Welcome to I love Jamaica, a celebration of the best of Jamaica pop culture.

On the 6th August 2002, Jamaica will celebrate 40 years of independence, it's amazing to think of the impact that this small island in the Caribbean has. It's hard to look back over the half century without noting Jamaicans who have influenced all our lives with their contributions to pop culture, music, sport and politics.

From Calypso, to Reggae and Dancehall, music is one of the passions of Jamaican life. Superstars such as Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley both shaped and influenced the world music scene for decades to come. Paving the way for artists such as Shaggy and Maxi Priest, UB40, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Aswad, to follow suit and become international music stars.

In the world of cricket, the West Indies represented an irrepressible force, especially in 1984, when at their height they inflicted the first ever 'Blackwash', a 5-0 drubbing on England. The combinations of the awesome speed of attack of Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner and the batting of Vivian Richards and Clive Lloyd, this team has been heralded as the best cricket team ever!