This document provides an overview of reggae music from Jamaica. It discusses the origins of reggae developing from mento and ska music. Rastafarian influences integrated messages of black empowerment and biblical scripture into reggae lyrics. As the genre evolved, DJs and dancehall artists began battling each other with lyrics. International stars like Bob Marley, Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton helped spread reggae music globally and communicate the Rastafarian message of righteousness through powerful sounds and words.

1. Please ALL Rise
and Join in Singing
The Jamaican National Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8yo4xsOJbw

2. A Brief History of Reggae
A Music Genre Of
WORD, SOUND & POWER
Presented by
George D. Goddard, B.A. Music

3. Facts about Jamaica:
●
It is the 3rd
largest island in the Caribbean.
● It has 14 parishes, and Kingston is the capital.
● Jamaican's have created their own “language”, called Patois.
● Jamaica is most famous for it's “reggae” music and track athletes.
No Problem, Mon!
Welcome to Jamaica!!!

4. “Jamaican rap; that's what it is”
Tom Browne, Funkin for Jamaica
This is Mento

5. From Ska To Rock Steady To Reggae
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYj9J4UH8ck

6. Rastafarian Influences
● Marcus Garvey tells of the “crowning of a Black king”.
● When Haile Selassie is coronated in 1930 as Ras Tafari, many
saw this as a fulfillment of Bible (and Garvey's) prophecy.
● Many of the young musicians in Jamaica, including the Wailers
(Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer), would “convert”
to Rastafarianism.
● The music of the Rastafarians, focused more on Biblical content,
and “consciousness” became the mantra of these musicians.
● The music, now became a medium the spreading of the “Word of
God”, and like American gospel music and blues, the difference
between reggae and rock steady, lay in the lyrics.

7. From DJ Style To Dancehall
● At local parties, DJ's would play “dubplates”, on which
they would add their own lyrics.
● This sometimes led to confrontations and “dee jay
explosions”, where they would do battle, at first with
words, then, if things boiled over, with violence.
● Biggie Smalls and other New York rappers, also
became interested in these Jamaican dancehall artistes.
● Shabba Ranks broke the glass ceiling, then Buju
Banton, followed by others would become international
celebrities.

8. THANK YOU
So this concludes our presentation on the reggae
music. If you walk away with nothing else, walk
away with this: Not all music from Jamaica is
reggae music. Reggae evolved out of mento, ska,
and rock steady, however, for it to be really
considered “reggae”, the lyrical content must be
based on righteousness. To any Rastafarian,
reggae, is WORD, SOUND, and POWER.
George D. Goddard