Reggae music has become a global cultural treasure. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added reggae to its list cultural forms it deems worthy protecting and promoting. UNESCO officially recognized reggae as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage Humanity". Reggae is a music genre that originated Jamaica the early 1960s. Pioneers included artists such as Toots and the Maytals, Peter Tosh and the legendary Bob Marley. The Jamaican government was pleased reggae's new status. Olivia Grange, Jamaica's culture minister, said: "Reggae is uniquely Jamaican. It is a music that we have created that has penetrated all corners the world."
UNESCO defined reggae as being, "an amalgam numerous musical influences," including Jamaican and Caribbean forms, neo-African styles, soul and rhythm and blues North America, and Ska and Rock Steady. It described the importance the music, saying: "Reggae music was the voice the marginalized. The music is now played and embraced a wide cross-section society, including various genders, ethnic and religious groups." It added: "Reggae's contribution to international discourse issues injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics the [music] as being...cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual."
