Jamaican music, mainly Reggae, has seen surge in popularity in recent times. Other sounds from the island include Ska, Dancehall and Rocksteady. Perhaps, it is not only the musical melody and in particular the beat, but also how Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean are romanticized by not only the travel industry, but through film and other forms of media and entertainment as well.
The term "reggae" originated from the Jamaican word "streggae", which means a woman or man who dresses raggedy. The story says that one day a couple of friends started doing a dance imitating the streggae. They shortened the name to reggae, and this is how the reggae beat and dance was born. It became popular worldwide in the 1970's mostly through the work of the unforgettable artist Bob Marley, who brought this music to an unprecedented level.
Jamaica is a beautiful and serene island with rich history and mixed cultures. Back in 1655, England gained control of the island from Spain and brought many African slaves to Jamaica. Through the slave trade languages and religions were blended by the people. That is why the main rhythm of reggae, which is called the one-drop rhythm, is of African origin.
There are also more traditional sounds as part of the culture including waltzes and folk music. The soulful sounds of ska are a blend of boogie-woogie and rhythm and blues. It features harmony vocals along with horn instruments. A unique style that emerged during the middle of the 20th century is a calypso style known as mento. Acoustical instruments including the guitar and banjo are used to play the blend of African and European styles forming this calypso blend.
There is little doubt that Reggae and other Jamaican music will long be popular in most areas of the world. It takes us to a different place than our usual daily lifestyle. The upbeat rhythms give us a lift and can bring us into a happier mood.
The term "reggae" originated from the Jamaican word "streggae", which means a woman or man who dresses raggedy. The story says that one day a couple of friends started doing a dance imitating the streggae. They shortened the name to reggae, and this is how the reggae beat and dance was born. It became popular worldwide in the 1970's mostly through the work of the unforgettable artist Bob Marley, who brought this music to an unprecedented level.
Jamaica is a beautiful and serene island with rich history and mixed cultures. Back in 1655, England gained control of the island from Spain and brought many African slaves to Jamaica. Through the slave trade languages and religions were blended by the people. That is why the main rhythm of reggae, which is called the one-drop rhythm, is of African origin.
There are also more traditional sounds as part of the culture including waltzes and folk music. The soulful sounds of ska are a blend of boogie-woogie and rhythm and blues. It features harmony vocals along with horn instruments. A unique style that emerged during the middle of the 20th century is a calypso style known as mento. Acoustical instruments including the guitar and banjo are used to play the blend of African and European styles forming this calypso blend.
There is little doubt that Reggae and other Jamaican music will long be popular in most areas of the world. It takes us to a different place than our usual daily lifestyle. The upbeat rhythms give us a lift and can bring us into a happier mood.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please comment here