Preserving the Pulse: Using Design to Revive the Sounds and Story of Mento Music

Abstract

Mento music—Jamaica’s first popular musical form—has long existed in the shadows of more globally recognized genres like reggae and dancehall. With its roots in African and European folk traditions, mento once served as a vibrant form of cultural storytelling. Yet, today it faces fading relevance amid generational shifts, media neglect, and a lack of accessible archival resources. This thesis explores how integrated digital design can serve as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, using mento music as a case study. Through historical research, user-centered design strategies, and the development of a prototype for an interactive website called The Mento Music Museum, this project demonstrates how multimedia storytelling and responsive technology can help revive cultural memory. Grounded in principles of accessibility, participation, and authenticity, the site aims to reintroduce mento to younger audiences while honoring its historical legacy. By designing with purpose and cultural sensitivity, this work offers a scalable model for preserving endangered art forms and re-centering overlooked cultural narratives in the digital age.