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Introduction to Reggae Music (Complete Guide): Why it is much more than Pot, Beaches and Bob Marley 

by Francisco Gonz
July 8th, 2018

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Image: Peter Tosh, Al Anderson, Robbie Shakespeare, Bush Doctor Tour, Cardiff 1978 by TimDuncan

Reggae music goes beyond beaches and sunshine. It is a revolution, a love letter to life, a declaration of war to injustice and inequality. Reggae tells a story of change and innovation, both socially and culturally. In this article, we make an overview of this rich music genre. So I hope that by the end of this little guide you are inspired to discover all the magic and beauty behind Reggae music.

Social & Cultural Origins

The history of reggae and Jamaican music is very intriguing. It dates back to the middle of the 20th century, where three major events change the destiny of this Caribbean Island.

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  • In 1962 Jamaica gained its independence from the British Empire. As an independent country, the island was defining its national identity. This search, heavily influenced by their own African ancestry and American hegemony, had a direct influence on their popular music.

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  • By the 1950s, Jamaica was receiving radio signals from North America's Southeast, mainly from New Orleans. That’s why by this time most of the Jamaican population was listening to American blues, jazz, and R&B artists. This single event was the game changer. Jamaican people soon became big fans of American artists, such as Fat Domino, Louis Jordan, and Little Richards.​

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  • By this time some Jamaicans decided to play the American music on their Sound Systems. People started sharing the American records in the streets, homes, and businesses. It became a popular way of entertainment on the island. Some of the Sound Systems owners became so popular that their names were known all around the island. Owners like Prince Buster, Coxsone Dodd, and Duke Reid became so successful, that decided to create their own music labels. And here is where Jamaican popular music begins.

Musical Origins

Mento

Before any North American influence, Mento was the Jamaican folk music heard in the rural regions. This music has a great influence from African and some European music. Sometimes it is known as the Jamaican interpretation of Calypso rhythms. But still, Mento represented the musical tradition of Jamaica.

American Music

Music from the United States played an important part in the Jamaican sounds. Especially, African-American music had a great impact on the island. Various Jazz, Blues, and R&B artist influenced the island musicians. Here are some tracks of popular North American artists in Jamaica.

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Image: Fat Domino (1979) by Klaus Hiltscher

Fat Domino:

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Little Richard:

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Louis Jordan:

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The Clovers:

Offbeat (a.k.a Skank)

This is perhaps the defining aspect of Jamaican music. The offbeat rhythm has been fundamental in the creation and development of all musical styles of the Island. There are different Jamaican rhythm techniques based on the offbeat, as the Ska Stroke in guitar or the One Drop in the drums. The offbeat in Jamaican music has been so important, that it has deeply influenced the mainstream music industry of our days.

Musical Styles

Ska

Ska was the first Jamaican style influenced both by traditional music of the island (Mento) and the American artists (like Fat Domino and Little Richard). It became popular around the time Jamaica was gaining its independence, so it contributed to the new cultural identity of the island.

 

By the 1960s this was the predominant musical style of the island and was the main product of the local music labels. Also, Ska was the first Jamaican musical style that incorporated the offbeat rhythm. There are various discussions about what lead to this, but the fact is that Ska musicians were the first ones to incorporate it as the main rhythm of their musical style.

The Skatalites: They are perhaps the most famous and influential Ska orchestra in the globe. Considered as the founders of Ska, The Skatalites popularized this musical style since early on.

Desmond Dekker:

Prince Buster

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The Ethiopians

Rocksteady

Ska was dance music. However, it had fast tempos. So, dancing to Ska was a serious physical activity. The myth says that after a hot summer in 1966, while Ska was losing popularity, a new musical style was captivating the young population. Rocksteady was the ideal alternative for fast ska rhythms. It was half as fast and, because of it, people were able to dance during hours without feeling in a spinning class.

 

Also, with new technologies arriving at the island, Rocksteady artists started replacing the horn sections with electric bass and piano. This change allowed artists to emphasize the rhythmic instruments. Still, Rocksteady was short-lived, but it was an important step between Ska and Roots Reggae music.

Alton Ellis: He is the most famous Rocksteady artist. Because of Rocksteady short run between Ska and Reggae, there are not many rocksteady music stars as Alton.

