The Best of South African Reggae Music

The Best of South African Reggae Music is a blog that covers the top reggae artists in South Africa.

Reggae Music in South Africa

South African reggae is a subgenre of reggae that originated in South Africa. The South African reggae scene is small but dedicated, and the music often carries a message of social consciousness. The sound is a unique blend of African and Jamaican influences, and the lyrics are often in English, Afrikaans, or Zulu.

The Origins of Reggae in South Africa

Reggae music in South Africa is often thought to have originated from the Caribbean, specifically from the island of Jamaica. However, the first recorded instance of reggae music in South Africa was in 1963, when The Africans released their self-titled album, which included the song “Reggae on the River”. This song is credited as being the first recorded instance of reggae music in South Africa.

Reggae music became popular in South Africa during the 1970s and 1980s, with artists such as Lucky Dube, Brenda Fassie, and Juluka becoming household names. South African reggae continued to evolve during the 1990s and 2000s, with artists like Mama Afrika and Tidal Waves bringing a unique African flavor to the genre.

Today, reggae music is still popular in South Africa, with new artistes emerging all the time. Reggae music has also been increasingly influenced by hip hop and electronic dance music in recent years, creating a new and exciting sound that is sure to keep audiences entertained for years to come.

The Spread of Reggae in South Africa

Reggae music first spread to South Africa in the 1970s, via foreign radio stations and imports from neighboring countries like Zimbabwe and Mozambique. In the early days, South African reggae was often infused with other genres like rock, pop and even mbaqanga. But by the late 1970s and early 1980s, the pure form of reggae was starting to take hold, thanks to artists like Lucky Dube and Brinsley Forde.

The 1980s saw a real boom in South African reggae, with the rise of such iconic groups as The Melody Makers (led by Ziggy Marley) and Hugh Masekela’s HerbAlbum Reggae Band. The popularity of reggae continued to grow in the 1990s and 2000s, thanks to artists like Lucky Dube, Pappy Kojo and ground-breaking groups like Skwatta Kamp.

Today, South African reggae is as popular as ever, with a new generation of artists carrying on the legacy of Lucky Dube and others. If you’re looking for some good South African reggae music to enjoy, check out our list of the best of South African reggae below.

The Impact of Reggae in South Africa

In the late 1970s, South Africa was in the midst of a brutal apartheid regime. Black people were being oppressed and discriminated against, and there was a lot of anger and frustration amongst the population. Into this turmoil came reggae music, which spoke to the experiences of black people in South Africa and gave them a way to express their feelings.

Reggae quickly became popular in South Africa, particularly amongst the black community. Reggae artists like Bob Marley and Burning Spear became icons, and their music was played on radio stations and at clubs and parties. Reggae provided a soundtrack for the struggle against apartheid, and it also helped to unite people across racial and social barriers.

Today, reggae is still popular in South Africa, although it has been somewhat overshadowed by other genres like hip hop and kwaito. However, there are still a number of excellent reggae artists operating in the country, and the genre continues to make an impact on South African music.

The Best of South African Reggae Music

South African reggae music is some of the best in the world. The music is a mix of African and Jamaican influences, and it has a unique sound that is unlike any other type of music. The best South African reggae artists are Bob Marley, Lucky Dube, and Black Uhuru.

Lucky Dube

Lucky Dube (born Ermelo Dube) was a reggae artist who recorded 22 albums in his 26-year career. His world music and reggae fusion style gained him a large worldwide following, particularly in Africa, South America, and Europe. He was murdered in 2007 during a carjacking.

Dube’s first album, Rastas Never Die, was recorded in 1983 and released the following year. He released his second album, Think About the Children, in 1984. After signing with Jive Records, Dube released his third album, The Way It Is, in 1985. This album featured the hit singles “Friends” and “Victim”.

Dube’s fourth album, Freedom Fighter, was released in 1986. The album’s title track became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Other tracks on the album include ” Thatcher’s Britain”, ” Jabula”, and ” African Woman”.

Dube’s fifth album, Prisoner of Consciousness, was released in 1987. The title track is about Nelson Mandela, who was then serving a life sentence on Robben Island. Other tracks on the album include ” Too Hot”, ” Miracle”, and ” Back to My Roots”.

Dube’s sixth album, Together As One, was released in 1988. The title track is a duet with fellow South African singer Rebecca Malope. Other tracks on the album include ” Jah Live”, ” Blessed Are the Meek”, and ” It’s Ok”.

Dube’s seventh album,. Reggae Strong ,was released in 1989 . The title track is an ode to reggae music. Other tracks on the album include” Jah Know No Bounds” , ” Love Me , Love Me “…and many more

Bob Marley

Bob Marley is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time. He is credited with helping to spread the popularity of reggae music around the world. Marley was born in 1945 in Jamaica, and he began his musical career in the early 1960s. His first band was called The Wailers, and they achieved international fame with their album “Legend,” which was released posthumously in 1984.

Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh, born Winston Hubert McIntosh, was a Jamaican reggae musician who was a core member of The Wailers (1963-1974) and later Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974-1981). Along with bands like Aswad and Steel Pulse, Tosh helped bring reggae music to a mainstream audience in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also known for his activism, campaigning for the legalization of marijuana and for the rights of Rastafarians. He was murdered in 1987, aged just 42.

The Future of South African Reggae Music

Reggae music has taken the world by storm and South Africa is no exception. The South African reggae scene is thriving and the music is only getting better. The future of South African reggae music is looking bright and we can’t wait to see what the scene has in store for us.

The Rise of Reggae in South Africa

The late 1970s and early 1980s were marked by the rise of reggae music in South Africa. This was a time of great political turmoil in the country, and reggae provided a way for people to express their dissatisfaction with the government. Reggae artists like Bob Marley and Lucky Dube became extremely popular, and their music helped to unify people of all races and backgrounds.

Today, South African reggae is still going strong. There are many talented artists making great music, and the genre continues to have a major impact on society. Reggae is no longer just a form of entertainment; it is now a powerful tool for social change.

The Impact of Reggae in South Africa

Reggae music has been a part of South African culture for many years, and it continues to be a popular genre today. While the exact origins of reggae in South Africa are difficult to trace, the genre has had a significant impact on the country’s music scene.

Reggae music first gained popularity in South Africa during the 1970s, when artists like Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff became household names. The positive message of reggae music resonated with many South Africans who were struggling under the apartheid regime. Reggae provided a way for people to express their dissatisfaction with the government, and the genre quickly spread throughout the country.

In the 1980s and 1990s, a new generation of South African reggae artists emerged, including Lucky Dube and Brenda Fassie. These artists continued to spread the message of peace and social justice through their music, and their popularity only increased in the following years.

Today, reggae remains an important part of South African culture, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Thanks to its positive message and catchy beats, reggae continues to be a favorite genre among both young and old alike.