Reggae Music Roots

Reggae music has inspired many music fans and musicians alike, with its thumping rythm and social commentary it has a tremendous influence worldwide.  Music from the Caribbean Islands such as calypso, ska, rock steady and dancehall all seem to have meshed from each other and become what we affectionately know as reggae music. This musical element has also been influenced by African rhythms and American blues. Heavy bass riffs and the bass of drum beating are typical of this music.

Reggae music's origins stem from the island of Jamaica.  This nation is the locale to many homegrown musicians and record producers who have embraced the distinctive reggae style.  Popular artists such as Ossie Dellimore and Smooth Savage are largely responsible for spreading reggae music beyond the confines of the islands. None of, though, them can compare to Bob Marley in terms of marketing this wonderful music to the rest of world. No Woman No Cry, Buffalo Soldier and Redemption Song are just some of Marley's bigger hits. When he lost his battle with brain cancer, he enjoyed legendary popularity and was given a state funeral in his home island of Jamaica.

Social issues, such as poverty, slavery and political freedoms are integral to the lyrics in many reggae songs. These songs are but a slice of life to the impoverished from the shanty towns who can barely meet their basic needs.  Some of the songs are about Rastafarianism, of which Marley was a firm believer. There are lyrics relating to spirituality and invokations of God, or Jah as he is referred to in the songs. However, some of these songs are beyond the conventional practice because they defend the use of cannabis which Rastafarians partake in.

Reggae music has had tremendous influenc on other forms of music, namely rap and hip hop. So far, nobody has overtaken Bob Marley's position, and rap and rythm and blues dominate the charts at the moment.  Music experts are of the opinion that Reggae music will need another charismatic figure to popularize the movement.

This kind of music has become very relevant considering that it came out of a small Carribean island with early recordings produced on fundamental equipment.  People felt a kinship with the melodic simplicity of reggae music and the real-life lyrics.