Reggae

Originating in Jamaica during the late 1960s, Reggae evolved from the preceding genres of ska and rocksteady. Its sonic identity is constructed around a syncopated rhythmic framework, most notably the "one drop" drum pattern, which shifts emphasis to the third beat. This foundation is built upon by heavy, melodic basslines and the signature "skank"—a staccato guitar or keyboard chord played on the offbeat. Lyrically, the genre became a primary vehicle for the social, political, and spiritual commentary of the Rastafari movement. Its global dissemination, particularly through the work of artists like *Bob Marley*, cemented its status as a major international music form.