This year is the commemoration of the 50th year of Jamaican independence. To pay homage to Jamaican music and culture, Radio 1Xtra and Radio 6Music will be putting out a huge selection of musical offerings.

From Sunday August 5, 1Xtra will explore the impact that Jamaican culture has had in the UK and play some of the biggest UK hits and genres that have been heavily influenced by Jamaican music. Monday August 6 is Jamaican Independence Day and throughout the day, 1Xtra DJs will play dancehall, reggae and other genres that have been strongly influenced by Jamaican music – from hip-hop to drum‘n’bass.

Jamaican music expert Colin Grant’s documentary Wheel and Come Again: The Rise of Jamaican Music, will be broadcasted at midday on August 5, on Radio 6Music. There will also be more Jamaican themed documentaries throughout August in 6Music’s midnight slot.

There’s much more on offer by these two stations. Check out the full schedule here.

Also, don’t forget to catch Messenger – The Bob Marley Exhibition at The O2 London this summer, from July 24-October 22, which is part of the Jamaica Summer at The O2.

On another note, check out the Island Records ‘making of’ film for the creation of a 12ft x 12ft graffiti artwork piece of Bob Marley, by contemporary artist Alex Young: