• 1960's - 1970's

• Originated in Jamaica

• Jamaican Dance Music

• Inspired by Jazz and American Rhythm and Blues (these sounds would have been picked up over the radio).

• Lyrics are often about news, social gossip and politics

• Reggae is linked to the Rastafari movement. The music was used to share Rasta messages. Musicians are known as soldiers. 'The soldier and the musician are tooks for change'

• Use of Jamaican dialect

• Reggae impacted life in Jamaica and allowed people to understand Jamaican life

• The three main musical styles that influence Reggae are: Mento, Rocksteady and Ska

Mento

• Jamaican Folk - 1950's, Stophic form,light hearted lyrics, offbeat chords on guitar and banjo

Ska

• Fast dance, off beat chords, late 50's, lyrics about serious social issues, use of brass

Rocksteady

• Slower style, mid 60's, melodic riff on bass, offbeat chords and political lyrics

• Bob Marley and The Wailers

• Jimmy Cliff