Reggae

Reggae is more than just a genre of music; it’s a global cultural force, a spiritual message, and a testament to resilience and social consciousness. As defined by Songster Records, Reggae is a genre of music originating in 1968 on the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, which was strongly influenced by the Rastafarian ideology. Reggay as it was known at the time evolved in Jamaican spelling due to the regedance that was associated with this newly incorporated Ska, Calypso, Blues, Jazz, Rock n Roll, African, and Latin American-based music. The people dancing were referred to as raggedy people or people wearing ragged clothes and hence the term Reggae was conceived. This historical etymology, linking the music to a “raggedy” dance, speaks to its organic, grassroots origins and its connection to the common people.

Reggae has an unforgettable sound due to the keyboard/piano and or guitar playing staccato on offbeat measures. Reggae lyrics, for the most part, relate to the social injustice of Jamaican people and oppressed people throughout the world over. This perfectly encapsulates the genre’s distinctive rhythmic pulse and its unwavering commitment to themes of liberation, unity, and spiritual awakening. Reggae is a profound expression of identity, struggle, and hope, born from the unique socio-political landscape of Jamaica and resonating with marginalized communities worldwide.

Wayne A. Cargill ~ Client Scout graphic design for Songster Records Reggae genre

From Mento to Global Phenomenon: Historical Context of Reggae

Reggae’s roots are deeply entwined with the complex cultural tapestry of Jamaica, a nation that has consistently innovated and exported groundbreaking musical forms. Its evolution is a fascinating journey through various indigenous and international influences:

Mento (1940s-1950s): Often considered the grandparent of modern Jamaican music, Mento is a folk genre that blends African rhythmic patterns with European folk dance music. It was characterized by acoustic instrumentation (banjo, guitar, hand drums, rumba box) and often humorous or satirical lyrics reflecting daily life. Mento laid the groundwork for Jamaican popular music.
Ska (Late 1950s – Mid 1960s): Ska emerged as an energetic fusion of Mento, Calypso, American R&B, and Jazz. It was characterized by a fast tempo, a walking bass line, and a prominent “skank” or “upstroke” guitar/keyboard rhythm played on the offbeat (emphasizing the second and fourth beats). Ska was the soundtrack to Jamaica’s independence in 1962, full of optimism and danceable energy. Key artists included The Skatalites, Prince Buster, and Desmond Dekker.
Rocksteady (Mid-1960s): As Jamaica’s hot summers made fast-paced dancing difficult, musicians began to slow down Ska’s tempo, leading to Rocksteady. This genre emphasized the bass line and drum beat more, often featuring smoother, soulful vocal harmonies, and a more relaxed, “rocking steadily” groove. Lyrical themes shifted towards love, heartbreak, and growing social consciousness. Artists like Alton Ellis, The Heptones, and Phyllis Dillon defined this transitional period.
Early Reggae (Late 1960s): Around 1968, the sound evolved again. The bass lines became more complex and syncopated, the “skank” became sharper and more percussive, and the tempo slightly sped up from Rocksteady, but remained slower than Ska. This is the moment Toots and the Maytals famously coined the term with their song “Do the Reggay.” The organ often played a crucial role, creating rhythmic shuffles. This era also saw the music becoming more explicitly linked to the Rastafarian movement.
Roots Reggae (Early 1970s – Early 1980s): This period is considered the golden age of Reggae, largely due to the global ascendancy of Bob Marley and The Wailers. Roots Reggae is deeply spiritual and overtly political, heavily influenced by the Rastafarian ideology. Lyrical themes centered on Pan-Africanism, social justice, anti-colonialism, repatriation to Africa (Zion), poverty, oppression, and spirituality. The music became more meditative, with heavier basslines, complex drum patterns (like the “one-drop” rhythm emphasizing beat 3), and often simple, repetitive chord progressions to create a trance-like feel. Iconic artists include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, Culture, Steel Pulse, and Jacob Miller.
Dub (1970s): Emerging alongside Roots Reggae, Dub is a subgenre characterized by instrumental versions of existing Reggae tracks, heavily remixed and manipulated in the studio. Producers like King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry pioneered this groundbreaking style, using effects like echo, reverb, delay, and phased sounds to create entirely new, psychedelic sonic landscapes. Dub profoundly influenced later genres like Hip Hop and electronic music.
Dancehall (Late 1970s – Present): Dancehall evolved as a more minimalist, electronically driven form of Reggae, often focusing on the “riddim” (rhythm track) and the deejay’s (vocalist’s) “toasting” (rapping over the beat). Early Dancehall was less overtly political than Roots Reggae, focusing more on party themes and social commentary from a street-level perspective. Artists like Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, and later Beenie Man and Bounty Killer dominated this scene.
Reggae Fusion and Modern Reggae (1990s – Present): Reggae has continued to diversify, blending with Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Classic Rock, and electronic music. Artists like Shaggy, Sean Paul, and Rihanna (from Barbados, but heavily influenced by Jamaican music) have achieved massive global pop success by infusing Reggae and Dancehall elements. Contemporary Reggae also sees a resurgence of traditional roots styles alongside new interpretations.

