Reggae (Jamaica)

Reggae is a Jamaican musical and cultural style born in the 1960s, influenced by mento, ska, and rhythm music (jive). Reggae is characterized by a slow-beat rhythm (the “one drop”) and engaged, spiritual, and social lyrics.

Reggae has profoundly influenced African music, notably kwaito, afrobeats, and African hip-hop scenes. Artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer (The Wailers), Jimmy Cliff, Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown are the icons of the genre.

In Africa, reggae has strong roots in South Africa, Nigeria and the diaspora. African artists like Alpha Blondy (Ivory Coast) and Salif Keita (Mali) integrate reggae elements into their compositions.

References

• Wikipedia — Reggae
• Wikipedia — One drop
• Guide Stern, introduction and chronology