The Worldly - A World Culture Web Magazine and 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

Reggae Regained
A look at the popular genre's roots, and the recent resurgence of its popularity

Original posting: December 2003 Issue

by VIVIEN LUK, staff writer

Bob Marley, weed, and Rastafarianism. What do such things have in common? If it is not obvious yet, the answer is reggae. Reggae music sprang from Rastafarianism, the movement that spread the words love, freedom, and spirituality. Lyrics of reggae artists spread the world of Rasta, Rastafarianism in short. They tell a story about the struggles of African slaves and African people in general. Their fight for freedom is a common theme in reggae music as well.

Several artists come into mind when one speaks of reggae: Bob Marley, Sean Paul, and Beenie Man. Bob Marley is undeniably the epitome of a reggae artist. He is definitely one to utilize his music to preach the Rasta beliefs. His sound is mellow and soothing, while his strong lyrical contents add power to his music. Some of his most famous hits were “No Woman No Cry,” “Buffalo Soldier,” and “I Shot the Sheriff.”

Sean Paul is a dancehall reggae artist who made a breakthrough recently with hits like “Gimme the Light” and “Shake That Thing”. His popularity keeps skyrocketing as he continues to collaborate with some of the industry’s most prominent artists. Sean Paul’s sound is more closely associated with dancehall reggae, a style which is more upbeat than reggae itself. With catchy beats and half naked dancers, his songs and music videos are always in the rotation on MTV and VH-1.

A musical genius whose career began at the tender age of 5, Beenie Man, now 30, is looked upon as one of the superstars of dancehall reggae. His first album was launched when he was 10, and he is still making hits such as “Feel it Boy,” a collaboration with superstar Janet Jackson. Beenie Man’s lyrics cover a wide range of issues from politics to pop culture.

It is without a doubt that no one can or will ever replace the great Bob Marley, but artists like Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley, are definitely telling people that reggae is only going to gain popularity. Reggae, especially dancehall reggae, will be the sounds to listen for in the near future. It is already on high demand and many reggae and dancehall reggae artists are hitting the mainstream market. They are not sell-outs but artists who are not afraid to give the public a taste of their flavors and a piece of their minds.

Even though many people associate reggae with weed and drug users, it certainly does provide music to a broader amount of people than that. Reggae is music you can chill to. It brings people together and promotes unity. It creates more peaceful zones in this world. Reggae is not something people listen to and get rowdy over. It puts you in a relaxed mode; it creates euphoria. Everybody needs a little reggae in his or her life. Reggae is an excellent choice for parties, road trips, and those days when you stay at home because it’s pouring outside. Reggae selects no particular audience but is chosen by new listeners entranced by its rhythm, veteran loyalists, and those who just can’t get enough of it.