Reggae emerged in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The music was influenced by Jamaican folk music (e.g. mento), ska and rocksteady, as well as American jazz and R&B.

Reggae music has often been used as a means of cultural resistance and social commentary, with many songs containing themes of anti-colonialism and anti-racism.

The BBC documentary Roots, Reggae, Rebellion explores the cultural context and musical features of reggae.

Reggae songs often begin with a short drum fill, typically played on the snare drum.

There are several common drum patterns in reggae music. These are:

• One drop

• Rockers

• Steppers

Watch the video to hear these patterns.