Every year on July 1st, International Reggae Day celebrates reggae culture and its influence on Jamaican music.
Reggae developed in the 1960s and evolved into a popular style of music. With its roots in Jamaica, Reggae music is an integral part of the Jamaican culture. It is a mix of rhythm & blues, calypso, African, and Latin American music.
A heavy four-beat rhythm characterizes reggae music. These beats are carried out by drums, congas, bass guitars, and electric guitars. Another popular instrument in reggae music is the scraper. A scraper is a corrugated stick that the musician rubs with a plain stick.
By the 1970s, reggae music became known around the world. The style of music was especially popular in the United States, Great Britain, and Africa. Many people say that reggae music serves as a voice for the oppressed
Andrea Davis of Jamaica Arts Holdings founded International Reggae Day. Her 1991 visit to Kingston inspired her to start the annual event. During Davis’ visit, she heard a speech made by the South African leader, Winnie Mandela. He discussed the impact reggae music had as people in South Africa fought for equal rights during Apartheid. The first International Reggae Day was held on July 1st, 1994.
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