The development of jamaican music

If you are like many people, the first person who comes to mind when thinking
of Jamaican music is the iconic Bob Marley. However, the sound of the
Jamaican music goes well beyond this one musical legend. Jamaica has a strong
history in music reaching back to its roots, which was primarily based on drum
beats and chants with a touch of European influence. Without Jamaica, the
world would never have known the sounds of Mento, Ska, Reggae or even Hip-
Hop, all of which originated on this tiny island in the West Indies.

Jamaican Mento Music

the origins of Jamaican music could be heard from the rural areas with sounds
of what we call folk music. This folk music was then followed by the first
recorded Jamaican sound, the Mento, which includes the work of some great
pioneers such as Stanley Motta. It combines African and Latin rhythms. In fact,
mento bands can still be found performing in some hotels throughout the
island and is mostly used to entertain visitors coming to the island. The
renowned Sir Coxsone Dodd was one of the influential figures in the early years
of the ever living sound system. Listen to Mento and you will definitely feel the
spirit of this rich history. The stories that comes out in this music form are
usually funny, everyday occurrences in Jamaican Life.

Jamaican Ska Music

In the late 1950's, Ska emerged from the mento sound. This style of music came
about because musicians now began to play around with the sound adding a
little calypso here and there as well as some American Jazz, some Rhythm and
Blues (R&B) etc. Ska was the dominant music genre of Jamaica and was popular
with British mods. Later it became popular with many skinheads. Ska music was
particularly made for dancing. It stands out because the music is so upbeat,
quick and exciting. Without a doubt Ska has set a musical standard for genres
that follow it such as Reggae and Rocksteady.

Jamaican Rocksteady Music

Jamaican Rocksteady Music was originated in the 1960's. Rocksteady was
performed by Jamaican vocal harmony groups such as The Gaylads, The
Maytals, The Heptones and The Paragons. The term rocksteady comes from a
dance style that was mentioned in the Alton Ellis song "Rock Steady". Dances
performed to Rocksteady are less energetic than the earlier Ska dances.
Jamaican Rocksteady music uses some of the musical elements of rhythm and
blues (R&B), Jazz, Ska, African and Latin American drumming, and other
genres.

Jamaican Reggea Music

Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. Bob
Marley is said to have claimed that the word reggae came from a Spanish term
for "the king's music". The liner notes of To the King, a compilation of Christian
gospel Reggae, suggest that the word reggae was derived from the
Latin 'regi' meaning "to the king". It was widely perceived as a voice of the
oppressed. During this period of reggae’s development, a connection grew
between the music and the Rastafarian movement

Rastafarianism
Rastafarianism is an offshoot of Christianity. It is a pro-African movement that
believes Christ will be reborn in Africa. They believe the Emperor of Ethiopia,
Haile Selassie was the Messiah mentioned in the Bible. Rastafarians consider
themselves a lost tribe of Israel. They follow strict scriptures, including the
avoidance of all meat, caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol. Rastafarians are known for
their distinctive dreadlock hairstyle.
The years following Jamaican independence in 1962 were full of sadness.
Poverty and violence were widespread. Reggae lyrics, heavily influenced by
Rastafarianism, sang of revolution, change, and most importantly, hope for a
better tomorrow.

Bob marley
It's impossible to talk about Reggae without mentioning the iconic Bob Marley. Marley is one of the
most influential artists of all time. Not just in reggae but in any genre. He sold more than 20 million
records worldwide. Bob Marley's real name is Nesta Robert Marley
Marley grew up in poverty but found inspiration and comfort in music. He released his first album in
1972 and began touring in Britain and the United States. Marley's lyrics reflected the political
tensions of the time, freedom from oppression, and hope for a better future. His beautiful and
spiritual words captured the imagination of the world. Songs like "Get Up, Stand Up," "No Woman,
No Cry," and "Redemption Song" continue to be popular and relevant to this day.
Marley received many awards for his music and humanitarian message, including the Medal of Peace
from the United Nations.