Influence Of Reggae Music On Pop Culture

Music from the Caribbean has influence many artists internationally and garnered millions of ardent fans worldwide. Music such as Calypso , Ska , Rock Steady and Dancehall have all evolved from the Caribbean and merged to form modern Reggae music. Reggae is heavily influence by African rhythms and American Blues. The music is typified by heavy bass lines and a strong bass drum.

This genre originated from Jamaica , but today it can be heard and enjoyed in almost all countries internationally. Many local Jamaican musicians and producers have played a key role in developing the genre. The most famous of the Reggae Jamaican producers is Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry. He has developed many successful Reggae recording artists over the years.

Acts such has Burning Spear and Horace Andy have played a major role in spreading Reggae music around the world. The King of Reggae music is Bob Marley and he is largely responsible for the popularity of Reggae music in the rest of the world. Some of his global hits include Redemption Song , No Woman , No Cry and Buffalo Soldier. On his death he was awarded a state funeral in Jamaica and has since assumed legendary status.

Other popular Reggae artists ove the years include Bob Marley . Johnny Nash , Jimmy Cliff and Desmond Dekker – all of these artists have enjoyed chart success over the years. Mainstream artists such as The Police , UB40 , Selector , The Clash and The Specials have all used Reggae influence in their music over the years. UB40 was the first multiracial groups in the UK and are a hugely popular Reggae band.

Reggae songs usually focus on issues such as poverty and political freedom. Reggae music has become the anthems of the downtrodden and the poor dwelling in shanty towns and squatter cams around the world. Bob Marley was a follower of the Rastafarian religion and many Reggae songs focus on this religion. They explore spirituality and Jah – Rastafarian term for God in many of the reggae songs. Many Reggae songs are strong proponents of the use of Cannabis or Marijuana which has caused some controversy in the media.

Reggae Music has influenced other forms of music as well most notably hip hop. No Reggae artist has attained either the commercial or critical acclaim of Bob Marley – and Reggae Music today is largely represented commercially in the rap and hip hop genres. Many fans of Reggae are waiting for another dynamic artist in the mold of Bob Marley to help carry Reggae to new heights.

Reggae music has be hugely influential considering its humble roots. People are attracted to the emotional lyrics and the simplistic yet catchy melodies. Reggae music has always attracted a high standard of musicianship and this has played a large role in its popularity with its fan base. Reggae music lives on to this day and many fans predict that Reggae music will rise again to reach the heights attained by the legandary BoB Marley.