Music plays an integral role in Jamaica’s cultural identity, forming one of the most recognizable aspects of Jamaican life. Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, has been at the heart of the country’s musical development, serving as a hub for musicians, sound systems, recording studios, DJs, and dance venues. Over the decades, various individuals and groups have shaped the music the world enjoys today. This article explores the historical evolution of music in Kingston, from its traditional roots to the popular genres that have gained international recognition.
Traditional Beginnings
Jamaican traditional music is rooted in strong West African influences, brought to the island by
enslaved Africans. One such tradition, Buru, originated from African musical practices and
provided entertainment for enslaved workers in the fields. Post-Emancipation, Buru musicians
moved to areas like Clarendon, St. Catherine, and Kingston, where their music evolved. Though
Buru became associated with poverty and social stigma, its instruments and rhythms contributed
significantly to emerging Jamaican musical forms such as Mento.
Mento, which gained popularity from the late 19th century to the 1930s, was a fusion of African
and European influences, incorporating instruments such as the piccolo, bamboo fife, guitar,
rhumba box, fiddle, banjo, shakers, and scrapers. Pioneering mento musicians like ‘Sugar Belly’
Walker and groups like the Jolly Boys kept the genre alive for decades. Despite its rural origins,
mento found a place in Kingston, fueling Jamaica’s early recording industry and paving the way
for future musical innovations.
The Influence of Rastafarian Music
The destruction of the Pinnacle Rastafarian settlement in 1954 forced many Rastafarians to
relocate to Kingston’s Back o’Wall slum. Here, they encountered Buru musicians and adopted
African drumming traditions into their religious and cultural practices. Count Ossie, a key figure
in this movement, integrated Buru drumming into Rastafarian Nyabinghi music, creating a
powerful form of expression that would later influence reggae. His group, Mystic Revelation of
Rastafari, gained widespread recognition, bringing Rastafarian music into the mainstream and
shaping the future of Jamaican popular music.
Sound Systems and the Birth of Ska
In the late 1930s, sound systems emerged as an affordable means of entertainment for Kingston’s
lower-income residents. Early operators like Count Nick and Count Goody played American
R&B records at house parties, eventually evolving into large-scale dance events. By the 1950s,
figures like Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and Duke Reid transformed the sound system scene
into a professional industry, paving the way for local music production.
As American R&B shifted towards Rock & Roll, Jamaican sound system operators began
producing their own music, leading to the birth of ska in the early 1960s. Ska blended traditional
mento rhythms with American jazz and R&B influences, becoming Jamaica’s first
internationally recognized music genre. Songs like ‘Independent Jamaica’ by Lord Creator and
‘Forward March’ by Derrick Morgan celebrated the country’s independence in 1962. Uptown
bands like Byron Lee and the Dragonaires further popularized ska, helping it reach mainstream
audiences both locally and internationally.
Reggae: Jamaica’s Most Influential Genre
Reggae emerged in the late 1960s, building upon ska and rocksteady with a slower, more
deliberate rhythm. This genre became a powerful medium for social and political expression,
addressing themes of poverty, resistance, and spiritual consciousness. Artists like Bob Marley,
Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, who first met in Kingston, propelled reggae to international fame.
Reggae’s connection to the Rastafarian movement strengthened during the 1970s, with many
artists using their music to promote messages of unity and African identity. The genre also
introduced dub music, pioneered by studio engineers like King Tubby, who experimented with
remixing and instrumental versions of reggae tracks. Dub, in turn, laid the foundation for modern
electronic music production techniques.
Dancehall and the Digital Revolution
Dancehall music, named after the outdoor venues where sound systems held their parties,
emerged in the late 1970s and gained widespread popularity in the 1980s. DJs, known locally as
‘deejays,’ began toasting—freestyle rapping over dub tracks—creating an energetic and
engaging performance style. King Jammy’s introduction of digital sound production
revolutionized dancehall, making it distinct from reggae’s traditional instrumental approach.
Artists like Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, and Beenie Man helped solidify dancehall’s place in
Jamaica’s musical landscape. The genre’s infectious rhythms and bold lyrics made it a global
phenomenon, influencing hip-hop, reggaeton, and other international music styles.
The evolution of music in Kingston, Jamaica, reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and
resilience. From traditional Buru and mento to the internationally acclaimed genres of reggae and
dancehall, Kingston has remained the epicenter of Jamaica’s musical creativity. The city’s
musicians, producers, and sound system operators have not only shaped Jamaican music but also left an indelible mark on the global music industry. As new generations of artists continue to innovate, Kingston’s role as a musical powerhouse remains undisputed.
In 2008 Reggae Month was officially established by the Jamaican government to celebrate and recognize the country’s most influential genre. The month-long observance takes place every February and was initiated by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, along with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA). It aims to honor reggae’s rich legacy, its pioneers, and its cultural impact both locally and globally. Reggae Month was strategically placed in February to coincide with Black History Month and Bob Marley’s birthday (February 6), as well as Dennis Brown’s birthday (February 1), both of whom were pivotal figures in reggae music. The celebrations include concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and other cultural events designed to highlight reggae’s role in Jamaica’s national identity and its influence worldwide.
Reggae’s Recognition
In addition to national recognition, the genre was inscribed into the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (ICH) on November 29, 2018. The inscription highlighted reggae’s cultural significance and global impact, acknowledging it speaks on issues of love, resistance, and humanity, while also serving as a vehicle for social commentary.
The “livity” of Kingston has played a pivotal role in shaping genres that have left an indelible mark on the world. The legacy of Kingston’s musicians, producers, and sound system pioneers extends far beyond Jamaica, influencing global music movements and inspiring countless artists worldwide. Recognizing its unmatched contribution to world music, UNESCO designated Kingston as a Creative City of Music in 2015, further cementing its status as a cultural powerhouse. This recognition not only honors Kingston’s rich musical heritage but also affirms its role in preserving and evolving the art form.
As Jamaica continues to celebrate Reggae Month each February, the nation remains dedicated to honoring its musical pioneers while fostering new generations of talent. Kingston’s vibrant soundscape ensures that the city remains at the forefront of global music culture, blending tradition with innovation and solidifying its reputation as the birthplace of musical revolutions.
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Jamaica Information Service. 2018. Reggae Music Officially Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible
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Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA). 2022. Reggae Month: Celebrating Jamaica’s
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Written by: Ms. Chelsea Stephenson, Research Officer, ACIJ/JMB