Reggae Music in Atlanta

Reggae music is enjoyed by many people in Atlanta. If you are looking for a place to enjoy this type of music, check out these top spots in the city.

What is Reggae Music?

Reggae music is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae refers to the distinctive rhythm of the music, which ischaracterized by a heavy bass and a syncopated drumbeat. Reggae music has been influential in many other genres of music, including rock, pop, and hip hop.

Reggae music is typically associated with Jamaica and its Afro-Caribbean culture, but the genre has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including the United States. In recent years, Atlanta has become one of the most popular destinations for reggae music lovers, thanks to its vibrant and diverse music scene.

There are many different types of reggae music, but one of the most popular styles is dancehall. Dancehall is a fast-paced genre that features heavily-syncopated rhythms and often includes explicit lyrics. Another popular type of reggae music is dub, which is characterized by its heavy use of Bass instruments and effects.

If you’re interested in experiencing reggae music in Atlanta, there are several great venues to check out. The Georgia World Congress Center hosts an annual Reggae Fest Atlanta concert series, which features some of the biggest names in the genre. Other popular venues for reggae concerts include The Tabernacle, Center Stage Theater, and Variety Playhouse.

The History of Reggae Music

Reggae music has its roots in the ska and rocksteady styles that developed in Jamaica in the late 1950s. Reggae is a style of music that was first created in Jamaica. The word “reggae” actually comes from the Jamaican Patois word “regga” which means “rags” or “ragged clothing.” This likely refers to the style of clothing worn by poor Jamaicans. Reggae is also sometimes referred to as “rockers” or “roots music.”

Reggae was initially made popular by Jamaican artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Toots and the Maytals. In the late 1960s, reggae became more widely known thanks to the work of British record producer Tony Roberts, who helped bring Jamaican music to a wider audience. Roberts produced records for artists such as Cliff, Marley, and Peter Tosh. He also helped to promote Jamaican culture in Britain through events such as the Notting Hill Carnival.

The 1970s saw a golden age for reggae music, with artists such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, Burning Spear, and Black Uhuru achieving international acclaim. Reggae also began to influence other genres of music, most notably punk rock (through bands such as The Clash and The Police) and hip hop (through artists such as Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions).

In the 1980s and 1990s, reggae experienced something of a decline in popularity, but there were still some notable artists working within the genre, including Sly & Robbie, Shabba Ranks, Bounty Killer, and Beenie Man. In recent years, there has been something of a resurgence in interest in reggae music, with renewed appreciation for classic artists like Marley and new stars like Sean Paul and Damian Marley (Bob Marley’s son) helping to keep the genre alive.

The Different Types of Reggae Music

Reggae music has its origins in the island of Jamaica, but it has been adopted by people all over the world. Reggae music is a type of music that is very popular in Atlanta. There are many different types of reggae music, and each type has its own unique sound.

One of the most popular types of reggae music in Atlanta is called dub. Dub music is a type of reggae music that is characterized by its heavy bass and drum sound. Dub music is often very slow and relaxing, and it is often played at nightclubs and parties.

Another popular type of reggae music in Atlanta is called roots reggae. Roots reggae is a type of reggae music that is characterized by its focus on social and political issues. Roots reggae often has a more serious tone than other types of reggae music, but it can also be very uplifting.

Skanking is another popular type of reggae music in Atlanta. Ska music is a type of Jamaican music that was developed in the 1950s. Ska music is characterized by its fast tempo and its use of horns. Skanking is a type of dancing that is often done to ska music, and it involves moving your feet quickly while you swing your arms back and forth.

Reggae fusion is another popular type of reggae music in Atlanta. Reggae fusion is a type of reggae music that incorporates elements from other genres, such as hip hop, R&B, and pop. Reggae fusion often has a very polished sound, and it is often played on the radio or at clubs.

The Popularity of Reggae Music in Atlanta

Although not often thought of as a bastion of reggae music, Atlanta has a long and storied history with the genre. Reggae music first found its way to Atlanta in the early 1970s, thanks in part to the city’s large and growing Jamaican population. The popularity of reggae music in Atlanta continued to grow throughout the decade, culminating in the launch of the city’s first reggae radio station, WGKA, in 1979.

Since then, Atlanta has become home to a number of popular reggae artists, including Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, who kicked off his first headlining tour in the city in 2018. The popularity of reggae music in Atlanta shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The Future of Reggae Music in Atlanta

In the past decade, we have seen a resurgence in popularity of reggae music in Atlanta. This is likely due in part to the popularity of Jamaican dancehall music and the rise of reggae-infused hip hop and trap music. Whatever the reason, reggae music is here to stay in Atlanta.

As the city’s Jamaican population continues to grow, we can expect to see even more reggae clubs and events popping up around town. If you’re looking to get your fix of Caribbean vibes, be sure to check out one of these five reggae hotspots in Atlanta.

1. Lava Lounge
2. Irie Vibes Art Cafe
3. The Local Effort roots night at Mammal Gallery
4. SkyLounge Fridays at Tongue & Groove
5. Reggae Brunch at Negril Village