The history of Reggae Music

 This post delves into the history and cultural significance of Reggae music and looks to explain what this music was used to accomplish. Reggae music began in Jamaica as a way to advocate for the rights of the people and resistance to oppression. Reggae music was influenced by Rastafarianism, a cultural and religious movement promoting pride in the African identity and equality for marginalized peoples. Reggae took influence from earlier forms of Jamaican music such as ska and traditional African drumming. It then progressed as a way for people to connect and share stories as well as shared beliefs and experiences. The piece of music below shows what some consider to be the first recorded Reggae song, "Do the Reggae" by Toots and Maytals, first recorded in 1968. This song provides a great example of the evolution of Reggae music. Reggae music utilizes a 4/4 time and often includes and emphasis on the third beat, creating what is called the "one-drop effect." 

Do the Reggae

The next piece of music shows a more modern approach to Reggae music. This song is "Lightning" by Mortimer, originally produced in 2019. "Lightning" features the same style of guitar and drum beats as the previous song, however the artist puts a modern twist on the style of music by adding notes and changing the tempo to a slow, relaxing rhythm that listeners can dance and unwind to.

Lightning

Reggae music has always been among my favorite genres because it both helps the listener to relax and forces them to think about the music and the themes it is presenting. The slow rhythm, quiet dynamics, and the vocal range of the artists provide a listening experience unlike other genres. This music has deep cultural and historical aspects, connecting the lives and experiences of the people singing it to others who have similar experiences and teaches people about the history of Jamaica and the culture of the people who live there. 

Sources: 

            SPCH 214: ISSUES IN PUBLIC ADDRESS.  

      www.uvm.edu/~debate/dreadlibrary/Turk03.htm#:~:text=3)%20Meter%20%2D%20All%20Reggae%20styles,musical%20characteristic%20of%20the%20style.


            Tse, Dylan. “The Evolution and Impact of Reggae Music in Global Culture: The Ever-Changing Roles Music Has Played in Culture.” Medium, 13 Dec. 2024, medium.com/fall-2024-icm506-writing-for-interactive-media/the-evolution-and-impact-of-reggae-music-in-global-culture-the-ever-changing-roles-music-has-7f436fa86ecd.

Comments

  1. Tobias K MyersOctober 29, 2025 at 1:26 PM

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    1. Tobias K MyersOctober 29, 2025 at 1:29 PM

      I really liked how you explained the cultural roots of Reggae and connected it to Jamaica’s fight for unity and equality. Your song choices, “Do the Reggae” by Toots and the Maytals and “Lightning” by Mortimer, clearly show how the genre evolved from its raw beginnings to a smoother, modern sound. Someone might say your post highlights how Reggae kept its soul while adapting to new times and audiences. You could even mention how newer artists like Koffee or Chronixx blend Reggae with pop and hip-hop, showing that its message of resistance and peace is still alive today.

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  2. BlairOctober 29, 2025 at 6:20 PM

    You did a great job highlighting how Reggae music grew out of Jamaica’s social and cultural context, especially its roots in Rastafarianism and its connection to earlier styles like ska. I had never investigated the history of Reggae, but also found this article, https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica/reggae/, interesting how the musical elements are connected to social realities. It explains how the musical elements are deeply tied to social realities. I was fascinated by the idea that many of the sounds created by the instruments are recreations of real-life experiences and environments.

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