The Music of Jamaica

The Music of Jamaica Reflection Paper
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The Music of Jamaica Reflection Paper
Reggae emerged as a predominantly Jamaican music genre between 1959 and 1973. The development of reggae music was increasingly influenced by jazz, mento (a rural dance music genre), and rhythm and blues (R&B). It originated from Ska which employed a unique drum and bass which was popular in the early 1960s. Although people usually relate reggae music with Bob Marley and cannabis, this report delves into factors that made the genre more prominent based on different themes. Traditionally, reggae music was employed as an approach for individuals to voice their issues in their day-to-day lives, including government, drug abuse, and violence. Many reggae music artists addressed these issues in their art. During this time, Jamaica was experiencing a power struggle in the political arena as each party tried to seize control over the nation, often culminating in street warfare in the urban centers. In this way, reggae music’s underlying meaning was anchored on the power of love and the need to become resilient despite the challenges mentioned above.
Maytals did the “Do the Reggey” song in 1968, which constituted the first song to include the word “reggae.” The term gained tract...