Roots Reggae

Roots Reggae is perhaps the most popular Reggae style. It is the perfect combination of the Jamaican styles and Rock music, where the use of electric guitar and synthesizers became an important addition. Somehow, Reggae Roots have much more studio-developed songs when compared to rocksteady tracks. It makes use of more electric instruments and has more complex rhythms and harmonies.

​Also, Roots Reggae has a direct relationship with the Rasta movement. This style has strong lyrics that most of the time are related to Rastafari themes. Plus, the musicians make use of many Rasta symbolism, as the dreadlocks, King Haile Selassie images or the old Ethiopian flag. Because of the nature of the Rastafari movement, the Roots reggae became a very political and social musical style.

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Image by Eddie Mallin

Bob Marley: He is the most famous Reggae artist in the world. Because of Bob’s great presence in the mainstream industry here are some less-know, but still famous, tracks, both from his "love & peace" songs, all the way to its more revolutionary music.

Outstanding Bob Marley's Concert

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Image by TimDuncan

Peter Tosh: Along Marley and Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh was a founding member of The Wailers. He wrote the famous songs Get Up, Stand Up and 400 Years. However, he left the band in the early days when he felt their manager “took over”. His music is much more engaged with fighting Babylon (Western Power).

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Image: Wikimedia Commons 

Burning Spear: He is a very well respected reggae musician. His music has a great relationship with pan-Africanism and Marcus Garvey’s teachings. He’s a great example of the relation between Rastafari and Roots Reggae.

The Gladiators

Israel Vibration (look up for their story)

Steel Pulse

Lover's Rock

No, it is not Rock music. Lover’s Rock can be best defined as the mellow and apolitical reggae style, somehow different from the roots reggae revolutionary nature. Lovers Rock is a much more romantic and soft, mainly in their lyrics (compared to the ones of roots reggae). It became popular in the late 70s, especially at an international level. It is love music.

Gregory Isaacs: He is one of Lover's Rock biggest stars. Loved by people for his voice and music, Isaacs soon became one of the most famous Reggae artists. 

Dennis Brown

Freddie McGregor

Sugar Minott

Dub

Dub originated back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It consisted in using the Riddim of Roots Reggae tracks. In other words, DJs used Roots Reggae songs, removed parts, or even all, of the vocals, and focused on the bass and drum sections (riddim) creating a new track. Later, with this new track, they added some effects as echoes and reverb. Also, in the early days, dub music was used along toasting, that consisted on singing or chanting over these instrumental tracks (very similar to Hip Hop origins).

 

Dub tracks or “version” (as they are known) are a little tricky because they are not necessary a studio-recording. Many were released as a B-side of a reggae Single, but usually these were mixes made by famous local DJs. So here are some of the famous DJs and some dub music tracks.

These two videos are a great example of how Dub works. The first video is the song Marcus Garvey (Burning Spear). And the second video is the Dub version of that song, The Ghost. As you can hear the second song uses the Marcus Garvey Riddim, and builds around it.

Sly and Robbie:

Lee "Scratch" Perry:

King Tubby:

Augustus Pablo:

Dancehall

Many times Dancehall is confused with Roots Reggae, but they are quite different. Dancehall became popular in Jamaica in the early 1980s with the use of street sound systems. At first, it represented a local alternative for the Jamaicans, different from the globally successful Roots Reggae, but as time passed it gain international popularity.Also, different from Roots Reggae, early dancehall lyrics were about sexual and violent themes. Although spiritually was later introduced with the spread of Rastafari movement all around the island.

 

Musically, Dancehall has a stronger electric approach, with the use of drum machines, turntables, and faster rhythms, but still inspired in the offbeat reggae style. Additionally, the singing is a kind of chatter, very similar to a rapping. Basically, Dancehall has much fewer rock influences and is more similar to hip-hop. However, the best way to understand the uniqueness of dancehall is by listening to it. So what are you waiting!

Yellowman: Named honoring his skin condition (albinism), Yellowman became a dancehall symbol. He was one of the first dancehall artist signed by a major music label. Also, he has created some of the most memorable dancehall hits.

Capleton:

Buju Banton:

Barrington Levy:

Wrapping Up

Reggae is Jamaica beloved music. But also, it has become one of the most influential genres in the music industry. From the 70s punk movement to the contemporary hip-hop artists. Various Reggae Styles had reached an important status in popular music composition. I hope this short guide inspired you to explore the magic behind Reggae. This is just the beginning, there is much more music waiting for you out there!

Additional References:

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