Mento (Jamaica)
Mento is a Jamaican musical style born in the 1940s-50s, considered the precursor to reggae and ska. It is a form of Jamaican folk music, played with acoustic guitars, banjo, and light percussion. The lyrics are often satirical and romantic, sung in Jamaican patois.
The pioneers include Sir Lancelot, Lord Flea and later The Skatalites. Mento influenced ska, which in turn led to reggae dancehall.