There is something stirring up in the Caribbean - the return of a popular and authentic roots reggae scene. I love the reggae music that come out of
Jamaica in the 1970s, before the cheesy reggae of the 80’s and 90s in the search for world wide appeal and commercial success.
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| Protoje |
After the 1970s in Jamaica, reggae had been influenced by dance and rap creating the genre known as Dancehall which became the dominant genre since the 1980s with sex, violence, materialism and dancing as key lyrical themes. Dub Poet Mutabaruka explained, “If 1970s reggae was red, green and gold, then the next decade was gold chains”. Each to their own, but Dancehall left me cold.
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| Jah9 |
Recently there has been resurgence in the roots reggae style
that I loved from the 1970s. These are
young Jamaican talents using bands and real instruments. Usually carrying a
spiritual vibe of the Rastafarian religion and full of social comments, rebel stances,
laidback grooves and plenty of ganga.
The new roots reggae scene has been dubbed the Reggae Revival.
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| Raging Fyah |
Whilst returning to the themes and sounds of the 1970s, these new acts do not sound dated or function as tribute bands. These are exciting artists who have become popular in their homeland by playing roots reggae and deserve wider attention.
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| Chronixx |
This playlist includes some great selections from the leading lights including Chronixx, Raging Fyah, Jah9, Dre Island, Kelissa and Protoje, . It’s a punky reggae party.
