Reggae History

Reggae music is a genre that was created in Jamaica in the 1960s, developing out of ska and rocksteady. The term reggae is said to derive from the word “rege” or “ragged” in Jamaican English, although Bob Marley said the term came from the Latin word “regi,” which means “to the king.” Reggae music was directly influenced by traditional African and Caribbean musics as well as rock and blues. There are many different styles and subgenres of reggae, including roots reggae, dub reggae, rub-a-dub reggae (a combination of roots and dub), rockers reggae, lovers rock reggae, dancehall reggae and hip-hop inspired fusion reggae.