963 United Nations Address.
Early Days: Haile Selassie, born Tafari Makonnen in 1892. was named regent and heir to Ethiopia’s throne in 1917 but was too young to assume such an awesome responsibility. During 1917 through 1928, he traveled aboard, the first Ethiopian leader to do so, visiting cities like Rome, London and Paris. In 1930 when Empress Zauditu died, he assumed his role as ruler of Ethiopia, the 111th emperor in the succession of King Solomon. At his coronation on November 2nd 1930, he took his baptismal name, Haile Selassie “Might of the Trinity” given to him at his christening as an infant. His full title was His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God.
Emperor: As Emperor he established Ethiopia’s first written constitution. By 1931 the Bank of Ethiopia was established and the Ethiopian currency was introduced. Despite numerous internal uprisings from factions who opposed his administration, Selassie was able to foster loyalty among his subjects by building schools and universities, establishing newspapers, and increasing the availability of electricity, telephone and public health services. His focus was to modernize Ethiopia to rival that which he saw during his travels in Europe.
War: Juxtaposed to Ethiopia’s thriving growth and accomplishments was the threat of Benito Mussolini who mounted a campaign to strategically attack Ethiopia. Sometime in December 1934, the Italians provoked an incident which involved an Ethiopian escort to the city of Wal Wal. When the League of Nations exonerated both parties in 1935, Mussolini embarked on hostilities, invading Ethiopia without declaring war and though the League of Nations condemned Italy, no action was taken.
Exile: In an effort to protect the monarchy, the Emperor went into exile in Palestine on May 2nd 1936 where he prepared to present a case before the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He travelled to England, settled in the town of Bath at the “Fairfield House” which he donated to the town of Bath as a
residence for the aged which remains so to this day.
The League of Nations: On June 30th 1936, when the Emperor entered the hall to address the League of Nations assembled in Geneva, a large group of Italian journalists in the galleries erupted in a loud outburst which was revealed to be orchestrated by the Italian Foreign Minister. When he finally spoke, he eloquently relayed the need to protect weak nations against the strong, detailing the death and destruction delivered by the Italians and asking the League to live up to its promise of collective security. His eloquent address prophesying “today for Ethiopia, tomorrow for you…” moved all who heard it and catapulted him into international fame.
Toast of the town: He was named Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” and the toast of the anti-fascists around the world for his efforts towards humanitarianism and Ethiopian sovereignty. Nonetheless, he failed to get the assistance he needed to help his people. It was patriot forces from Ethiopia and the United Kingdom that defeated the Italians, allowing the Emperor to return home in 1941.
The Statesman: In 1963 the Emperor presided over the establishment of the Organization of African Unity with headquarters in Addis Ababa. He continued to enjoy enormous prestige and respect as an elder statesman at international events, such as the celebration of the 2500 years of the Persian Empire, summits of the non-aligned movement and the state funerals of John F. Kennedy and Charles de Gaulle. His travels around the world helped to raise Ethiopia’s international image.
The BBC: In an orchestrated effort to undermine the Emperor, a BBC documentary revealed a devastating drought in the Province of Wollo during 1972 to 1973 seriously undermining the government and the Emperor’s popularity. At the same time, economic hardship caused by rising oil prices and widespread military mutinies in the country further weakened his rule.
The Coup: Eventually, the military took advantage of the government’s disarray and deposed Emperor Haile Selassie on September 12th 1974. He was placed under house arrest and declared to have died on August 27th 1975 following complications from prostate cancer, a story his doctors deny. Some believed he was suffocated in his sleep. Others believe he never died. However, witnesses came forward after the fall of the Marxist government in 1991 to reveal that the Emperor’s remains had been buried beneath the president’s personal office. On November 5th 2000 Emperor Haile Selassie was given an Imperial funeral by the Ethiopian Orthodox church.
IMPORTANT TIMELINE:
1906 – Makonnen’s father dies; Tafari becomes advisor.
1911 – Marries Wayzaro Menen.
1913 – Menelik II dies; Tafari does not become Emperor.
1917 – Ras Tafari is name Regent, heir to the throne.
1922 – Benito Mussolini and his fascist army march into Rome. Mussolini is named Prime Minister. He builds up army over next 13 years to become world power.
1923 – Makennon brings many modernizations to Ethiopia. Ethiopia admitted into the League of Nations.
1930 – Makennon becomes Emperor of Ethiopia; takes the name Haile Selassie (Might of the Trinity)
1934 – Border incident at city of Wal Wal give Italy excuse to attack Ethiopia.
1935 – Italy attacks and invades Ethiopia without declaration of war.
1935 – League of Nations declares Italy an aggressor but takes no action.
1936 – Selassie forced into five year exile; settles in Bath, London, at times in Jerusalem.
