France: the 5th nation of Reggae?

[Mick Sleeper]

Except that Canada has a huge Jamaican population, and is closer to Jamaica in terms of authenticity (and yes, to me, "authentic" reggae has to be Jamaican or at least from the Jamaican diaspora). Leroy Sibbles or Jackie Mittoo have enjoyed significant careers in Canada, not in Europe...

But my point is that Canada's reggae scene is not nation-wide. It's mainly in Toronto, which is as far away from my home town as Moscow is from London. So it would be like if France's reggae scene was only in Paris. Yes, Canada has a strong reggae scene, but it's very regional.

Also, cats like Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo, Lynn Taitt, Willi Williams, and others might have had long careers in Canada, but largely their music didn't get noticed outside of the Jamaican / West Indian community in Toronto. I interviewed Willi and Lynn, and both of them spoke of the frustrations they had in bringing reggae to a wider audience in Canada back in the 1970s and 80s. I think now it would be a much different story.

[Mick Sleeper]

The view of Jamaican music's influence on the world has to be looked at through a broader lens, as in today's world "reggae" is not just about Europeans trying to recreate the sounds of the 60's and 70's.

Well said, Davek!

[vlad]

Interesting replies, beyond expectations, thanks to all.

Innovation is an interesting theme. I see France's Gainsbourg as an innovator when it comes to reggae, blending the countries national hymn with Sly & Robbie, applying french language - and his very own vive - to great "authentic" jamaican reggae

Babylon rules
Justin Hines forever

[Dub Thomas]

This is a very "First World / Eurocentric" view of the world.

If you travel to Central or South America, you can't avoid seeing how HUGE Reggaeton (derived from late-80's style Dancehall) is in the "emerging" world. Whether you like the music or not, these are the regions where Jamaican music has fused with local styles to create a unique hybrid which has taken life in the mainstream, not just on the fringe.

yes ... latin america has a big reggae scene. Brazil, Mexico, Argentina. Read my first post