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For many people, Reggae music is one of life’s pure joys. Reggae is considered by many to be one of the most unique music genres in existence today. But where did this exciting music come from and how did it come about in the first place?
It is impossible to tell the story of Reggae without first diving into the roots of Jamaican music in general. Reggae is actually a combination of traditional Jamaican music, which includes the musical forms of ska and mento, as well as deep undertones of American Rhythm and Blues (R&B).
In its early days, ska music was created for dancing. This form of music has a very upbeat and quick timing to it. Traditional bands that play ska usually consist of guitars, drums, bass, keyboard and horns such as sax, trombone and trumpet. Ska music really took off in the early 1960s. This music genre combined elements of traditional mento (see below) with elements of American R&B but also added elements of boogie-woogie. Ska is a genre of music that is full of soulful harmonies.
Mento music, on the other hand, is very similar to other types of Caribbean folk music. It is often a combination of African, Latin and Anglo rhythms. Mento saw its greatest days back in the 40′s and 50′s and predates Reggae by at least a decade or longer. Many people like to consider mento as being very close in style to calypso music. In fact, it is often called Jamaican calypso.
Mento is most often played with acoustic types of instruments which can include guitar, banjo, piano and rumba box along with some form of bass. It often contains lyrics with double meanings.
There was also one other form of music that had a far-reaching effect on the creation of Reggae and that was called Rocksteady Music. This genre of Jamaican music did not last long but it was powerful while it did last. It showed up in the latter part of the 60s and was unique in that it consisted on a slower down beat than what was found in ska music. It also did not have horns, which ska music did have. Some experts suggest that Rocksteady is the true father of Reggae music.
It was also in the latter part of the 60s when Reggae began to truly take shape and become noticed. It is so well known now that it is often considered the national music form of Jamaica. Most of those who have studied Reggae history suggest (and with good reason) that Reggae was deeply influenced by Rastafarianism. Rastafarianism is actually a well known religion that is very common among Jamaicans who are of African descent. Some of the most famous reggae musicians are known to practice this religion, which accounts for the many lyrics that reflect the religions belief system as well as its traditions.
An interesting side note to the history of Reggae has to do with technology as it was back in the 60s. It was during this time that radio stations were finally able to broadcast from New Orleans and Florida all the way to Jamaica. It was because of this added power boost that many American songs were able to make it to the islands.
For those who are not familiar with Reggae, they may wonder why this music genre is considered unique. There are two main reasons for its uniqueness. In terms of musical execution, Reggae is characterized (and unmistakably so) by a heavy back-beat rhythm. This means that the emphasis of the beat is on beats 2 and 4, when played in 4/4 time. It should be noted that backbeat is also characteristic of all music that is African-based. This particular beat is not found in what we know as traditional European or Anglo music.
The second element of Reggae that makes it so unique and different is the language that is used in its lyrics. Reggae lyrics are English-based, meaning they are English words, but they are also very unique and are often hard to understand for those who are not well versed in them. This language is truly Jamaican-based and often contains references to Rastafarian-based issues and beliefs. Lyrics often use a variety of verb forms as well as slang words making Reggae one of the world’s most interesting and enjoyable music genres.