The contribution of reggae music to environmental awareness and well-being

Abstract This article explores the contribution of reggae music to environmental awareness and well-being. It is a case study of four reggae artists who use their reach to circulate messages of socio-political criticism and the need for environmental protection. Specifically, it answers the questions how the artists frame these messages in their lyrics, if and how the accompanying visuals support them, and what influence their songs have on listeners. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a multimodal frame analysis of the artists’ lyrics, a YouTube comment analysis, a survey inquiring into fans’ attitudes and behavioural choices, as well as interviews with the artists. These analyses show that the artists reach their listeners on a very emotional level by actively evoking cultural frames of (i) opposition against destructive practices and (ii) empowerment and unity, underlining the joint responsibility of humanity to take action for the protection of the environment.