Reggae Music: The Heartbeat of the Jamaican People

Reggae music truly is the heartbeat of the Jamaican people. Everywhere you go in Jamaica, whether you are on the Hip Strip in Montego Bay, the seven mile beautiful free beach in Negril, the streets of Ocho Rios, or out in the country, all types of lively reggae music will reach your ears and vibrate your soul.

There are many popular reggae artists in Jamaica, and they vary by the style of reggae music you love. If you like to light a spliff or just relax and be carried away by the sweet relaxing tunes of traditional roots reggae or Rastafari music, you can’t miss the hot and relatively new I-Wayne and his album Lava Ground. His voice will touch your soul, and his messages are smart and political. Popular for a long time, even making music from his former prison cell, Jah Cure is also a must hear. His new album, True Reflections, is wonderful and thoughtful. But don’t overlook his prior albums, especially Freedom Blues. I also always enjoy the classics – Bob Marley, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, and Barrington Levy, just to name a few.

If you want to get up and dance, you can go Back to Basics with Beanie Man, the “Michael Jackson of Jamaica.” Beanie Man is hands down the biggest Dancehall artist ever in Jamaica. His music makes it absolutely necessary to shake your booty. In the dancehall category I must also acknowledge Elephant Man, for his innovative hair and outfits, and his contagious dance moves. You can’t go to a dancehall in Jamaica without someone signalling da plane. Sean Paul and Shaggy have some hits in both the relax and hit the spliff category and the get up and shake it category. And let’s never, ever forget the amazing (if not recently heard from) Buju Banton! “Wanna be loved, not for who you think I am, not who you want me to be, could you love me for me?” Ok, I couldn’t resist.

Last but not least, the ladies of the dancehall need a shout out. If you like to get down and dirty, Lady Saw is the artist for you! Can we say DIVA? She sings quite a bit about her lady parts, but she does her thing in a sexy and classy way – but watch out, she will take your man! “I’ve got your man” is a great track. Cecile and Spice also get shout outs for their bold lyrics and the way they love themselves and generally promote womanhood. In Jamaica, there is a reggae artist for every reggae lover’s taste, mood, and location.