Jamaican music is known worldwide but many people are unaware of just how much this tiny island has contributed to the industry, and not just Reggae. Recent hit songs released by Rihanna (Work) and Justin Bieber (Sorry) undoubtedly fall within the genre of Jamaican reggae/dancehall music, a sign of how our music has become mainstream. Reggae and dancehall are the most recognized genres that originated in Jamaica, however the country’s influence extends much further. Below are 8 Music Genres created & influenced by Jamaica.
Dancehall
The Jamaican dancehall genre originated in the late 1970s as a faster rhythm compared to the roots reggae style. The genre was revolutionized as digital instruments gained popularity, and producers were able to produce much faster rhythms. Yellowman and Eek-a-Mouse were two of the early pioneers of Jamaican dancehall. Artists like Shabba Ranks in the early 90s, and later Shaggy and Sean Paul in the 2000s reaped international success on music charts and helped to popularize this genre with a mainstream audience overseas.
Reggae
The Reggae music genre is a distinctive style of music that evolved in the late 1960s with strong influence from mento, ska and rocksteady. The genre features heavy bass and drum beats that early singers used to perform ballads with social and political commentary. Reggae would gain international attention when Bob Marley and the Wailers Band released the Exodus album. Today, reggae music is a major influencer for many newer genres with major artists releasing recordings with reggae undertones. The genre has a steady following on almost every continent with thousands attending reggae festivals every year.
Mento
Mento is a type of folk music that has been popular in Jamaica since the 1950s. It is said to be a major influence for early reggae music, and gained popularity when Jamaican born Harry Belafonte released “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jamaica Farewell”. The genre regularly features the rhumba box, one of several acoustic instruments used to create the unique sound made complete with acoustic guitar, banjo and hand drums. Often accompanied by humorous lyrics and sexual innuendos, mento is a popular feature at nine nights (wake) and as entertainment for tourists.
Ska
Prince Buster, Clement “Coxsone” Dodd and Duke Reid may have created the Ska music genre in the 1950s when they recorded their own songs on sound systems. It can best be described as mento and calypso mixed with American jazz and rhythm and blues. The genre was popularized in the 1960s and would later influence the formation of roots reggae music. Ska is also believed to have influenced 80s and 90s punk rock bands in the UK, Japan, the United States and South America.
Rocksteady
The Rocksteady genre came about in the mid-60s, and likely got its name from the dance style mentioned by singer Alton Ellis who is often called the father of Rocksteady. It was popularized by several Jamaican harmony groups such as The Heptones, The Maytals, The Gaylads and The Paragons, but Ellis’ song “Girl I’ve Got A Date” is one of the most memorable. Other notable artists of the Rocksteady era include Ken Boothe, Delroy Wilson and Phyllis Dillon.
Dub
Grammy winner Lee “Scratch” Perry along with Osbourne “King Tubby” Ruddock and Errol Thompson are among the pioneers of the Dub musical genre in the late 1960s. Those early producers performed an activity considered genius in those days, removing the vocals from an existing recording, boosting the bass and drums and releasing the instrumental remix as a ‘side B’ to the original track. Dub is very much alive today and is credited for influencing many genres including hip hop, pop, and disco, as well as today’s techno, house and electronic dance music.
Niyabinghi Drumming
Niyabinghi drumming is the traditional music of Jamaican Rastafarians however the genre is by no means limited to this community. It is best described as a blend of traditional African drum beats with 19th century gospel music, often accompanied by rhythmic chants to channel spirituality and meditation. Niyabinghi drumming probably originated from the traditional Kumina drumming, and was adopted by Rastafarians into their religious practices. Several reggae and dancehall artists such as Miguel “Sizzla” Collins have incorporated Niyabinghi drumming in their recordings.
EDM
Electronic Dance Music or EDM is heavily influenced by the Jamaican sound system culture. The genre uses quick tempo beats similar to Jamaican dancehall, with heavy drum and bass rhythms. Like Jamaican dancehall, EDM listeners are guided by the DJ, known in Jamaica as the selector, to perform certain dance moves in rhythmic timing with the music. EDM DJs often mix and produce tracks in the same manner as music producers in Jamaica, creating popular dance music that a steady fan base wherever they play.
