01° July: Reggae

Nowadays, reggae is still popular around the world and many artists continue to explore and envolve the genre. From the clasics of Bob Marley to the most contemporary as Chronixx, reggae have faithful and passionate public who appreciate your conscious message and excellent music.

Origin of the celebration of reggae

The music of Caribbean island is celebrated every 1° July with the international day of reggae, this style was the first universal rythm who came an international public before the internet. It was popularized in EUA and United Kingdom, thanks to the many Jamaican members after the Second World War. It was in 1994 when was celebrated for the first time the intenational day of reggae, with the idea of mobilizing Jamaican radio stations to make specials about the roots of reggae and its ramifications; Mento, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Dub and Dancehall. Basically, the purpose of celebrating this day was sometihing local with cultural background.

Emergence of reggae

Reggae is a musical genre originated in Jamaica in the 60s, characterized by its slow rythm and syncope, its focus on conscious lyrics and its strong connection with Rastafarian music.

The genre have its origin in ska and rocksteady but over time it was develeped as a unique form of music in its own right. Reggae is known for its distinctive and relaxed rythm, as well as its lyrics loaded with social and political messages. The characteristics rythm of reggae is based on the rhythmic pattern known as “one drop”, which emphasizes the third beat of each measure. This way of playing the rhythm creates a relaxed and melancholic feeling that defines the sound of reggae. It is also characterized by its distinctive use of bass, with bass lines that are often prominet in the mix of sound. This gives the genre a heavy and deep sound that has become one of its hallmarks.

In terms of lyrics, reggae addressed a wide range of topics, from the struggle against oppression and poverty to spirituality and love. Reggae songs often have a social or political message, and have been used as toold of protest and calls for attention.

Main exponents of reggae

Reggae has had numerous exponents throughout its history as Bob Marley considered as “the King of reggae”, is one of the most influential artists in the history of this genre, his songs such as “No Woman”, “Redemption song” and “One Love” have become reggae hymns and carried the message of peace, social justice or spirituality to audiences around the world. Peter is also considered one of the great exponents of reggae thanks to his works as “Legalize it” y “Equal Rights” adress issues of equality, human rights and the struggle against oppression. Jimmy Cliff is one of the pioneers of reggae has been a key figure in promoting the genre internationally. Iconic songs such as “Many Rivers to Cross” y “The Harder They Come” they’ve brought him fame and influenced the expansión of reggae.