While reggae music originated in Kingston, Jamaica, in the early 1960s, its popularity in the United States is almost as strong as it is in its home country. The word "reggae" comes from "rege-rege," a slang term for smart clothes ("rags"). In this section of Saeed News, we introduce reggae music.
Reggae is a music genre that was founded in Jamaica in the late 1960s. Sometimes, it is used to refer to a broader range of Jamaican musical styles. The term "reggae" signifies a specific musical style that originates from the development of ska and rocksteady.
The foundation of reggae is based on a rhythmic structure that emphasizes offbeats (commonly known as "skank"). Reggae is naturally slower than ska and faster than rocksteady. It typically emphasizes the second and fourth beats of each measure, while the rhythm guitar emphasizes the third beat or holds the chord from the second beat until the third beat. Its tempo and the use of a consistent bass line distinguish it from the rocksteady style, although both genres later adopted these innovations separately. One of the most famous artists of this genre is Bob Marley, who played a significant role in popularizing this style and the Rastafarian philosophy.
The term "reggae" likely has its roots in Jamaican culture, which is why it was chosen for this specific style, as it combines different musical genres. However, Bob Marley disagreed with this view, believing that the word "reggae" comes from Latin or Spanish, meaning "for the king" or "music for the king." Marley argued that this special meaning explains the spiritual tones in the reggae style.
Jamaica, as a former British colony and a key player in trade in the Caribbean region, has become a cultural crossroads throughout its history, experiencing diverse influences. Folk music, songs about the traditional lives of Jamaican fishermen, gospel music brought from England, jazz, and R&B are all genres that are popular in Jamaica alongside reggae. The influence of these styles is also evident in reggae music.
The Mento music style is one of the popular music styles in Jamaica. Mento songs are inspired by daily news and local events, and musicians use any available instruments to compose in this style. The first piece in the Mento style was performed using a harmonica, coconut husk, and a trumpet made of wood.
Jamaica gained independence from the British Empire in 1962, which led to economic struggles. However, these economic challenges were accompanied by a cultural renaissance in Jamaica, most notably influencing Jamaican music. Many composers, DJs, and music producers benefited from this cultural renaissance, producing works in styles like reggae that represented the cultural identity of Jamaica.
At the time of Jamaica's independence, the most popular music style was ska, a genre inspired by American R&B, with a focus on offbeat rhythms. As the economic situation in Jamaica worsened, social issues became more evident in the lyrics of ska songs.
The social and critical nature of ska music led to changes in its rhythm, with the introduction of different instruments such as guitar, bass, drums, and organ, which were common in American and British rock bands.
Reggae music gains its unique sound from the emphasis on offbeats, a technique known as "skanking" in reggae. Unlike Western music, the guitar and bass are swapped, with the bass playing the main melody and the guitar maintaining the rhythm.
While there is still debate about the historical roots of the term "reggae" and the founders of the genre, one name that is unanimously recognized as a key figure in reggae music is Bob Marley. Marley, who rose to fame from the impoverished areas of Kingston, Jamaica, is now one of the most well-known reggae artists worldwide.
Peter Tosh is another key figure in reggae music, known for his significant influence on the development of the genre. Like Marley, Tosh was born into a poor family but developed a deep love for music. He was so passionate about playing guitar that he taught himself by mimicking guitarists and playing a homemade guitar made from a tin can.
While the golden era of reggae music is often considered to be the 1970s, the genre continued to thrive in the following decades, with artists like Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley's son), Judy Mowatt, and Buju Banton keeping it alive.
Reggae is marked by a heavy, steady rhythm, meaning the emphasis is on the second and fourth beats when the song is in 4/4 time. This backbeat is a hallmark of African-based music styles and is not found in traditional European or Asian music. Reggae drummers also emphasize the third beat with the bass drum in 4/4 time.
Rastafarianism is a religion and social movement founded in Jamaica in the 1930s. It is an Abrahamic belief system, meaning its followers believe their faith stems from ancient Israeli practices that worshipped "God of Abraham." Many famous reggae musicians practice this religion, and as a result, much of the lyrical content in reggae music reflects Rastafarian beliefs and customs.
Reggae (or "reggae") is a genre with roots in Central America that emerged in the 1960s. Its origins trace back to Jamaica and its surrounding regions. This genre has a rhythmic, simple vibe and is influenced by styles such as blues, R&B, and jazz. Like most pop genres, the vocalist plays a central role in reggae music.
