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.
As part of the multi culture, some other traditional sounds are waltzes, folk music, ska and calypso. While ska is a blend of rhythm and blues, mixing soft vocals with horn instruments, calypso, or mento, is a mix of African and European music, where acoustical instruments like guitars and banjo are used to play the calypso blend. Calypso actually emerged in the mid 20th century and spread rapidly throughout the whole Caribbean.
There is little doubt that Reggae and other Jamaican music will long be popular in most areas of the world.
Jamaica music 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.
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.
As part of the multi culture, some other traditional sounds are waltzes, folk music, ska and calypso. While ska is a blend of rhythm and blues, mixing soft vocals with horn instruments, calypso, or mento, is a mix of African and European music, where acoustical instruments like guitars and banjo are used to play the calypso blend. Calypso actually emerged in the mid 20th century and spread rapidly throughout the whole Caribbean.
There is little doubt that Reggae and other Jamaican music will long be popular in most areas of the world.
Jamaica music 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.
