Reggae

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Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, "Do the Reggay" was the first popular song to use the word "reggae," effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican dance music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that was strongly influenced by traditional Mento as well as American Jazz and Rhythm and Blues, especially the New Orleans R&B practiced by Fats Domino and Allen Toussaint, and evolved out of the earlier genres ska and rocksteady. Reggae usually relates news, social gossip, and political commentary. It is instantly recognizable from the counterpoint between the bass and drum downbeat, and the offbeat rhythm section.

Origins and Etymology

The origins of reggae can be traced back to the post-colonial period of Jamaica, a time when ska and rocksteady music were popular. The transition from rocksteady to reggae was marked by a slower tempo, the use of the bass guitar as a lead instrument, and the introduction of the "one drop" rhythm pattern, where the emphasis is on the third beat of the bar, giving reggae its distinctive bounce. This evolution was part of the larger Rastafari movement that influenced much of Jamaican culture, music, and society.

The etymology of the term "reggae" is subject to debate. Some sources claim it originated from the term "streggae," a Jamaican slang word to describe a "raggedy" or "disheveled" woman, but this explanation is not universally accepted. Others suggest it could be related to the word "regular," implying the music was a regular or common sound for Jamaican people.

Characteristics

Reggae music is most notably characterized by its rhythmic style, which is marked by regular chords played on the offbeat, often referred to as the skank. This rhythm is typically carried by the guitar or piano, while the bass and drums maintain a steady beat. The tempo of reggae is slower than that of ska and often has a laid-back feel. The lyrics of reggae songs often deal with social and political issues, love, and faith, reflecting the influence of the Rastafari movement, with many reggae songs incorporating Rastafarian terms and praises to Jah (God).

Subgenres

Reggae has given rise to several subgenres, including:

• Roots reggae, which focuses on heavy social and political messages.
• Dub reggae, which involves remixing existing recordings to emphasize drum and bass parts.
• Dancehall, which originated in the late 1970s, with a greater emphasis on the deejay (DJ) talking over the music.
• Lovers rock, a softer and more commercial subgenre focusing on romantic ballads.
• Ragga, characterized by the use of digital instrumentation and the influence of hip-hop.

Influence and Legacy

Reggae has had a significant impact on international music, influencing genres such as rock, punk rock, and hip hop. Artists and bands like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer have become international icons, spreading reggae's messages of peace, love, and unity across the globe. The genre has also played a crucial role in the development of the Rastafari movement, both as a means of expression and as a vehicle for its teachings.

See Also

• Music of Jamaica
• Ska
• Rocksteady