One Love
Reggae the Universal LanguageThe phrase music is a universal language is common across the world. According to Harvard research, music is believed to carry unique codes and patterns, which are understood globally. There are numerous genres around the world with different characteristics depending on culture and location, among other determinants. Among the most popular genres is reggae, which has a fan base across all continents. The word reggae originates from the term “rege-rege,” which translates to rags. The genre started in the Caribbean island of Jamaica in the 1960s, at the time, it was widely considered as a rag-tag of numerous musical styles such as Jamaican Mento and modern Jamaican Ska music along with the American jazz. The music is known for its emphasis on using heavy bass in the background beats, as well as the slow tempo. The genre was usually performed by black artists who were from the ghetto. Typically, it was used as the society’s mouthpiece against social, political, and economic hardships in the country. Over time, it outgrew the Caribbean into other parts of the world. It has come to be a part of the Caribbean culture and pride.
Features of the Genre
Reggae is characterized by a heavy and steady rhythm, which means the accentuation of the beat is on, for instance, beats 2 and 4 when the music is in 4/4 time. This steady rhythm is standard for all African-based melodic styles and isn't found in conventional European or Asian music. Reggae drummers likewise accentuate the third beat when in 4/4 time with a kick to the bass drum.
Rastafarianism
The theme rose from the proliferation of Ethiopianism and Pan-Africanism, it took root in Jamaica in the 1930s after the coronation of the-then Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie. The religion borrows heavily from protestant Christianity and mysticism. A spiritual movement dependent on the confidence in Selassie's divinity, its devotees, congregated around evangelists like Leonard Howell, who established the primary noticeable Rastafarian people group in 1940. Additional branches surfaced by the 1950s, and inside two decades, the movement had earned worldwide consideration on account of the music of dedicated Rastafarian Bob Marley. Despite the passing of Selassie in 1975 and Marley in 1981 removing the movement's most influential figures, Rastafarianism endures through followings in the U.S., England, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Marijuana and Reggae
Marijuana is a constant in many of the reggae songs. Marijuana is offered as a sacrament, with many people believing that it will open their minds more, allowing them to receive God’s testimony better. Unfortunately, most followers outside the Caribbean region have misinterpreted the purpose of the ritual leading to misuse. It is common practice for musicians to refer ‘ganja’ as it is commonly known in Jamaica, although not all songs refer to ganja.
Reggae Influence
Reggae was not only the forerunner of the current Jamaican style of Dub but a host of other genres such as jam bands, British-reggae based bands, as well as hip-hop music. Apart from contributing to other forms of music, the genre is credited with helping to the development of new counterculture movements, particularly in Europe, the U.S, and Africa.
