Reggae Music & Food
3 songs dedicated to island kitchen magic.
Greetings Superstars!
Some of the most delicious food in the world is made in the Caribbean—from curry goat to sweet plantain. And to celebrate that, there are a number of reggae and dancehall songs dedicated to wonderful things to eat. Here at three great ones:
British-born dancehall star Macka B sings about his poor friend, Fred, who married a white lady and doesn’t get fed right 😂 in his 1986 jam, ‘Baked Beans & Egg.’ In the song, Fred’s wife makes baked beans and egg for him for every meal and Macka B worries about Fred’s cholesterol and flatulence. (I love it.) He invites Fred over for dinner and feeds him peas and rice, ‘saltfish and ackee, and some hard dough bread.’
If you don’t know, ackee is a fruit that is traditionally boiled for a few minutes before stewing with salt-cured white fish such as cod. It may be hard to find in the States because it can be poisonous if it’s not ripe, so beware if you’re unfamiliar with it. (*The seeds and rind are always toxic 🤢*)
A more recent song by the “Cook King” Jahdon is the 2021 hit, ‘Cooking,’ which celebrates healthy eating and features chickpeas, quinoa, “ackee from the trees,” and callaloo. Callaloo is a versatile, nutritious leafy green. I also see some delicious Johnnycake in the video and now I’m dreaming of home. Johnnycake is made differently island to island, but here is The Crucian Contessa’s recipe from St. Croix. Jahdon is a former restauranteur and has a plant-based cooking show on YouTube. Take a look at the official video depicting authentic grocery shopping and cooking in the Caribbean, and making me so hungry:
Finally, as we enter the winter holiday season, let’s all listen to this reggae Christmas song by Yellowman: ‘Breadfruit Roasting on an Open Fire’ from his 1998 album, A Very, Very Yellow Christmas:
Yellowman is a legend and I bow down. If you aren’t familiar with breadfruit, it’s a starchy fruit that can be cooked many ways including roasted, baked, or fried. It does the same job that a potato would.
Please share in the comments any other songs about Caribbean dishes that make your mouth water.
This week, I hope that you find ways to nourish both your body and your soul. 💛