Night Hawk

Riddims: The Foundation of Reggae Music

The Importance of Rhythm In Reggae Music
Riddim is the Jamaican word for rhythm. Essentially, rhythm is at the heart of all Jamaican music. Like pop, blues, rock n roll and soul, reggae places a strong emphasis on the rhythm of the music. In most countries around the world, music plays an integral part within the sociological, political and cultural landscape of the times. For Jamaica, reggae has become the central most influential style of music. In fact, reggae has inspired countless bands and genres of music throughout history.

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Music is the cornerstone of Jamaica’s cultural identity. The history of Jamaican music is a chronicle of the struggles in Jamaican society involving poverty and crime. One of the first Jamaican artists to achieve popularity outside of Jamaica was Desmond Dekker, known as the “King of Ska”. One of his most popular songs was 007 (Shanty Town). An alternate version of the song was recorded again for audiences in the US and UK.

“Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail/ A shanty Town.”

Contrary to popular misconception, ska music originated in Jamaica and Read the rest of this entry »

Reggae music is one of the most popular genres of music in Jamaica. It was developed in the 1960s in the heart of Jamaica, and it is a combination of other types of music. Reggae’s roots were formed from a combination of ska, Caribbean tunes, African music, and American blues. There are many subdivisions if reggae, but its basic form involves spectacular style and sound.
Many forms of reggae today involve mixes of hip-hop and rap. Traditional reggae music has an offbeat rhythm that is usually slower than other forms of Jamaican music. The guitar and piano usually provides the Read the rest of this entry »

Bob Marley is not only known for his great music that has inspired a whole generation of Reggae as well as Hip-Hop, but being a social activist that looked out for the rights of the people. He was integral in bringing not only quality music that could rock stage shows, but empowering messages that challenged the mind.

Bob Marley not only sold millions of records worldwide and influenced Reggae on a more global stream, but he Read the rest of this entry »

The influence of Jamaican music in America is seen through many genres. Artists such as Bob Marley, Kool Herc, and the ska genre have impacted the culture.

Bob Marley has become one of the most popular artists in America, even after death. Bob Marley first started out in America with the ska band The Wailers. After they split up, Marley went solo, but still kept the name. In American he-s known as the first international pop star.

Kool Herc, also known as Read the rest of this entry »

Long before reggae became the signature sound of the island nation of Jamaica, there was ska. Jamaicans in the 1960s became enamored with the American Rhythm and Blues music that was becoming popular on radio broadcasts all over the world. In some areas, this R&B fascination led to the rise of Rock and Roll. In Jamaica, the sound fused with Carribbean and calypso beats and eventually became ska.

Characterized by heavy bass lines and fast-paced beats, ska took hold around the same time of Jamaica gaining independence from Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone’s seen a Bob Marley concert on Direct tv Movies On Demand and who hasn’t heard everything from the Wailers? What about your friend who doesn’t know much about Reggae? Here are a few of the easiest artists to start people on when they don’t know how great Jamaican music isyet.
Beenie Man: He’s got a sound anyone can relate to and he’s got a really fun vibe all his Read the rest of this entry »

Kofi Kingston is a professional wrestler signed to the WWE. He thrills audiences with his originality and creativity. His wrestling style is often high risk, and always high in entertainment. His finishing move is a tornado kick that he calls Trouble in Paradise. He also has very flashy signature moves, including the Boom Drop, which is a double leg drop with some theatrics. When Kofi came up to the WWE main roster he was billed as the first Jamaican born Read the rest of this entry »

Jamaica, an island in the brilliant blue waters of the Caribbean, claims the roots of a number of some of the most culturally evocative types of music in the world. When one hears reggae, there’s no question in your mind what it is. Bob Marley took it worldwide, along with a few others, and spread a message of love, redemption, and harmony, captivating audiences the world over. When a ska song comes on, again, you can feel where the Read the rest of this entry »

Anyone that walks into a restaurant, clothing store, bar, or sports event may hear the echoes of Jamaica blasting through the sound systems of these establishments. The sounds are reflective of all the growth and popularity that is surrounding Jamaican music.

The reggae and dancehall sounds have become more than indie music favorites for a small selection of people that have followed reggae legends like Bob Marley. The music has become versatile, and it has become a major part of mainstream culture. Jamaican music festivals and trips to the Read the rest of this entry »