Reggae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reggae |
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| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Late 1960s Jamaica, particularly Kingston |
| Typical instruments | |
| Derivative forms |
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| Fusion genres | |
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| Other topics | |
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Reggae is a music genre that began in Jamaica in the late 1960s. Most music from Jamaica comes from the reggae style.
The music has regular chops on the back beat (off-beat). These are called “skank”, and are played by a rhythm guitarist. The bass drum hits on the second and fourth beat of each measure (each bar). These are called the “drop”. Reggae bands also use a bass, a keyboard or organ, and horns.
Reggae music is often used by Rastafarian groups. They are usually songs about religion, love and social problems. Bob Marley (1945-1981) was a famous reggae artist.
Famous instruments in reggae music are drums, guitar, saxophone, trumpet and trombone.
Reggae was started in 1960 but became famous in the 1970s.
Reggae songs often have lots of backing singers.
Rapper Snoop Dogg released an album of reggae music in 2013.
Some recent songs, like Cheerleader and Rude are reggae.
Reggae is related to ska.
Images for kids
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Peter Tosh with Robbie Shakespeare, 1978
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Tanya Stephens in 2014 at a German Reggae festival
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Skank guitar rhythm often considered "'the' reggae beat" or .
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"One drop" sixteenth-note drum pattern
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Sly Dunbar
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Robbie Shakespeare in 1978
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In this typical reggae bass line, the roots of the chords are emphasized, with musical interest created by going from the root down to the fifth of the chord. A dotted quarter note and eighth note rhythm is used repeatedly.
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Al Anderson
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UB40's former frontman Ali Campbell performing in 2009.
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Toots and the Maytals performing at the 2017 Coachella festival
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UB40 perform in Birmingham, 2010
See also
In Spanish: Reggae para niños
