Reggae is a popular type of music that has its earliest origins in Jamaica. The term first featured in music circles in the latter years of the 60s. The music then quickly became the dominant music genre in the country.
In its second decade of existence, reggae spread and became an international type of music. It was most popular in the United States, Britain, and Africa, where it was largely recognized as the call of the helpless.
Style
Reggae employs the use of a heavy beat which is driven by a bass guitar, drums, and an electric guitar. It also expresses the pressures of life that are experienc
ed in the ghetto. The Rastafarian Movement, well known for the use of reggae, symbolizes yellow and green as their colors.
Reggae has evolved and in turn, led to the emergence of different styles of reggae. Some of the major styles include; dub, roots, dancehall, lover’s rock and rock steady.
Reggae music has had many legendary musicians over the years. Some of the celebrated artists include Bob Marley and Lucky Dube who largely inspired Rastafarians. Most of their songs are still popular to date. There are also musicians such as Gregory Isaacs, Maxi Priest from Britain and Denis Brown who are celebrated for making lover’s rock reggae popular.