1936 – Italian army enters capital city of Addis Ababa. Italy annexes Ethiopia, ending seven month war.
1936 – Selassie makes eloquent, yet emotional speech to League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, forewarning of Italian aggression throughout the world. “It is us today. It will be you tomorrow.” League of Nations takes no action.
1941- Selassie returns to Ethiopia at end of second Italian-Ethiopian war.
1955 – Selassie introduced revised constitution during Silver Jubilee celebration.
1963 – Selassie presided over the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)
1963 – Selassie addresses United Nations on October 4th.
1966 – Selassie visits Jamaica. Over two hundred thousands Rastafarians greet him at the airport.
1966 – Selassie commissions Archbishop Abuna Yesehaq to set up Ethiopian Orthodox Church in the West.
1966- Selassie offers Rastafarians land in Shashamane.
1967 – Selassie denied being an emanation from divinity during interview with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Bill McNeil.
1972 – Selassie celebrates 80th birthday in grand style.
1972 – BBC documentary reveals famine in Province of Wollo, undermines Selassie’s government.
1974 – Selassie deposed by the Derg in a coup on September 12th.
1975 – Allegedly dies on August 28th.
2000 – Given Imperial funeral by Orthodox Church on November 5th.
2005 – CPR celebrates the 75th anniversary celebration of Emperor’s coronation at New York’s World Famous Roxy.
2006 – CPR Celebrates the 76th anniversary celebration of Emperor’s coronation at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom.
2007 – September 11th Ethiopia observes the advent of the 3rd millennium with year long celebrations.
2007 – CPR celebrates the 77th anniversary celebration of Emperor’s coronation at New York’s Webster Hall.
2008 – CPR celebrates the 78th anniversary celebration of Emperor’s coronation at Brooklyn’s Cultural Performing Arts Center.
2009 – CPR celebrates the 79th anniversary celebration of Emperor’s coronation at Nazareth Regional High School Performance Center.
2010 – CPR celebrates the 80th anniversary celebration of Emperor’s coronation at Nazareth Regional High School Performance Center.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 17:05
Outreach and Advocacy
CPR conducts outreach through various mediums but primarily the internet. Through the internet, (including CPR’s website (cprreggae.org), email marketing and social networking) CPR reaches a wide audience in its effort to engage a diverse population in the preservation of reggae music.
Much of CPR’s outreach is also devoted to advocating for the inclusion of reggae music and its history in music, literature, social studies and multicultural eduction curricula to enhance the socialization and development of students.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 17:05
Research
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Monday, 25 April 2011 17:02
Events
CPR is the presenter of live reggae events. Each year, its hallmark event, Reggae Culture Salute honors the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia with a celebration of the unique relationship between Reggae, Rasta, Selassie and Jamaica. A highlight of the event is the presentation of CPR’s Pinnacle Award for Excellence, presented to an exemplary reggae practitioner. Proceeds from the events benefit the organization.
Another CPR event is the highly rated Reggae Cabaret, a networking event for the sophisticated reggae lover. From the décor to the vibes, the ambiance exudes authenticity making Reggae Cabaret highly suited for long time enthusiasts and sophomores alike.
Reggae Culture Salute and Reggae Cabaret are produced by TSO Productions LLC, a highly acclaimed event management company.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 16:56
Evening Suite Schedule
CPRLive- It Ain't Just Music, It's Life:
CPRLive is a 24/7 internet broadcast platform which streams roots reggae, dub, ska and classic dancehall around the clock except for three hours each evening, Tuesday through Saturday when it streams live programming. The evening suite is a suite of mostly talk programming because as our slogan says, It ain't just music, it's life.
SOCIAL LIVING Tues. 7-10PM: Social Living explores contemporary and historical modes of so-cial organization, providing a platform for economic literacy, social responsibility and an elevated social living quotient.
REAL TALK Thur. 7-10PM: These no holds barred conversations with reggae practitioners and thought leaders address the creation, development, promo-tion, presentation and preservation of reggae music.
REGGAE CALLING Sat. 6-9:00PM: Reggae Calling is an unpredictable journey into the best reggae music, mixed with reasoning, interviews and the Female Focus, insights into accomplishments of outstanding women.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 16:54
Community Conversations
CPR conducts free community forums, sharing information about developments in the music and increasing understanding about its impact.
CPR’s well received Community Conversation Series has been conducted in several communities in the North Eastern United States and is available nationwide and internationally. Outside of New York City, the forums are conducted in collaboration with a local host that works with CPR on the planning and development of the forum and takes the lead with respect to the local outreach and promotion.
For more information, send your query.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 16:53
Programs
The programs of the Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music promote understanding of and appreciation for the essence of reggae music and developments and trends within the industry to enable members and friends to make informed choices about its consumption. CPR maintains a
vigilant check on the pulse of the reggae industry and through its programs, engages its members and community in exploring issues and developing responses that preserve the genre.
