Research Paper on Reggae Music

Reggae is a music genre that started in Jamaica in the 1960s. This genre incorporates several aspects of blues, rhythm, jazz, African music, mento and other genres. Moreover, this genre is mostly led by the drum and bass which makes it very exciting and enjoyable (Rhiney, Kevon, and Romain Cruse). Reggae music presents thrilling and stimulating lyrics which are usually educative, and its performances are captivating to individuals of different races, gender, and age.

Reggae music is defined by fanatical love not race since it is loved by a wide range of people worldwide. Although reggae is mainly associated with people from Jamaica, the genre goes beyond race since it is the favorite type of music among a different variety of people. This is primarily because it does not lend itself to irony, ridiculousness or pastiche that is seen in jazz and hip-hop music. People admire it style of being serious about love or religion, being hard about politics or social challenges, and being thoughtful about being ire (King, Stephen, and Foster).

Besides the race issue, reggae is a favorite genre among individuals of both genders. Despite being dominated and loved by men, reggae has grown to be treasured by a large section of women due to its efficient way of transmitting a message in the society. Besides, many singers have taken over reggae music for example in Jamaica where female singers such as Marcia Griffiths, Phyllis Dillon, and Judy Mowatt have made reggae music successful (Henriques). Other than gender, reggae is cherished by people of all ages. Mostly, youth between 18-25 years typically love reggae music and spend most of their time listening or watching live reggae shows.

Moreover, reggae music is listened by all individuals notwithstanding their class in the society. Initially, reggae had been associated with people of low economic status in the community. They regarded reggae lovers as poor people occupying low classes in the society. However, it has recently been loved by every kind of people including the rich who enjoys not only its lyrical capabilities but also its performances at the music joints. The reason why this genre is loved is that of the belief that reggae music is a message and route to freedom.

However, some kinds of reggae have been portrayed in a negative light because of sexuality issues in their lyrics. Jamaican dancehall has received various kinds of criticisms because of their attitude towards homosexuality and demeaning of women as sexual objects. During performances of reggae dancehall music, the singers engage in brutal attacks and assaults on women, and other visual images show women being portrayed as sex slaves (Henriques).

Regarding religion, the reggae music covers a wide range of individuals including Christians, Buddhists, Islam and other religious people. Initially, famous reggae artists such as Bob Marley helped to spread the awareness of Rastafari religion among his listeners through his appearance and lyrics. However, modern artists have come up with Christianity-themed reggae that is common in Africa and also Islamic relegate that has brought solace around the world. Several messages and lyrics in reggae music refer to God as Jah, and reggae performances in religious institutions has become a common happening throughout the world (King, Stephen, and Foster).

Conclusively, reggae music as a genre has tremendously evolved to be loved by a large number of people of different races, age, race, and gender. People are attracted to its unique way of transmitting useful messages in the society through educative lyrics and lively performance. Indeed, this genre is growing to be popular in the future.

Work cited

Rhiney, Kevon, and Romain Cruse. "Trench Town Rock: Reggae Music, Landscape Inscription, and the Making of Place in Kingston, Jamaica." Urban Studies Research 2012 (2012).

King, Stephen A., and P. Renee Foster. "No Problem, Mon: Strategies Used to Promote Reggae Music as Jamaica's Cultural Heritage." Journal of Nonprofit & Public-Sector Marketing 8.4 (2001): 3-16.

Henriques, Julian. Sonic Bodies: Reggae Sound Systems, Performance Techniques, and Ways of Knowing. Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2011.