| I have written articles before on reggae music but | | | | see and experience crime. It was no different for |
| they were for the most part pretty much historical. | | | | Jamaica. Political unrest goes far back in our history |
| They included information on where and how reggae | | | | and is still present. I believe that many of the artists |
| originated. Now, here is a bit about my obsession | | | | who came out of Jamaica were politicians in their |
| with this music and why. | | | | own right and they used their music to fight for the |
| Reggae to me is not just a great beat or music just | | | | people. They were partially inspired by pain and |
| to dance to. Many songs in the reggae genre are | | | | suffering. This is where I believe roots reggae came |
| spiritual in their sound and lyrics. Songs performed by | | | | from. |
| artists such as Bob Marley, Luciano, Abijah, Garnette | | | | In contrast to the crime Jamaica is also full of religion |
| Silk, Dennis Brown amongst others consist of not | | | | whether Presbyterian, Anglican, Rastafarian, or other. |
| simply great lyrics but a message. A message that | | | | Therefore, it is not unlikely that our music would be |
| inspires, motivates, and reminds us of the past and | | | | influenced by worship as well. Some of the lyrics and |
| where we are coming from. If you have never | | | | even the instruments originated here. |
| gotten into this music it is probably because you can't | | | | So much of what I feel about this music is of course |
| connect the lyrics or relate to the history of the | | | | based on my experiences. I would think that the |
| people. | | | | easiest way to fall in love with this music as I have is |
| Growing up in Jamaica for me was not as hard as it | | | | to at least visit the island, speak to the people, and |
| was for those before me yet there were some | | | | experience some of the culture. You can also visit |
| challenges. Crime was always very present in our | | | | Jamaica when Reggae Sunsplash or Reggae Sumfest |
| community and around the rest of the island. Any | | | | is being held. This should give you a thorough lesson |
| country or city that has a corrupt government will | | | | on reggae music. |