The Story of Reggae and Ska
Music · Culture · History
Where it all began
Born in Jamaica, ska and reggae grew from the island’s rich musical traditions and went on to inspire audiences around the world.
Ska emerged in the late 1950s, blending Jamaican mento and Caribbean rhythms with American jazz and rhythm and blues. Its upbeat tempo, lively brass and distinctive offbeat rhythm created an irresistible dance sound. Artists such as The Skatalites, Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker helped bring Jamaican music to international attention.
During the mid-1960s, ska’s pace slowed into rocksteady, giving greater prominence to soulful vocals and deep basslines. By the late 1960s, reggae had emerged, with its distinctive rhythms and songs exploring love, everyday life, faith and social justice.
Late 1950s
Ska
Mid-1960s
Rocksteady
Late 1960s
Reggae
Late 1970s
2 Tone ska in Britain
A sound that travelled the world
Bob Marley and the Wailers carried reggae to a worldwide audience, alongside influential artists including Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, Peter Tosh and Burning Spear. In Britain, Jamaican communities helped the music flourish, while lovers rock brought a romantic British sound to reggae through artists such as Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson.
Ska enjoyed a new wave of popularity in late-1970s Britain through the 2 Tone movement. Bands including The Specials, The Selecter and Madness combined Jamaican rhythms with the energy of punk and a new generation’s experiences.
From ska’s joyful brass to reggae’s powerful basslines and uplifting choruses, these sounds continue to bring generations together - a lasting celebration of Jamaican creativity, identity and musical influence.
