Reggae was born in Jamaica.
Reggae is an English term that refers to a musical style that originated in Jamaica during the 1960s . It is a genre that derived from rocksteady and ska and whose main characteristic is the constant repetition of its rhythm .
For example: "My favorite music is reggae" , "My brother's band has a very particular style, which combines blues and pop with reggae influences" , "A reggae group has never played in such a large stadium in this country." » .
One of the pioneering reggae groups was The Wailers , founded in 1963 and with famous members such as Peter Tosh and Bob Marley . The latter is the greatest icon of reggae and Jamaican music in general. Died in 1981 , Marley immortalized reggae songs such as "No woman, no cry" , "Lively up yourself" and "Three little birds" , among many others.
Reggae characteristics
Among the particularities of reggae, its strong link with issues that have nothing to do with music stands out. Reggae is often associated with the Rastafari movement , whose followers believe that Haile Selassie I (last emperor of the Ethiopian nation) is the reincarnation of God (whom they know as Jah ). According to this movement, black people and their descendants will be guided to the promised land called Mount Zion .
The use of braids or dreadlocks , which are often covered with a woven cap called a tam ; clothing with colors of the Ethiopian flag (red, yellow and green); and the consumption of marijuana are part of the Rastafari idiosyncrasy and reggae itself.
The main reference of reggae is Bob Marley.
Main representatives
Bob Marley
Considered the father of this musical style, he was a composer, singer and guitarist who began his career in the mid-60s and became famous a decade later, when he released the album titled " Soul Rebels " with The Wailers. This reggae legend died in 1981 due to melanoma.
Peter Tosh
Another of the big names in reggae, he began his career with Bob Marley, in the band The Wailers, and his practice of the Rastafarian doctrine stood out. In 1987, he was murdered while a robbery was taking place at his own home.
Jimmy Cliff
He was a singer and composer who began playing reggae in the 1970s and achieved great notoriety for his collaborations in the world of cinema as a composer of soundtracks , with " Hakuna Matata " from The Lion King being one of his most notable works. remembered.
Steel Pulse
This English band was founded in 1975 and marked the way for many others who opted for reggae outside of Jamaica, and was without a doubt the most famous in its land.
Bunny Wailer
He was another member of the legendary band The Wailers and his talents included percussion, singing and songwriting. In 1976 he began his solo career and is recognized as a Roots reggae cultivator.
Black Uhuru
Another of the great reggae groups from Jamaica. Black Uhuru in particular is notable for being one of the first to win a Grammy. On the other hand, he also made the news on more than one occasion due to his numerous separations.
Gregory Isaacs
He became known in 1968 by releasing his album titled " Another Heartache ." He was a singer and songwriter, and a pioneer of the reggae genre.
UB40
It is another of the reggae groups of English origin. It is a precursor of pop reggae , and was formed in 1978, although it took a decade for it to achieve fame.