The Northern Pulse: Canada’s Deep Connection to Reggae

Canada’s relationship with Reggae is a rich tapestry woven by immigration, cultural exchange, and a genuine appreciation for the music’s spiritual and rhythmic power. Particularly in cities like Toronto, which became a major hub for Jamaican immigrants starting in the 1960s, Reggae found fertile ground to flourish, contributing significantly to Canada’s diverse musical landscape.

Jamaican immigrants brought their music, culture, and vibrant sound system tradition to Canada. Initially, this involved importing records from Jamaica, but it quickly evolved into local musicians creating their own distinctly Canadian Reggae sound.

Early Pioneers (1970s): One of the most significant figures in early Canadian Reggae was Jackie Mittoo (1948-1990). A foundational keyboardist for The Skatalites and a key figure at Studio One in Jamaica, Mittoo immigrated to Toronto in 1971. He released seminal Canadian reggae records like Wishbone (1972) and was instrumental in developing the sound of Canadian reggae. His presence was a magnet for other musicians and a profound influence on the nascent scene. Other early figures included Stranger Cole, Leroy Brown, and Joe Isaacs, who also contributed to the early Canadian reggae sound.
Establishing the Scene (1980s): Toronto quickly became the epicenter of Canadian Reggae, particularly around the Eglinton West strip, which became known as “Little Jamaica.” Clubs like The WIF Club, Club Jamaica, and The Bamboo hosted live Reggae acts and sound system battles, nurturing local talent.
- Messenjah: Formed in Kitchener and later based in Toronto, Messenjah was one of the first Canadian reggae bands to sign with a major label (Warner Music Canada) in 1984. They gained significant recognition for their roots-reggae sound and positive messages, winning a Juno Award in 1998.
- Sattalites: Another prominent Toronto band, The Sattalites, blended roots reggae with pop sensibilities and smooth harmonies, earning multiple Juno Awards and touring internationally.
- The Canadian Reggae Awards were founded in 1985 by artist Winston Hewitt, and the Juno Awards introduced a Reggae/Calypso category the same year (later simply “Reggae Recording of the Year”), providing crucial industry recognition. Early winners included Liberty Silver and Otis Gayle.
Global Breakthroughs and Diversification (1990s – Present):
- Snow: The Toronto-born artist Darrin O’Brien, known as Snow, achieved unprecedented global success with his 1992 hit “Informer.” While more Pop/Dancehall than traditional Reggae, its strong Jamaican Patois lyrics and infectious riddim introduced a Canadian voice, heavily influenced by Reggae, to millions worldwide, making him a household name.
- Nana McLean: A powerful vocalist, McLean was another Canadian artist who gained recognition in the 1980s and 90s for her soulful reggae.
- Exco Levi: A contemporary Juno Award-winning artist from Clarendon, Jamaica, now based in Canada, Exco Levi continues the tradition of conscious roots reggae, earning him widespread acclaim and demonstrating the ongoing vibrancy of the scene.
- Ammoye: Another Juno-nominated Canadian artist, Ammoye, blends traditional reggae with soul and R&B, showcasing the genre’s adaptability and Canada’s multicultural sound.

The impact of Reggae on Canadians is profound. It provided a powerful voice and cultural anchor for the large Jamaican and Caribbean diaspora in Canada, fostering community, pride, and a connection to their heritage. Beyond this, Reggae’s messages of unity, social justice, and peace resonated across diverse Canadian communities, particularly in times of social activism. Its laid-back rhythms and positive vibes have influenced countless Canadian musicians across genres, from folk and rock to hip hop and pop, subtly shaping the broader Canadian soundscape. Reggae festivals across Canada, like the Beaches International Jazz and World Music Festival in Toronto (which often features strong reggae acts) or smaller community events, celebrate this vibrant music, bringing people together in shared celebration. Reggae, in essence, provided a vital cultural bridge, enriching Canada’s musical identity with its unique blend of spiritual depth and infectious rhythm.

