Course Outcomes:
- Describe what Reggae Music is
- Tell what instruments are usually used in Reggae Music
- To understand the rhythm pattern of Reggae Music
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Reggae Music Genre
Origin:
Style of popular music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s out of an earlier genre named Ska which was also influenced by Jamaican version of R&B and Calypso.
By the 70s, was popular in Africa, Britain and USA
Public Perception:
Widely perceived as a voice of the oppressed; the emergence of “rude boy”, against white supremacy
Culture:
Closely linked to Rastafarianism and sacramental use of “Ganja” (marijuana)
Rhythm Pattern:
Heavy 4-beat rhythm driven by drums & bass guitar on 2nd and 4th beats, and supported by electric guitar, and the scraper
Instruments:
Chunking sound of rhythmic guitar (skengay), denoting gun shots in ghetto areas like kingston town
Reggae Artists:
- Bob Marley
- Peter Tosh
- Jimmy Cliff
- Burning Spear
- Buju Banton
- Beenie Man
- Alpha Blonde
- UB40
- Lucky Dube
- Shaggy
- Culture
Gospel Reggae Artists
- Papa San
- Junior Tucker
- Akesse Brempong