Reggae, Roots Rock | by admin
The Thematic Differences Of Roots Rock And Dance Hall Reggae
Although the etymology of the term “reggae” is still disputed up to this day, the influence of this musical genre has already spread to the far reaches of the globe from its humble beginnings as the “voice of the downtrodden” in Jamaica’s main Kingstown ghetto known as Trenchtown. It no longer matters if it was Bob Marley, Derrick Morgan, or Toots Hibbert who first coined the name of the musical genre that blended American-influenced R&B and jazz with Jamaica’s own folk music and percussions. What matters now is that, after it first became popular with the international audience, the music has never ceased to touch the souls of the listeners.
Nonetheless, even if the music touches the soul of the listeners, there is still another battle being waged, i.e., the evolution of reggae’s subgenres has sparked criticisms from proponents of different genres. Perhaps the subgenre that has received the biggest criticism is dance hall reggae. It has nothing to do with the music but with the lyrics. Recently, some dance hall artists have been involved in controversy regarding the lyrics of their songs, which espoused anti-gay sentiments. Performance artists in this genre have witnessed countries cancelling their shows because of their involvement in the controversy.
Now, we don’t want to take sides. This post only aims to clarify the thematic differences between roots rock and dance hall reggae. At the least, we can help create a better informed readership.
So, roots rock reggae. The praise of the Almighty (Jah), emancipation from oppression, poverty, and resistance to government forces are the predominant themes of the lyrics in this subgenre. For musicians, you have the notable Bob Marley and Big Youth whose music is categorically of this subgenre. Marley’s Rastafari leanings introduced the religion to the rest of the world, and have cemented the almost stereotypical impression that reggae artists are all adherents of the Rastafari faith.
Dance hall reggae was born due to the social and political changes experienced by Jamaicans in the late 1970s. The changes caused local audience to seek music that is more in tune to what is happening in their own communities. Roots rock was usually geared for an international audience, and dance hall was more for local consumption. The spiritual, resistance, and emancipation themes were replaced with themes of violence, dancing, and sexual expression. Early dance hall greats include Don Carlos, Triston Palmer, and Bunny Wailer. Yellowman is another dance hall artist who was the first Jamaican to be offered a contract by a major American recording company.
