What is Reggae?

Reggae is a specific genre of music that was first played in Jamaica; the term is used typically to describe any type of music formed in Jamaica such as raga, dub, ska, dancehall, and rocksteady. However, Reggae is also a term used to describe the style of music that was extremely popular in the 60's. This particular genre of music is based on a type of style known as Rhythm. Its particular characteristic, is a rhythm guitarist playing the bang; or "Back Bea"; and a drummer using a base drum and striking one drop, simply put on each 3^rd beat of a measure.

Reggae has a wide variety of meanings within their songs, such as sexual theme, social commentary, and love songs. Reggae became extremely popular world wide with the style of Bob Marley, who is perhaps one of the most influential Reggae artists to date. Reggae has begun to find other avenues of showing itself, many hip hop artists and rapper have started to incorporate the Reggae style into their music, which means that this genre of music is making its comeback.

As with many genres of music, Reggae is no different when it comes to controversy. There have been a variety of controversial aspects that have arisen out of the theme the music may be based on. For example, perhaps the largest controversy within Reggae music has been its wide spread promotion; of using marijuana. Other types of views that have been cause for the public to speak out are anti-poverty, political criticism, criticism against racism and the education system. Additional themes have been extremely outspoken such as homophobia, in fact, as of late this has become an extremely popular theme of lyrics in Reggae music.

Organizations have been extremely outspoken on these issues and believe that the music has encouraged gay bashing to occur all over the world. However, since Reggae is in general Jamaican music, written and performed by and for the Jamaican people, it is in a sense acceptable. You see, in Jamaica homosexuality is illegal and most of the general population has the same general sort of views.

Where Can You Listen to Reggae Music?

All across the world there are many different Reggae festivals that are all geared around Reggae music. Each year many people flock to hear their favorite music and see their favorite Reggae stars. In Jamaica, there are three very popular festivals; Reggae Sunsplash in Ocho Rios, Sting Reggae Music Festival in Kingston, and Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, takes place each summer and is a time fun, laughter and great music. Along with the festivals that take place each year in Jamaica, there are many festivals throughout the world within the United States, Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, Croatia, Sweden, and Belgium.

The names in Reggae

There are MANY different Reggae artists, it will be impossible to list them all. Perhaps the most popular is Bob Marley who revolutionized Reggae music to the entire world. Other notable names within this genre include The Abyssinians, Cedric Myton, The Congos, Cosmo, Groundation, Jennifer Lara, Ras Michael, and the Silvertones.