Oftentimes, those who listen to reggae music are generally considered to be Rastafarians or Jamaicans. But, I’m here to tell you that Reggae music can be enjoyed by anyone. Listening to music from a genre outside of what you are normally used to is not only rich with culture, but you may find out that the people are still the same as you and I.
As one who enjoys many different styles of music, Reggae being one of them, I can honestly say that Reggae music is not limited to Rastas or even Jamaicans. In fact, I have been listening to Reggae for as long as I can remember, and I am neither a Rastafarian nor a Jamaican. I am just a Christian woman who happens to enjoy music with a positive message and a nice beat. Many styles of Reggae music offer both of those features.
While dreadlocks are a cool and interesting style, I don’t have those either. I just love Reggae. Although, I did give my 3 year old dreadlocks because she looks cute in them. However that’s another story, totally irrelevant to the music.
Reggae music has been in America for a long time. However, there are many Americans that have never heard a word of it. Sure, most Americans know who Bob Marley is and maybe even Ziggy Marley. But, when you start rambling off names like Jah Cure, Morgan Heritage, and Buju Banton, many will be left clueless.
As with many genres of music, there are many lessons that can be learned from listening to positive Reggae. Although there are mainstream Reggae songs that speak about using women, just like many other mainstream songs, if you listen to the words in many Reggae songs not played on the radio, there is almost always a message or lesson to be had. Take for example, the song “Tomorrow People” by Ziggy Marley. The chorus says. “Tomorrow people, where is your past? Tomorrow people, how long will you last?” A possible meaning may be referring to growing old too quickly and taking advantage of what life has to offer before it’s too late. Another part says “So you’re in the air, but you still don’t have a thing to spare. You’re flying high while we’re on the low.” This could be referring to people who have many riches, but do not care to share them with others. This song goes on to teach a very good lesson, as do many other reggae songs. Ziggy Marley is well known for songs with a meaning.
Another reggae song, by Jah Cure, talks about the importance of love with these lyrics in the chorus: “Love is, much more to life than just words. Love means, much more than to say you love. Love is, call on me brother. Love is, call on me sister.” When he says “Call on me brother”, it’s like when we Americans would say “to be able call on my brother when I need him. This is a very important lesson that could not only be taught to children, but to adults as well.
As you can see from the examples above, reggae music can be universal, as with many other types of music. A person only needs to be open to listening to something he or she is unfamiliar with. Not all reggae music is sung in Patois (the language that is only partially English) or with a heavy accent. However, even when it is, it can still be very beautiful, and just like music from many other countries and cultures, is still worth giving a chance.
If you need help finding reggae artists to listen to, please contact the author by clicking her picture or simply do an internet search for “reggae music.
