Reggae music is a kind of Jamaican pop music which evolved from the music of Ska and Rock Steady, and also translated as Reggie. Below I bring you an introduction of reggae music, welcome to read!

The origin of reggae music

Reggae music was formed in Jamaica around 1968. In the 196s, American music engineers started and guided a musical expression, so some music engineers left for inspiration, and some of them came to Jamaica. There are some touring singers in Jamaica, so there has always been a folk flavor brewing; Therefore, the arrival of this group of American music engineers is an opportunity for Jamaica to improve its music standards. In addition, local musicians are brave in innovation and willing to accept foreign things, so they give new music to create a background.

originated in Jamaica, and its roots R& from R&; B。 At that time, Jamaican musicians listened to the fast rhythm of New Orleans on the radio. B, develop into your own R& B music. This type of music, called Ska, was quite popular in the 196s. However, in a very hot summer, local people can't play such fast-paced music and dance outdoors in high temperature. Local musicians slowed down the music and formed Reggae music. The word Reggae is derived from "Ragged" and stands for the slovenly dance form in Jamaica.

the form of reggae music

Reggae music combines traditional African rhythm, American rhythm and blues and original Jamaican folk music. This style includes? Ellipsis of syllables in weak beats? ，? Playing the guitar with an upward tap? , and? Vocal chorus? . The lyrics emphasize social, political and humanistic care.

Reggae is one of the early popular music in Jamaica. It not only combines the lyrical style of American rhythm and blues, but also adds the enthusiasm of Latin music. In addition, reggae music attaches great importance to the vocal part, whether solo or chorus, usually it is expressed by singing, and the main melody and rhythm are brought out by guitar, percussion instrument, electronic organ or other instruments. In reggae music, you will also find that electric bass accounts for a very important proportion! Reggae music belongs to four or four beats, and the stress falls on the second and fourth beats. From the drum part of music, we can clearly hear an obvious rhythm and a fixed melody line. Has its own unique rhythm of laziness.

Nowadays, reggae is not only a happy melody, but also a Latin American phenomenon recognized by the whole world. Reggae is regarded as Latin hip-hop, because, besides its melody and emotional tone, it is a way for the younger generation to express their feelings and thoughts about the problems affecting Latin American society today. This emotional melody originated from Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean. It combines the elements of reggae, hiphop and Latin music, creating a kind of happiness and sexiness. It is very easy to jump and does not require special skills of dancers and listeners. Besides the lyrics of most reggae songs are difficult to read, reggae is a social phenomenon, a way of expression and communication, which will be passed down for a long time, and will be absorbed little by little, and eventually produce new and different energetic musical expressions.

the musical style of Reggae music

Mento

When it comes to Jamaican music, many people will think of Reggae and Bob Marley. In fact, the story of Jamaican music is far from simple: in general, the ancestor of Reggae music is Mento? Jamaica's local traditional folk music, some satirical tunes improvised by itinerant priests using guitars, tambourines and pianos, are similar in lyrics content to Calypso's wandering songs in Trinidad and Tobago, with clever and humorous wording. Often, the bass plays a very aggressive syncopated bass, while the guitar looks rough and casual.

Ska

As early as the mid-195s, Rhythm and Blues in the United States? That is what we call R&; B) After it was introduced to Jamaica through radio stations in Miami, New Orleans and Memphis, some local musicians merged it with the local traditional folk music Mento, and mixed the singing of American soul songs, gradually forming Ska music.

Ska music is faster, which makes people dance and jump with it more easily, making it more lively and jumping. The rhythm emphasizes the stress of backhand. In addition to traditional Mento music instruments (such as acoustic guitar and various Latin American percussion instruments), the band also adds brass, electric guitar, electric bass and keyboard, and highlights the gorgeous color of brass. The backhand syncopation technique of electric guitar also embodies the characteristics of Ska music, which is more easily distinguished from other music. Ska not only inherits the humorous topics and musical features in Mento, but its more cheerful rhythm can better reflect the openness and enthusiasm of Jamaica, a Caribbean island full of sunshine and hope.

Rocksteady

Ska music was popular between 196 and 1965, and gradually evolved into Rocksteady music in the mid-196s. Compared with Ska, the speed of Rocksteady is obviously slower, and the rhythm and melody are more delicate and rich. Its band completely adopts the combination of rhythm and blues, takes the guitar as a rhythmic instrument, and plays a relaxed and rhythmic rhythm pattern with syncopation skills; The melody of the bass voice is also more independent, which forms a counterpoint with the gorgeous lead voice and becomes a wonderful bass cushion, which requires a certain degree of technology and playing skills.

at the end of 196s, Rocksteady developed into more international Reggae music. In fact, it is difficult to draw a clear line between Rocksteady and Reggae, but Reggae is more delicate than Rocksteady, uses more electro-acoustic instruments and is more international and commercial, and has no obvious Jamaican traditional local characteristics like Rocksteady. However, Rocksteady played an important role in the development of Reggae music. Rocksteady mainly represented artists such as Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe and The Melodians. Their songs were beautiful, but their lyrics were full of political meaning, which paved the way for the subsequent Reggae music and became the pioneer of Reggae music.

　Reggae