Reggae Culture and History
The History and Culture of Reggae: The Story Behind the Music
Reggae Culture & History
The History and Culture of Reggae: The Story Behind the Music
Reggae is an experience, not just a music style. Something timeless is created by the deep, steady bass, the sexy skank of the guitar, and our shared paths of love, hardship, and hope.
Born in the late 1960s on the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, reggae grew from its older siblings, ska and rocksteady, into a sound that was both uplifting and rebellious. It wasn’t polished or fancy, but it was a new and radically different sound. From the early days of Toots and the Maytals and The Wailers to the pioneers of Dub, Dancehall, and modern reggae, the genre has constantly evolved, yet its spirit remains the same.
Beyond the music, reggae has united people from all walks of life, impacted fashion, and shaped cultures.. It’s the sound of lazy Sunday afternoons, backyard jams, and massive festival crowds swaying in unison. It’s the rhythm of life itself.
We have grouped together several articles that explore the origins of reggae, the icons that helped make it famous, and its current influence around the world.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into it, welcome to the journey.
Reggae History & Culture
Find links to all our articles on the history and culture of reggae here
Lovers Rock: The Sweet Sound of Reggae’s Romantic Heart
Lovers Rock: The Romantic Sound of Reggae and Its Lasting Legacy When people think of reggae, the mind often goes to Bob Marley, protest songs, or deep basslines carrying messages of survival. But within reggae’s vast landscape lies a softer corner—one where the music sways rather than marches, and where the lyrics whisper about matters…
Reggae Love Songs: Timeless Songs of Romance, Roots, and Rhythm
Reggae Love Songs: The Timeless Sound of Romance Music has always been a space for discovering love, and reggae is no exception. However, reggae love songs differ from the polished ballads that often top pop charts. They carry a heartbeat shaped by Jamaica’s struggles, spirituality, and a longing for connection that goes beyond the individual….
Reggae Fusion: From Dancehall to Mainstream
A Brief History of Reggae Fusion While it may feel like a modern phenomenon, reggae fusion has been in the works since at least the 1980s. Back then, Jamaican dancehall artists were experimenting with digital production, moving away from the purely organic sound of roots reggae. The beats were faster, the lyrics often more playful…
Ska Jazz: Where Jamaican Rhythm Meets American Sophistication
Introduction – Jazz Meets the Offbeat Ska jazz was, in many ways, was almost an inevitable subgenre, as it represents a blend of the lively rhythms of Jamaican ska and the improvisational sophistication of American jazz. Starting in the late 1950s, ska jazz combined the energetic offbeat rhythms characteristic of Jamaica with the horn-centric tunes,…
The Evolution of Reggae Genres: Ska, Rocksteady, Roots, Dub & Dancehall
The Evolution of Reggae Styles To properly explain reggae genres, you must understand that Reggae music is more than a sound—it’s a cultural movement that tells the story of Jamaica’s social struggles, spiritual awakenings, and vibrant rhythms. What began as local street music in Kingston grew into one of the world’s most influential music genres….
Mento: The Jamaican Folk Music That Sparked a Musical Revolution
Mento: Jamaican Folk Music Evolves When people think of Jamaican music, reggae and Bob Marley usually spring to mind. But long before reggae’s offbeat rhythm swayed the world, another style was already making Jamaica dance — Mento. This homegrown folk music, born in the hills and villages of rural Jamaica, set the stage for ska,…