reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It developed from earlier Jamaican styles such as ska and rocksteady and is defined by a rhythm that emphasizes the offbeat, a prominent bass line, and drum patterns that often place accents on the second and fourth beats. Guitar or keyboard chords typically play on the offbeat, creating a distinctive, syncopated feel. The one drop drum rhythm—where the snare hits on the third beat—became a common feature in many reggae recordings.

Lyrically, reggae frequently addresses social and political issues, daily life, love, and spirituality. The Rastafari movement has influenced many reggae works, shaping themes of oppression, resilience, and liberation, though reggae as a genre also encompasses secular, non-Rastafari perspectives. Over time, reggae has diversified into various subgenres and styles, including roots reggae, dancehall, rub a dub, and lovers rock, as well as reggae fusion that blends with hip hop, pop, and electronic music.

Reggae emerged in Jamaica during the 1960s from ska and rocksteady and gained international attention in the 1960s and 1970s via artists such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, and Toots and the Maytals. Roots reggae became a defining form in the 1970s, emphasizing social commentary and Rastafari themes, while later developments expanded into dancehall and other hybrids. Reggae has since influenced artists worldwide and contributed to the global spread of Caribbean culture, with a lasting impact on global popular music and culture.