Reggae has sustained the test of time. It has evolved from a simple music art form
known as Mento, which was developed in the early 20th century by labour workers
and direct descendants of the still present Maroon Society.

As the art form took shape, it integrated external mainstream influences, such as Rock
and Roll in the 50's, which spurned the Ska music form in Jamaica. With this new
generation of peppy horn melodies and uptempoed vocal sounds, Reggae for the first
time emitted the potential to cross over into the mainstream music industry and finally
share the limelight with the big names of that era. It happened with a mega hit from a
small girl with a big voice, Millie Small, and her debut single "My Boy Lollipop". This
sparked a creative explosion in the local industry and literally overnight labels and
studios popped all over downtown Kingston. The reggaeloution was in full gear.
Artists to emerge from this era was Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, and King
Stich just to name a few. This sparked a creative explosion in the local industry and
literally overnight labels and studios popped all over downtown Kingston. The
reggaeloution was in full gear..

With the war ravaged era of the 60's approaching reggae finally took form with a
mellow beat and mind bending conscious lyrics, and rebel Bands that spoke the words of
the people. The mystical influence of reggae captured fans worldwide and for the first
time ever, reggae was a real influence internationally. Bob Marley and the Wailers
expelled songs of hope and freedom that stretched to the war torn jungles of Vietnam
and the heart aching mothers, girlfriends, and wives in the US, and giving protestors
a voice to carry them on. The song "War" by Bob Marley and the Wailers impacted
the world.

Burning Spear , Culture, Mighty Diamonds and Israel Vibrations followed suit. Then
came the experimental 70's. It was a new stage in the evolution of the art form. The
birth of dancehall came unexpectedly, with Daddy Uroy emerging as a pioneer in the
creation of the new sound. Sound clashes were cultivating quietly in the background,
and dancehall was a new platform for projecting the fledging Sound Industry. Sound
Clashes came to the frontline and it was all about one drop riddims, and versatile
lyrics. Deejay face offs in the dance became common place and it was all about the
"new dance" whatever it might be.

The 80's quietly slipped in and Bob Marley passed away. With the legend gone, it was
left to the upcoming acts to carry on the Icons works, but no one would be able to fill
his shoes. Yellow Man was the man of the moment, and Blood Fire Posse carried out
their first US Tour. Their single "Get Flat" ruled the airwaves worldwide. With the
mainstream Band/group influence infecting Jamaica, Third World emerged with sweet
melodies, unforgettable punch lines and a unique blend of contemporary music and
reggae. They gave us hits such as "96 degrees in the shade", "Sense Of Purpose", and
"Try Jah Love". Chalice came on the scene with the mega hits "Trapped" and "Reggae
Symphony". Shabba Ranks broke new grounds by becoming the first Dancehall Artiste
to sign a Major contract. This spurned a rebirth of the music in the US and Europe
suddenly every Major label suddenly wanted a reggae catalog. Manufactured groups such
as Jamericans came about and fizzled in the process. Cobra, Lady Patra, Tiger, and
Richie Stephens all signed with major labels during this era. But Reggae was about to
take another turn in its rapid state of evolution.

The 90's rolled in with the Japanese discovering Reggae full stream, Yami Bolo took the
Orient by storm and was made a legend in that country. Mystic Revellers released
"Gotta Be a Better Way". Tiger crashed and with it went his career. Beenie Man and
Bounti Killa emerged with a fiery rivalry and a caseful of lyrics. Mid 90's set dancehall
on a rocky foot with a down surge in popularity and a string of gimpy lyrics that never
made sense. Beenie Man and Bounti reigned supreme. The sound alike period came and
went Buju Banton, debuted two albums and joined the ranks of the greats.

Now its 2000. A new era, a new millenium. What does the future hold? Potential is all
around, Mr Vegas, Mr. Lex, Morgan Heritage, Sizza, Tony Curtis, Singing Melody... just
a few who will definitely be around in the not so near future. The next generation of
reggae is currently unfolding. Be There.

BlacFinga - Riddim Reporter

Send comments to newsdesk@riddimjamaica,com