reggae

noun. reg·​gae ˈre-(ˌ)gā ˈrā- : popular music of Jamaican origin that combines native styles with elements of rock and soul music and is performed at moderate tempos with the accent on the offbeat.

When reggae emerged in the late 1960s, it came as a cultural bombshell not only to Jamaica but the whole world. Reggae has influenced societies throughout the world, contributing to the development of new counterculture movements, particularly in Europe, in the USA and Africa.

Jamaica is a carefree tropical island and reggae music is the soundtrack. The people are extremely laidback and happy despite living in poverty in a third world country. If you went to Jamaica and lived amongst the locals even for a short while you'd totally get it. The vibe of Jamaica is reflected in their music.

reggae, style of popular music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and quickly emerged as the country's dominant music. By the 1970s it had become an international style that was particularly popular in Britain, the United States, and Africa. It was widely perceived as a voice of the oppressed.

Reggae features an African hand-drumming style that was formed from a heartbeat rhythm, lead-bass arrangement, off-beat guitar chords known as skank, and lyrics sung in Jamaican patois. The most famous international reggae musician, Bob Marley, was the lead singer of The Wailers.

Reggae is undoubted a relaxing genre that cools the souls and uplifts the spirit. The soothing and therapeutic sounds are not only iconic but also induce the atmosphere with a vibe that no other music genre can.

Jamaican Popular Music and Roots Reggae Since the late 1960s, reggae has been the primary popular style of music in Jamaica. Its origins reflect the cultural hybridity for which the Caribbean is known. Reggae's roots trace back to the late 1940s and 1950s when the Jamaican recording industry was in its infancy.

Reggae emerged in the late 1960s and can be identified by:

• time signature of 4/4, with heavy accent placed on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar.
• strophic form - a repeated verse and chorus.
• typical rock line up – vocals, backing vocals, electric guitars, bass guitar and drum kit.
• prominent riff played on bass guitar.

23 Fun Reggae Facts

• In the Caribbean, February is Reggae Month.
• The Rastafari practice of Ital – all about life energy – means many reggae musicians are vegetarian, including the late, great Bob Marley.

Reggae incorporates a high amount of off-beat rhythms. These are usually staccato beats played by a guitar or piano (sometimes both) on the off-beats (also known as “upbeats”) of a measure. This gives most reggae music a 'jumpy' feel. The “one drop rhythm” is another pattern often noticed in reggae.

Its slow jerky rhythm, its militant and spiritual lyrics as well as the rebellious appearance of its singers, among others, have influenced musical genres, cultures and societies throughout the world, contributing to the development of new counterculture movements, especially in Europe, in the USA and Africa.

Reggae emerged in the late 1960s and can be identified by:

• time signature of 4/4, with heavy accent placed on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar.
• strophic form - a repeated verse and chorus.
• typical rock line up – vocals, backing vocals, electric guitars, bass guitar and drum kit.
• prominent riff played on bass guitar.