reggae music
genresREH-gay
A genre of popular music originating in Jamaica in the late 1960s, characterised by offbeat rhythms and social consciousness.
Reggae emerged in Jamaica in the late 1960s, evolving from ska and rocksteady. Its most distinctive feature is the offbeat rhythm — the guitar or keyboard emphasises the second and fourth beats of each bar, creating a laid-back, syncopated groove. The bass guitar plays a prominent, melodic role, often carrying the main musical idea alongside the drums. Reggae lyrics frequently address social justice, spiritual themes (particularly Rastafarian philosophy), love, and resistance. Bob Marley, the genre's most famous ambassador, brought reggae to worldwide audiences. Related forms include dub (stripped-down, effects-heavy remixes emphasising bass and drums), dancehall, and lovers rock. Reggae's influence extends far beyond Jamaica — its rhythmic innovations have shaped punk, hip-hop, electronic, and pop music globally.
In 2018, UNESCO added reggae to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising its global cultural significance.