Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s, evolving from earlier forms of Jamaican music like ska and rocksteady. It’s known for its distinctive rhythm, offbeat accents, and socially conscious lyrics. The rhythm, often called the “one drop,” features a heavy emphasis on the third beat of a measure, with the guitar or piano emphasizing the offbeat. Basslines in reggae are also prominent and melodic, driving the song forward.

Key themes in reggae music often include political awareness, resistance against oppression, Rastafarian beliefs, love, and unity. Pioneers of reggae include artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff, who helped spread reggae’s influence worldwide in the 1970s.

Reggae also gave birth to several subgenres, such as roots reggae, dancehall, dub, and lovers rock. Today, it’s an influential genre globally, blending into many other musical styles while maintaining its rich cultural and political roots.