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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| Subgenres | |
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| Fusion genres | |
| Regional scenes | |
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| Other topics | |
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Reggae is a fun and lively music style that started in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It's one of the most famous types of music to come from Jamaica.
Reggae music has a special beat. The rhythm guitar plays short, sharp sounds on the "off-beat," which is called a "skank." The bass drum often hits on the second and fourth beats of each part of the song. This is known as the "drop." Reggae bands also use a bass guitar, keyboards, and sometimes brass instruments like trumpets.
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The Roots of Reggae Music
Reggae grew out of other Jamaican music styles. These include ska and rocksteady. It also took ideas from R&B and jazz music.
What Makes Reggae Special?
Reggae has a unique sound. It often uses a slower tempo than ska. The bass guitar plays a very important role. It creates a strong, repeating melody. This makes the music easy to dance to.
The "skank" guitar sound is key. It gives reggae its bouncy feel. The drums often use a "one drop" rhythm. This means the main drum beat is on the third beat of the measure.
Themes in Reggae Songs
Many reggae songs are about important topics. They often talk about Rastafarian beliefs. Rastafari is a religion that started in Jamaica.
Reggae songs also share messages about love and peace. They speak about social problems and fairness. Artists use music to tell stories and share ideas.
Famous Reggae Artists
One of the most famous reggae artists was Bob Marley (1945-1981). He helped make reggae music popular around the world. His songs often carried messages of unity and hope.
Other famous reggae musicians include Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh. They also helped spread the sound of reggae. Many new artists continue to make reggae music today.
Reggae Around the World
Reggae became very popular in the 1970s. It spread from Jamaica to many other countries. People all over the world started listening to and playing reggae.
Modern Reggae Influences
Reggae music still influences artists today. For example, rapper Snoop Dogg released a reggae album in 2013. Some popular songs you might hear today, like "Cheerleader" and "Rude," have a reggae feel.
Reggae has also mixed with other music styles. This has created new types of music. Examples include reggaeton and dub.
Instruments in Reggae
Reggae bands use a variety of instruments.
- Drums: They set the rhythm, often with the "one drop" beat.
- Bass Guitar: This instrument creates the deep, groovy bass lines.
- Guitar: The rhythm guitar plays the "skank" sound.
- Keyboards: Organs and pianos add melodies and chords.
- Brass Instruments: Saxophones, trumpets, and trombones add bright sounds.
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".
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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.
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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
