Reggae Music=***

Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.

Reggae music is very different from other musical styles in that the emphasis is placed on the off-beat, usually by a rhythm guitar, piano or synthesizer. When people dance to disco or pop music, they move in time with the bass or bass drum beat, but dancing to reggae music involves moving in time with the off-beat.
The tempo is usually quite slow and relaxed. The lyrics of reggae songs are usually influenced by politics, social situations and the Rastafarian way of life.
The lyrics of typical 'roots' reggae songs involve much reference to the Rastafarian religion. For example, 'Jah' (God) refers to the embodiment of the faith, the emperor of Ethiopia at the time the religion was founded (1930), Haile Selassie. Rastafarianism is based on parts of the Bible, but more so on what is called the 'Holy Piby' or 'black man's bible', as well as the Kebra Negast of Ethiopia.

Reggae is known for its tradition of social criticism in its lyrics, although many reggae songs discuss lighter, more personal subjects, such as love and socializing. Some reggae lyrics attempt to raise the political consciousness of the audience, such as by criticizing materialism, or by informing the listener about controversial subjects. Many reggae songs promote the use of cannabis (also known as herb), considered a sacrament in the Rastafari movement. There are many artists who utilize religious themes in their music — whether it be discussing a specific religious topic, or simply giving praise to God (Jah). Other common socio-political topics in reggae songs include black nationalism, anti-racism, anti-colonialism, anti-capitalism and criticism of political systems and "Babylon".

Some Artists that made Reggae Music popular:
• Bob Marley, The biggest Reggae star ever!, "Roots, Rock, Reggae"
• Jimmy Cliff, "The Harder They Come"
• Toots and the Maytals, Recorded first Reggae song, "Do The Reggay"
• Johnny Nash, "I Can see Clearly Now", "Stir It Up"
• Ziggy Marley, Son of Bob Marley, "Tomorrow People"