Jamatics is a Caribbean youth creative arts movement for children and teens ages 6 to 19. We use storytelling, drama, dub poetry, filmmaking, and cultural expression to help young Jamaicans find their voice, build confidence, and grow as artists, leaders, and citizens.

We deliver our work through workshops, year-round programs, online learning via the Digital Campus, and flagship competitions like Echoes of Dub.

Jamatics was founded by O'Maro Bekelé — drummer, dub poet, theatre director, and educator — and is the educational and youth-focused vertical of Bekele Republic, the broader cultural enterprise.

Jamatics is inclusive and welcomes all backgrounds. Many of our stories honour moral and spiritual values — drawing from Christian, folk, and traditional Caribbean sources — but the platform is open to schools, churches, and community groups across faith and cultural lines. Dub poetry, cultural storytelling, and values-based drama all sit comfortably under the same roof.

Jamatics is based in Kingston, Jamaica, and operates across the island. Our Digital Campus extends our reach to anywhere with an internet connection — meaning a young person in Trelawny can take part in the same programs as one in Kingston.

Jamatics programs are open to young people ages 6 to 19, whether they come through their school, church youth group, homeschool arrangement, or as individual parent-registered participants. Programs are grouped by age tier:

• Lower Primary (Grades 1 to 3)
• Upper Primary (Grades 4 to 6)
• Lower High (Grades 7 to 9)
• Upper High (Grades 10 to 12)

Every child is engaged at the right developmental stage.

Right now you can register for:

• Echoes of Dub 2026 — flagship dub poetry competition (deadline May 30, 2026)
• Digital Campus — year-round online learning hub
• Partner Schools — term and yearly school partnerships

Other programs (Theatre Camp, on-site workshops, internships) are accepting interest signups for upcoming cohorts.

The JAMATICS Digital Campus is our online learning and creative expression hub. It includes story lessons, drama workshops, filmmaking tutorials, submission portals for live competitions, leaderboards, and exclusive partner resources.

Open to partner schools, church youth groups, homeschoolers, and individual learners. Learn more about the Campus.

Yes. Parents can register their child directly for Jamatics workshops, the Digital Campus, or specific competitions. Parent-registered participants go through the same programs as school-enrolled students.

Yes — short-form drama and film workshops can be booked on-site at schools, churches, or community spaces. Workshops are tailored by age tier and time available. Reach out to discuss.

Echoes of Dub is our flagship 2026 competition — Jamaica's first all-digital national dub poetry competition. Schools, families, community groups, and individual poets enter through the registration portal. No stage. No travel. Just your voice.

Two paths in:

• School Registration — for basic, primary, secondary schools, universities, colleges, and teachers colleges
• Open Arena Registration — for individuals, families, and community groups (no age limit, no restriction)

Both School Registration and Open Arena Registration are $2,500 JMD and include the first three entries. Each additional entry is $1,000 JMD. There is no entry limit.

Submissions close on May 30, 2026. Late entries will not be accepted, so register early to give yourself or your students time to prepare strong submissions.

Visit bekele.org/echoes-of-dub for the full competition page, registration paths, and secure payment via EzeePayments. You'll receive confirmation by email along with access to the Dubber Codex training resource.

Schools can join as Jamatics Partner Schools by registering for our term-based or yearly package. Partnership gives you access to workshops, competitions, the Digital Campus for all students, and on-site mentorship support throughout the year. Learn more about partnership.

Yes. Church youth groups, community arts organisations, and cultural collectives can all become Jamatics partners. The format is flexible — we will build a partnership that fits your calendar, your budget, and your young people.

Partnership pricing depends on size, term length, and the level of programming you want. We offer term-based and yearly packages, plus customised options for institutions with specific needs. Reach out for a partnership conversation.

Partnership packages typically include:

• Unlimited Digital Campus access for teachers and students
• Discounted or included entry to flagship competitions
• On-site workshops scheduled across the year
• Mentorship support for student creative projects
• Priority placement at Jamatics festivals and showcases

Yes — there is a participation fee depending on the program, covering materials, registration, and platform access. Pricing varies by program type and length.

Some programs are fully sponsored by partner schools or churches, and limited scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis for families who need support. Reach out to discuss your situation — we want to keep the path open for every young person who is ready to step forward.

Most program fees are handled through EzeePayments, our secure online payment processor. Bank transfer is available for institutional partnerships. You will receive payment confirmation and onboarding details by email.

Yes. The Digital Campus is a child-friendly platform with password-protected access, no advertising, and a guided experience tailored to each age group. It is built so parents, teachers, and youth leaders can trust what their young people are doing online.

Refund policy varies by program. Competition entries are generally non-refundable once submitted. For workshops or partnerships, refund terms are spelled out at the time of registration. Reach out if you have questions about a specific situation.