The program initiatives include free community forums, radio broadcasts, live reggae events, research, advocacy and outreach.
Members and friends of CPR are integral to its programs. Through a robust volunteer program and an internship program, CPR offers rewarding opportunities for members and friends to be engaged in the preservation of reggae music.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 16:47
Membership
Join us Today
Reggae Patrons Reggae Lovers Reggae Artists
Working Together to Make Things Work
Lend a Hand to Preserving roots reggae music
Make a difference in the nurturing of roots reggae artists
Peer to Peer Support; Enlightening Reasoning; Networking Events
Join our Network and experience the “livity” of roots reggae runnings
Membership in CPR is open to artists, patrons and all reggae lovers who agree with our mission of raising the bar in reggae music and is willing to support it. Members determine their level The annual membership fee helps to defray CPR’s overhead cost. In addition, members may support the programs of CPR by donating additional financial resources to the program(s) of their choice and/or contribute in kind services in support of preserving reggae music.
See Rights and Privileges for further details of CPR membership.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 16:44
History
The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) was established in 2005 to bring reggae lovers together in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and Empress Mennen and in celebration of the unique relationship between reggae Rasta Selassie and Jamaica. Since then, the coalition has worked to preserve the art form and its traditional message of healing and unity.
Reggae’s blending of the ethos of the oppressed with rhythms and melodies of the African experience has generated a healing force that has been widely embraced. It has helped spawned other genres around the world, including [Dancehall (JA), Rap and Hip Hop (USA), Jungle (UK), Punjabi (Asia), and most recently, Reggaeton (Panama)] such that it is considered a national treasure of Jamaica and Jamaica’s gift to the world. In 2010, CPR became incorporated in New York State as a not-for-profit.
The beginnings of CPR was an exercise in practicing what it stands for, raising the bar in reggae music and Reggae Culture Salute 2005 received rave reviews for presenting reggae music in a manner fit for a king. The event featured Morgan Heritage, Third World and Luciano and many lauded the quality and standard of the presentation while others commended CPR for honoring the history of the genre with a commemorative event such that a New York Times preview of the following year’s event dubbed Reggae Culture Salute “the big show for the fall,” praising its celebration of reggae’s traditional values.
As time went on, CPR incrementally broadened its scope of activities to include community outreach initiatives (2007) research initiatives (2008) forums (2009), broadcasting (2010), and the wide range of related activities it conducts in pursuit of its mission of raising the bar in reggae music while holding to its model of collective responsibility. The website was established in the fall of 2010 to serve as a platform for facilitating this collective venture.
Plenty hands do make work light and CPR is proud of this history of cultivating a collective responsibility to ensure the preservation of reggae music. Your involvement will help keep the tradition strong, and make the history long.
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Monday, 25 April 2011 16:32
Overview - About CPR
The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music (CPR) is a charitable organization, established in 2005 to bring reggae lovers together to work to preserve the art form and its traditional message of healing and unity. Reggae blends the ethos of the oppressed with rhythms and melodies of the African experience to provided a healing force that has been widely embraced. It has helped spawn other genres around the world [Dancehall (JA), Rap and Hip Hop (USA), Jungle (UK), Punjabi (Asia), and most recently, Reggaeton (Panama)] such that it is considered a national treasure of Jamaica and Jamaica’s gift to the world.
MANIFESTO
“We, Jah people, can make it work–come together and make it work…” Bob Marley
Bob Marley and the Wailers exploded onto the world stage in 1970 ushering in a new level of international recognition for Jamaica’s long history of cultural excellence. Reggae’s blending of the ethos of the oppressed with the rhythms and melodies of the African experience brought to the world a healing force that was readily embraced. By the end of the century, reggae had traveled the world, helping to spawn other genres [Dancehall (JA), Rap and Hip Hop (USA), Jungle (UK), Punjabi (Asia), and most recently, Reggaeton (Panama)] and influencing billions such that Bob Marley’s signature tune, “One Love” was declared the song of the century by the British Broadcasting Corporation.
Yet, as fate would have it, today’s purveyors of genuine reggae languish in the shadows of their artistic progenies who rule the airwaves with computer generated beats, often laced with vulgar messages that instigate enmity and denigrate, where reggae once elevated, and fans the world over are left to yearn for more of the sounds and messages of authentic reggae.
Mission Statement
The Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music, Inc. is a not for profit organization that works to preserve the reggae art form and its traditional message of healing and unity. The mission of the Coalition is to raise the bar in the creation, development, promotion and presentation of reggae music; to elevate the profile of its purveyors; and to research, codify, curate and disseminate literature about the genre so as to increase understanding of its development, its significance, and its influence around the world.
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