The Universal Vibe: Modern Reggae in Popular Culture

Reggae’s influence in modern popular culture remains pervasive, often subtly woven into the fabric of other genres:

Global Reach of Bob Marley: Despite his passing in 1981, Bob Marley remains one of the most recognizable and beloved musical figures globally. His image and music transcend genre, symbolizing peace, rebellion, and unity, making him a constant presence in popular culture.
Genre Fusion: Reggae’s rhythmic and melodic structures are constantly being integrated into pop, hip hop, R&B, and electronic music. The “tropical house” sound, for instance, draws heavily from Reggae’s relaxed grooves.
Film, Television, and Commercials: Reggae music is frequently used to evoke laid-back, positive, or Caribbean settings in media, or to convey messages of freedom and unity.
Lifestyle and Fashion: The Rastafarian aesthetic associated with Reggae – dreadlocks, red, gold, and green colours, natural fibers – continues to influence global fashion and lifestyle trends.
Social Activism: Reggae’s commitment to social justice continues to inspire musicians and activists worldwide, with artists using their platforms to address contemporary issues.
Yoga and Wellness Culture: The meditative and calming aspects of some Reggae subgenres have found a niche in wellness practices and “chill” playlists.

The Riddim Blueprint: Techniques and Styles in Reggae

Reggae’s distinctive sound is built on a specific set of musical techniques and arrangements:

Offbeat Rhythm (Skank/Chop): The most defining characteristic. The guitar, keyboard, or both play short, percussive chords on the offbeats (beats 2 and 4 in a 4/4 measure), creating a forward-driving, syncopated rhythm. This is often referred to as the “skank.”
One-Drop Rhythm: A drum pattern where the bass drum and snare drum hit simultaneously on the third beat of a 4/4 measure, creating a characteristic “drop” or emphasis. This gives Reggae its laid-back, often meditative feel, as the first beat is often deliberately de-emphasized.
Prominent, Melodic Basslines: The bass guitar is arguably the most important instrument in Reggae. It plays a highly melodic, often syncopated, and deep role, driving the rhythm and often providing a counterpoint to the vocal melody. The bass is usually mixed very prominently.
Vocal Delivery: Vocals range from soulful singing to rhythmic “toasting” (chanting/rapping). Lyrics are often delivered with a strong emphasis on wordplay and rhythm, deeply rooted in Jamaican Patois.
Call and Response: A common vocal and instrumental arrangement where a lead vocal or instrument is answered by another voice or instrument, reflecting African musical traditions.
Organ Shuffle: The organ often plays a rhythmic, bubbling pattern (the “bubble” or “shuffle”) that fills out the middle frequencies and complements the offbeat skank.
Minimalist Arrangement: While rich in rhythm, Reggae arrangements can be surprisingly sparse, leaving space between instruments to highlight the groove and individual parts, particularly the bass and drums.
Lyrical Content: Focus on social injustice, political commentary, Rastafarian spirituality (Jah, Zion, Babylon), unity, peace, love, and everyday life in Jamaica.

Understanding the Rhythmic Ancestry: Reggae vs. Calypso vs. Ska

These three genres are deeply intertwined in Jamaican and Caribbean musical history, representing a fascinating evolutionary lineage. While they share common ancestry, they have distinct characteristics:

Calypso:
- Origin: Trinidad and Tobago, with roots in West African Kaiso music and French Creole influences.
- Characteristics: Typically faster tempo than Reggae, often with a driving 4/4 rhythm. Features prominent acoustic instruments (guitar, bass, percussion, horn sections), lyrical focus on storytelling, social commentary, satire, and humor. Less emphasis on the “offbeat” skank compared to Ska or Reggae; the rhythm is more straightforward.
- Feel: More boisterous, festive, and narrative-driven.
Ska:
- Origin: Jamaica, late 1950s, evolving from Mento, Calypso, Jazz, and American R&B.
- Characteristics: Up-tempo, energetic. Defined by the strong “skank” or “upstroke” on the offbeats (2 and 4) played by guitar or keyboard. Features a walking bass line, prominent horn sections playing melodic lines, and a driving drum beat. Vocal styles often include crooning or call-and-response.
- Feel: Upbeat, danceable, optimistic. It was the sound of a newly independent Jamaica.
Reggae:
- Origin: Jamaica, late 1960s, evolving directly from Ska and Rocksteady.
- Characteristics: Slower tempo than Ska, but more dynamic than Rocksteady. Key features include the prominent “one-drop” drum rhythm (bass and snare on beat 3), a highly melodic and emphasized bass line, and the guitar/keyboard playing staccato on the offbeat (beats 2 and 4), creating a distinctive “chop” or “skank.” Lyrics are often deeply spiritual, socio-political, and influenced by Rastafarianism.
- Feel: Laid-back, meditative, soulful, often politically charged.

In summary: Calypso is the storytelling elder, more focused on narrative and direct rhythms. Ska is the energetic, horn-driven bridge, characterized by its fast offbeat skank. Reggae is the soulful, bass-heavy successor, marked by its slower tempo, prominent one-drop rhythm, and deep lyrical content.

