Nowadays the popularity of Jamaican music is increasing considerably all over the world. The sounds of the island include mostly Reggae, but also Ska, Dancehall and Rocksteady. As tourism is vital for the island, Jamaica is romanticized trough various media by emphasizing its music.
It is interesting to know that the term "reggae" came from the Jamaican word "streggae", which describes a person who dresses a little on the raggedy side. The story tells that one day a couple of friends started dancing and imitating the streggae. Their newly invented dance and beat was named reggae. It became popular worldwide in the 1970's mostly through the work of the amazing musician Bob Marley.
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 some other traditional sounds in Jamaica, as part of the culture, including folk music, waltzes, ska and calypso. While Ska is a melodious blend of rhythm and blues, with harmonious vocals and horn instruments, Calypso, or mento, is a mix of African and European music, with acoustical instruments, guitars and banjo. Calypso actually emerged in the mid 20th century and spread throughout the whole Caribbean territory.
In conclusion of this article, there is no doubt about the fact that Jamaican music will remain very popular in most areas of the world. This wonderful music takes us to a mystical place, so different from our usual day to day life scenario, the upbeat rhythms give us a lift and make us happy.
It is interesting to know that the term "reggae" came from the Jamaican word "streggae", which describes a person who dresses a little on the raggedy side. The story tells that one day a couple of friends started dancing and imitating the streggae. Their newly invented dance and beat was named reggae. It became popular worldwide in the 1970's mostly through the work of the amazing musician Bob Marley.
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 some other traditional sounds in Jamaica, as part of the culture, including folk music, waltzes, ska and calypso. While Ska is a melodious blend of rhythm and blues, with harmonious vocals and horn instruments, Calypso, or mento, is a mix of African and European music, with acoustical instruments, guitars and banjo. Calypso actually emerged in the mid 20th century and spread throughout the whole Caribbean territory.
In conclusion of this article, there is no doubt about the fact that Jamaican music will remain very popular in most areas of the world. This wonderful music takes us to a mystical place, so different from our usual day to day life scenario, the upbeat rhythms give us a lift and make us happy.
