Jamaican Music And Life

Jamaican music is indeed something else. It takes its audience to the tropics, the island's sparkling waters, white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, warm climate and laid back life. At the same time, Jamaican music fills the soul with a certain sense of struggle.

Sometime in the 18th century, the English colonizers brought African slaves to Jamaica, who found freedom solely in music. This spirit of the struggle found its way to Jamaican folk music, which has spawned various musical genres like reggae.

Until today, a trip to Jamaica will take you to the heart of reggae. The truth is Jamaica is a melting pot of musical influence from the neighboring Caribbean islands and the country's Western colonizers.

Ska, for one, traces its roots in Jamaican folk music. From ska, reggae emerged. With some hint of jazz and rhythm and blues, reggae was brought to the mainstream and rose to popularity. Although the country suffers the woes of a developing nation, it is in music, culture and history that Jamaica finds its pride.

Undoubtedly, one of the most celebrated reggae artists was Bob Marley, who was born in Jamaica but later made a name for himself in the United States. In the course of his career, Marley established a very strong fan base and produced platinum-selling albums with hit songs like "No woman, no cry," "Redemption Song," "Red, Red Wine" and "I Shot the Sheriff."

The Jamaican flag sways to the groove of reggae, and images of Bob Marley strumming his guitar follow. If a week of living the reggae life sounds like your kind of fun, then Jamaica should be your next destination.