The Foundation

Carlos Malcolm
Legacy Foundation

Preserving, celebrating, and advancing an extraordinary musical legacy.

Mission Statement

Honoring a lifelong commitment to musical excellence

The Carlos Malcolm Legacy Foundation is dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and advancing the extraordinary musical legacy of Carlos Malcolm — one of the pioneering architects of Jamaican ska and a visionary composer, arranger, and bandleader. Through education, preservation, and community engagement, we honor his lifelong commitment to musical excellence and cultural innovation.

Our mission is to preserve Carlos Malcolm’s recordings, compositions, manuscripts, and historical contributions while educating future generations about the origins and global influence of Jamaican music. We are committed to inspiring young musicians by providing scholarships, educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to the rich history of Caribbean music.

By fostering cultural awareness, supporting music education, and protecting the artistic heritage of Carlos Malcolm, we strive to ensure that his music, his story, and his influence continue to inspire artists and audiences around the world for generations to come.

What We Do

Preserve · Educate · Inspire

Preserve

Safeguard Carlos Malcolm’s recordings, compositions, manuscripts, and the historical record of Jamaican music.

Educate

Teach future generations about the origins and global influence of Caribbean music through programs and mentorship.

Inspire

Empower young musicians with scholarships, opportunities, and access to a rich musical heritage.

Programs

How the Foundation puts its mission to work

Five programs, each built around one of our founding pillars — preserving Carlos Malcolm’s legacy, and using it to open doors for the next generation of Caribbean musicians.

1. Carlos Malcolm Music Preservation Project

A permanent archive containing
  • Original master recordings
  • Copyright registrations
  • Publishing agreements
  • Original arrangements
  • Manuscripts
  • Session notes
  • Rare photographs
  • Concert posters
  • Interviews
  • Personal memorabilia
  • Books
  • Awards
  • Historical documents

2. Carlos Malcolm Scholarship Program

Scholarships for
  • Music Performance
  • Jazz Studies
  • Composition
  • Music Education
  • Audio Engineering
  • Music Business
  • Caribbean Music Studies
Priority given to
  • Alpha Boys School students
  • Jamaican students
  • Caribbean students
  • Students preserving traditional music
  • Historically underserved students

3. Educational Initiative

Develop
  • School curriculum
  • Traveling exhibits
  • Museum partnerships
  • Online learning resources
  • Documentary films
  • Lecture series
  • Workshops
  • Masterclasses

4. Artist Development

Provide
  • Mentorship
  • Recording opportunities
  • Performance opportunities
  • Career coaching
  • Business education
  • Copyright education

5. Community Programs

  • Youth Jazz Orchestra
  • Ska Heritage Band
  • Summer Music Camp
  • Community concerts
  • Instrument donation program
Our Vision

To establish the Foundation as the leading resource for preserving the history of Jamaican music, promoting musical excellence, and empowering future generations — ensuring that the pioneering contributions of Carlos Malcolm remain a lasting source of inspiration throughout the world.