The Independent I-n-I: Songster Records and Unsigned Reggae Artists

Reggae, with its powerful messages of self-reliance and resistance against oppression (“Babylon”), has always fostered a strong independent spirit. The music often originated from grassroots communities, sound systems, and small independent labels in Jamaica. Songster Records is a completely different record label from all other record labels. We believe in upholding this independent ethos, providing a direct and equitable platform for artists who embody the authentic spirit of Reggae.

We understand that true Reggae music, with its deep cultural roots and vital social commentary, often thrives outside the traditional corporate music machine. We are committed to unearthing and amplifying the voices of artists who are creating authentic, impactful Reggae today, carrying forward its rich legacy while innovating for the future. That’s why Songster Records is currently scouting for Reggae demos from the top 3 submitted unknown, unsigned independent Reggae Artists to fill our Reggae genre. We are actively searching for musicians who craft compelling riddims, write conscious and heartfelt lyrics, possess powerful vocal deliveries, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Reggae music. Whether your sound is classic roots, modern dancehall, or a unique fusion, we want to hear your message.

We understand the challenges independent Reggae artists face: from navigating a complex industry that sometimes prioritizes commercial viability over artistic integrity, to securing distribution and reaching global audiences. Our platform is designed to overcome these hurdles, streamlining the submission process and ensuring that your music is presented in the highest quality to discerning listeners around the world.

The Digital Vibration: High-Quality Music Files for Reggae Aficionados

The digital revolution has transformed how music is shared and consumed, and Reggae is no exception. For a genre where the deep bass lines and nuanced offbeat rhythms are paramount, high-quality audio files are essential to fully appreciate the music’s intricate groove and powerful message. At SongsterRecords.ca, we are committed to providing both convenience and superior sound fidelity for our listeners.

Our offerings are designed to cater to every Reggae enthusiast, while ensuring independent artists are fairly compensated:

Songster Recording Artists Digital Singles: For ONLY $2.00, you can acquire a single track that captures the soulful essence of a Reggae performance. Each single includes 3 CD Quality Music Files: 1x .mp3, 1x .m4a (ideal for iTunes, iPhones, iPod Touch, and DSI), and 1x .wma (for Windows Media Audio). All are encoded in single format for instant download, ensuring compatibility across your devices and allowing you to immerse yourself in the riddim.
Digital Records: For those who wish to delve deeper into an independent Reggae artist’s sound, our record packages are perfect. For ONLY $7.50, you get 5 Songs Containing 15 Quality Music Files (5x .mp3, 5x .m4a + 5x .wma), providing a cohesive collection of their most resonant tracks.
Digital Albums: For the complete spiritual and musical journey, our album packages offer a full artistic statement. For just ONLY $10.00, you can download 10 Songs Containing 30 CD Quality Music Files (10x .mp3, 10x .m4a + 10x .wma), giving you an entire album of high-fidelity Reggae to uplift and inspire.

These digital options empower fans to directly support emerging Reggae talent and experience their music in pristine quality, anytime, anywhere.

Your Call to Consciousness: A Call to Action for Reggae Musicians

Reggae is the heartbeat of a movement, a call for justice, and a celebration of life. If you are an independent Reggae artist—a conscious lyricist, a master of the riddim, a soulful vocalist, or part of a vibrant band—Songster Records offers you a unique stage.

We are actively seeking Three Unknown, Unsigned, Amateur Reggae Artists WANTED IMMEDIATELY!!! We are searching for performers with authentic voices, compelling messages, and a deep understanding of Reggae’s unique rhythmic and spiritual power. Whether your sound is rooted in classic roots, driving dancehall, or a fresh fusion, we want to hear your positive vibrations. This is your opportunity to be part of “Discover What We Have Discovered Or Perhaps Even Be Discovered At” Songster Records, “Where The Music Becomes You.”

Do you Think You Have What It Takes To Become A Songster Recording Artist? This is your chance to share your passion with a global audience, gain visibility, and contribute to the ongoing legacy of Reggae Music. We are committed to helping you reach your full potential in the powerful and unifying world of Reggae.

Submit Your Reggae Demo NOW! Don’t let your message remain unheard. Take this bold step and send us your best work.

And for all the passionate Reggae fans, your support is invaluable. Help us find and elevate these incredible independent artists. Connect with our community and amplify our message. Please Like Us – Follow Us – Share Us on LinkedIn (and other social media platforms). Your engagement directly contributes to the success of independent musicians and ensures that the conscious, rhythmic, and deeply soulful tradition of Reggae Music continues to inspire generations to come.

Remember, Songster Records Gift Certificates Are Valid For All Current And Future Songster Recording Artists On This Website, making it easy to share the gift of conscious music and support the next wave of Reggae icons.

Songster Records

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