Where Did Reggae Go? Jamaica? Bob Marley? In fact, isn't that what comes to mind when you hear the word Reggae? Reggae actually is more that it's known to be. Reggae is said to have been developed in Jamaica and is a derivative of earlier versions known as Ska and Rock-Steady. In its earlier days, Reggae music was performed as a more conscious and uplifting form of expression. Throughout the years, Reggae music has changed into forms way beyond uplifting.
Since Reggae has become more mainstream, we see it taking on a face almost like that of the ever popular Rap and Hip Hop music. It seems nowadays that our more well-known Reggae artists have been emulating the styles and deliveries, and now even the beats of the Hip-Hop and Rap music.
For those who strive to keep the culture pure and free of interference, they have less of a following than those in the 'mainstream'. There's also of course Reggaeton, which is, in my belief, another derivative of Reggae. Not quite interested in this form of Reggae, as I don't have a clue what they are singing about most of the time...In fact, the Reggaeton artists all seem to stick to one Rhythm from one song to the next.
Reggae in today's form isn't all that bad. Today there are some extremely interesting and rhythmic tunes that keep the children of Reggae dancing. Commonly referred to as 'Dancehall' music, this form of Reggae has begun to spread to European countries and Asian countries, mainly Japan. Places in Japan have adapted to this form of Reggae and embraced it as if they were its creators.
I too am a follower of this form of Reggae because it makes me want to dance, and I love to dance..and the children of Reggae still love to dance.
Even though Bob Marley may not approve of where we are today, he would still be happy that his people still crave for the music and he probably prays from down under that one day the music will return to what it once was. Reggae isn't really gone, it's just in a state of puberty, but it will once again mature. “In due time”.
Since Reggae has become more mainstream, we see it taking on a face almost like that of the ever popular Rap and Hip Hop music. It seems nowadays that our more well-known Reggae artists have been emulating the styles and deliveries, and now even the beats of the Hip-Hop and Rap music.
For those who strive to keep the culture pure and free of interference, they have less of a following than those in the 'mainstream'. There's also of course Reggaeton, which is, in my belief, another derivative of Reggae. Not quite interested in this form of Reggae, as I don't have a clue what they are singing about most of the time...In fact, the Reggaeton artists all seem to stick to one Rhythm from one song to the next.
Reggae in today's form isn't all that bad. Today there are some extremely interesting and rhythmic tunes that keep the children of Reggae dancing. Commonly referred to as 'Dancehall' music, this form of Reggae has begun to spread to European countries and Asian countries, mainly Japan. Places in Japan have adapted to this form of Reggae and embraced it as if they were its creators.
I too am a follower of this form of Reggae because it makes me want to dance, and I love to dance..and the children of Reggae still love to dance.
Even though Bob Marley may not approve of where we are today, he would still be happy that his people still crave for the music and he probably prays from down under that one day the music will return to what it once was. Reggae isn't really gone, it's just in a state of puberty, but it will once again mature. “In due time”.
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