2. REGGAE
In the late 1960s reggae originated from Jamaica. Reggae signifies a particular music style that was strongly
influence by mento, calypso, R&B and traditional American jazz. It also developed out of the earlier genres
ska and rocksteady. Stylistically, reggae incorporates some of the musical elements of rhythm and blues which
was normally played for celebratory reasons to largely rural audience as dance music and an alternative to
the hymns (usually religious songs) and adapted chanteys (sung to accompany labour on board large
merchant sailing vessels) of local church singing.
The tempo of reggae is usually slower than ska but faster than rocksteady. Reggae can identify the concept of
“call and response” throughout which is the basic element of musical form. Call and response is a pervasive
pattern in sub-Saharan Africa, which links with reggae as African music is also another genre reggae
incorporates musical elements from/with.
It is common for reggae to be sung in Jamaican patois, Jamaican English. Reggae is recognised for its tradition
of social criticism and religion in its lyrics. For example The Wailer’s song “Get up, Stand Up” with the lyrics
“Most people think, Great god will come from the skies” and “ You stand up for your rights. Jah!” (Jah is a
Rastafarian God). However many reggae songs discuss lighter, or more personal subjects, such as love and
socializing, and example of this could be Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” where it is suggested that three
canaries perched on Marley’s windowsill, this is also supported via his lyrics "Rise up this mornin'/Smiled with
the risin' sun/Three little birds/Pitch by my doorstep,". Regardless of inspiration, "Three Little Birds" has
become known as an inspirational song, with upbeat, positive lyrics running throughout. Within the song, the
little birds send a message to Marley which states "Don't worry 'bout a thing/'Cause every little thing gonna
be all right."
3. MAIN ARTISTS
Bob Marley, considered one of the greatest and most influential musicians of all time. He rose to fame in
the 1970’s with a musical group known as The Wailers, stating themselves with their new brand of
Jamaican ska music and reggae. His album “Legend” was released 3 years after his death, (1984) and was
the greatest-selling reggae album for years, however it is still classed as the 39th best album to date.
Marley was also the chief promoter of the Rastafarian religion worldwide.
Desmond Dekker was the man who helped make reggae into a global sound. He had hits such as
“Israelites,” “A It Mek” and “007 (Shanty Town),” his unmistakable high voice helped turn the world on to
the new sound of Jamaica in stunning fashion, charting in many countries. He became a craze and famous
in late 1966 however is not as well-known as Bob Marley is to date.
4. AWARDS
The MOBO Awards stand for "Music of Black Origin" were established in 1996 by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell.
The MOBO Award show is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or
nationality performing black music. Originally the MOBO was called the “Black Music Awards” (BMA) a show
that ran from 1992 to 1996. You can get a Grammy award for best reggae album. It is a ceremony that was
established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards. For example these are the nominee’s in
2012 and 2015.
5. STYLE/CLOTHING/ATTITUDES
Mostly there will be constant references to the Rasta colours
either via clothing or objects etc...
The style would be to have dreadlocks, and or the beret which
is quite a stereotypical thing you would associate Jamaicans
wearing. The songs are normally mellow, slow pace and
relaxing. There is a connotation with weed when people hear
reggae due to the Rastafarian culture, where they have a ritual.
This matches their attitudes in their videos. I think because
majority of their songs are personal they are more into the
lyrics and show more emotion than other genres such as pop.
They believe in what they are singing about.
