International Cinema Festival of India

Recently Jamaican music popularity increased dramatically. The island music mainly consists of Reggae, but it is a blend of Ska, Dancehall and Rocksteady also. The music and its beat is a major part of Jamaican life and this is how the island is described by the travel industry through film and other various media.

It is interesting to know that the term “reggae” came from the Jamaican word “streggae”, which describes a person who dresses a little on the raggedy side. The story tells that one day a couple of friends started dancing and imitating the streggae. Their newly invented dance and beat was named reggae. It became popular worldwide in the 1970′s mostly through the work of the amazing musician Bob Marley.

Jamaica is an island rich with history dating back to 1655 when England gained control of the island from Spain. With the slave trade, England moved many native Africans to the island. Cultures, languages and religion were blended by the people. The one-drop rhythm, the basis of Reggae, is distinctly African in nature.

There are some other traditional sounds in Jamaica, as part of the culture, including folk music, waltzes, ska and calypso. While Ska is a melodious blend of rhythm and blues, with harmonious vocals and horn instruments, Calypso, or mento, is a mix of African and European music, with acoustical instruments, guitars and banjo. Calypso actually emerged in the mid 20th century and spread throughout the whole Caribbean territory.

In conclusion of this article, there is no doubt about the fact that Jamaican music will remain very popular in most areas of the world. This wonderful music takes us to a mystical place, so different from our usual day to day life scenario, the upbeat rhythms give us a lift and make us happy.

Learn about Bob Marley Legend at www.bobmarleylegend.com.