What is Reggae? Analytical Writing

What is Reggae music?

Reggae is a genre of music that started in Jamaica. This type of music is different from any other music for many reasons. From the culture to the artists, it is unique. Reggae music is my favorite music because its captures the essence of true music. It is a type of music that talks about anything relating to the Jamaican culture, and the sound is like no other.
The Jamaican culture is distinct. Most Jamaicans have a very positive attitude and vibrant feel for life. For some, their religion is also different. Most believe in Rastafarianism which says, Ras Tafari is God and that black people can find salvation by moving to Ethiopia, a country in which Jamaicans feel life is great. People sung of Ethiopia as a place that was worry free and lacked poverty. When in all actuality it was poverty-stricken and held 50% of the HIV cases worldwide. In Reggae songs, Zion was often used when referring to Ethiopia.
If you’ve ever listened to Reggae music you would almost instantly pick up the distinct sound. This sound comes from the unique instruments Jamaicans chose. Most instruments are common and sound great when used right. Because most of these instruments are used in other types of music, the sound comes out as a beat knocking, head bobbing rhythm. Drums, Rhythm guitars, pianos and Organs are just some of the instruments used to create reggae music. The instruments mainly depend on the genre of music though. Depending on the artist the music almost always sounds great.
Reggae has genres, including: Ska, RockSteady, Rub-a-Dub, dancehall, and sometimes Gospel. Ska is the combination of American Jazz and blues. Ska was popular during the early 1960’s. RockSteady has a relaxed tempo and was popular between 1966 and 1968. Dub is similar to the American MC or DJ. The music is taken and remade using other beats to "twist" the song. Bob Marley’s music genre is Dancehall reggae. Peter Tosh another artist, music was an example of Reggae Gospel. Like all Genres of music there are certain artists. In Reggae there are many. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Mad Cobra, Buju Banton, Beenie Man to name a few. Each has been recognized today and their music has pathed the way for artists today. Their success is remembered and when we hear today’s music.
Lyrics make a song memorable and can determine a song’s meaning. When you hear a reggae song, the lyrics almost always talk about society. Some lyrics can be controversial yet have positive edges. It’s safe to say that certain reggae artists often spark controversial lyrics. In Bob Marley’s "Them Belly Full (but we hungry)" he spoke of fighting every day and by fighting he meant fighting hunger, pain, and ghettos. For example "Cost of living gets so high rich and poor they start to cry." In another song titled "War" also by Bob Marley he spoke of war between races. For example "That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all, Without regard to race- dis a war." The song war was originally a speech by Hallie Salasie better known as Jah Rasta Fari. Both of these songs relate to what life is actually like and made us see that we are in this world together.
Reggae, in my opinion, is the best music in the world. From its weird yet amazing sound, to the lyrics and to the people behind the lyrics, reggae will live on and forever be idolized. Jamaicans have made a worldly impact and Reggae will always be heard. Reggae lyrics have changed the way that we Americans think. The lyrics with such bold statements have made us realize that we take life for granted and artists nowadays have grown and learned through this. Lyrically, Reggae music outdoes any other musical aspiration. In time this world will grow to love this funky sound.