1. Most believe that the word Reggae comes from the Jamaican slang term “rege-rege” that means ragged, because it is a mix of different music styles sewn together. Others sustain that the term Reggae comes from the Latin “regi”, meaning “to the King”.
2. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word Reggae.
3. Reggae originated in downtown Kingston, where the major studios like Studio One and Treasure Isle were located. This is also where most of Reggae’s icons were either born, raised or got their big break, including Bob Marley and The Wailers, Dennis Brown, John Holt, Bob Andy, Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd.
4. Reggae Month is celebrated in February, which was chosen because the King (Bob Marley) and the Crown Prince (Dennis Brown) of Reggae were born during it. The first Reggae Month was celebrated in 2010.
5. Ska and rocksteady were the precursors of Reggae, which developed different genres such as roots, dub and dancehall. For more, read “The Origins & Evolution of Reggae Music“.
6. Reggae gets its distinctive sound from placing its rhythmic accent on the off-beat, which is what reggae artists call “skanking.” Another characteristic is that the role of the bass and guitar are essentially reversed, with the bass playing a melodic lead line and the guitar providing rhythm. For more, discover “10 best reggae documentaries“.
7. In 2018, UNESCO inscribed Reggae on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on the following basis:
“Having originated within a cultural space that was home to marginalized groups, mainly in Western Kingston, the Reggae music of Jamaica is an amalgam of numerous musical influences, including earlier Jamaican forms as well as Caribbean, North American and Latin strains. In time, Neo-African styles, soul and rhythm and blues from North America were incorporated into the element, gradually transforming Ska into Rock Steady and then into Reggae. While in its embryonic state Reggae music was the voice of the marginalized, the music is now played and embraced by a wide cross-section of society, including various genders, ethnic and religious groups. Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual. The basic social functions of the music – as a vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice, and a means of praising God – have not changed, and the music continues to act as a voice for all. Students are taught how to play the music in schools from early childhood to the tertiary level, and Reggae festivals and concerts such as Reggae Sumfest and Reggae Salute provide annual outlets, as well as an opportunity for understudy and transmission for upcoming artists, musicians and other practitioners.”
Sources
digjamaica.com
bigreggaemix.com
factinate.com