This Is Reggae Music: Do the Reggay (19… Album
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This Is Reggae Music: Do the Reggay is the debut album from Jamaican reggae band Toots and the Maytals. The album was released in 1968 on Chris Blackwell’s Island Records label.
What is Reggae Music?
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae,” effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican dance music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.
The Message of Reggae Music
Reggae music is a unique genre that developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is a combination of African and Caribbean sounds, and its popularity has spread around the world. Reggae music has a strong political and social message, and its lyrics often deal with issues of poverty, racism, and injustice. The genre has produced some of the world’s most famous musicians, including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Burning Spear.
The Roots of Reggae Music
Although some argue that Reggae developed out of Ska and Rocksteady, others argue that Reggae developed from Mento. However, there is no denying that Reggae has its roots in African music. The word “Reggae” comes from the term “rumba”, which was used in reference to a type of African drumming. This drumming style was then brought to Jamaica by slaves who were taken from Africa during the 1600s.
During the 1950s, a new form of music called Ska emerged in Jamaica. Ska was a combination of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. The first Ska song, “Storm Warning” by Jamaican band TheSKATALITES, was released in 1963.
In the late 1960s, a new form of Jamaican popular music called Rocksteady emerged, which was slower than Ska and had simpler rhythms. Many believe that Rocksteady laid the foundation for what would later become Reggae. One of the most famous Rocksteady songs is “Do theReggay” by Toots and the Maytals, which was released in 1968.
It wasn’t until the early 1970s that Reggae really began to develop as its own distinct genre. This new form of Jamaican popular music was heavily influenced by both Ska and Rocksteady, as well as American Jazz and R&B. Some say that Reggae developed out of a desire to return to the roots of African music, while others believe that it was simply a natural evolution of Jamaican popular music. Regardless of its origins, there is no denying that Reggae is truly unique genre with its own distinct sound and feel.
The Sound of Reggae Music
The sound of reggae music is created by the drums, bass, and guitar. The drums provide the beat, while the bass provides the foundation for the rhythm. The guitar plays the melody and keeps the rhythm going.
Reggae music is usually played at a slow to medium tempo. The drumbeat is usually around 50 to 60 beats per minute. The bass line follows the drumbeat and usually has a lot of syncopation. This means that it doesn’t always play on the beat, but plays around it. The guitars usually have a lot of reverb and play either chords or single notes.
Reggae music often has a lot of horns, such as trumpets and saxophones. These horns add to the overall sound of the music and help to create a fuller sound.
The Style of Reggae Music
Reggae music is a style of music that was developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term “reggae” is often used interchangeably with the term “rocksteady”, but there are differences between the two genres. Reggae is a slower, more relaxed form of music than rocksteady. Rocksteady is a faster, more upbeat form of reggae.
Reggae is traditionally performed on guitars, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards. The instruments are played in a very syncopated style, which creates a unique sound. The lyrics of reggae songs often deal with social and political issues.
Reggae has been influenced by many other genres of music, including ska, R&B, and jazz. Reggae has also been used as a form of protest against discrimination and oppression.
The Future of Reggae Music
The future of reggae music is bright. With the popularity of artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Israel Vibration, Ziggy Marley, and Buju Banton, reggae music has become more popular than ever before. The genre has also been gaining popularity in the mainstream, with many top 40 hits featuring reggae elements.
Reggae music is here to stay, and it looks like the genre is only going to continue to grow in popularity. With its catchy rhythms and positive messages, reggae is the perfect music to relax and enjoy life to. So turn on your favorite reggae station and enjoy!
