Roots Archives Forum

Hiya! (not sure if I'm now posting this a second time in past few minutes but I couldn't seem to see what I'd only just posted!)

Could I please get peoples opinions on how important they feel it is for yourself/other people to know the origins of reggae and it's history. Alternatively do you feel like it is something of the past and we should concentrate on just enjoying the music today? I would really appreciate any comments/ opinions on this matter!!

Thank you!

hi steph not really to sure if its important to know the history or not i guess all people will see this differently , for me the real importance is that there was so much good music back in the day that is still as fresh today, some of these artist got just a few dollars for these tracks that are still being played after 30 40 years ,can the same be said for one direction justin bieber and so called artists hahaha and these guys get millions.

History is interesting but not important. The music is what really matters. And finally the music itself is telling the truth anyway.

Thank you for both your replies!
Please could I get more thoughts on this matter! The reason I ask is because I am in the process of creating a design which celebrates Reggae music and its global achievements, I want to make people proud! I've spent a significant amount of time educating myself on the culture and history and have learnt a great deal about a subject I really knew hardly anything about. I would really value all opinions on how significant the past is for you and others!
Thanks again!!

For me the history of Reggae and JA provide the backdrop with which to listen to the music. So often when I read some reggae history I get an "ah ha" moment, as I understand a lyric , or feeling or an emotion more clearly. I also find it interesting to know the history of who recorded what with who, who paid for it who produced it who mixed it who was in the studio. It all helps to build a picture. The history, the politics the violence, the optimism, the reality for me it all works towards painting a picture that helps me to enjoy the music even more.

That said in the first few years I was listening to reggae I knew none of the history and I still loved the music so I don't think it is necessary.

I guess you could replace the word Reggae (and the music specifics) of my first (and second) sentence with any topic and it would still be true

History is interesting and important. It´s the roots of it all.

Got to agree with i-lion.. History is important.. A people without knowledge of their past is like a tree without roots... Who seh so ..Garvey..peace sir dickie

It depends on how you mean. There are certain aspects of knowing the context and history of the music which elevates the understanding for it. But if we boil it down to the rhythms strictly then I don't feel it's necessary to know the history in order to enjoy the music at all. I have more problems with people acting like they know "the true meaning" of reggae (which most often is described as one love or any other rasta cliché) than people who enjoy the music but wouldn't have a clue that it originated in Jamaica.

But if you want to make a design that celebrates reggae and its global achievement then I would definitely feel that some basic understanding of the history is important – otherwise we might end up with the focus strictly being on some dreadlocks and a mampi spliff.

The design of the Greensleeves 12" sleeves they made quite a nice summary of different kind of genres and sub-cultures within the music ranging from the early days before the actual genre reggae was yet to be played to the late 70's when the dancehall style was just about to blow. Always loved it for trying to show the diversity (and also for being so well executed aesthetically).

http://www.kingbeerecords.co.uk/pics/la ... red_40.JPG

Because if you aim to celebrate reggae then you should celebrate all its wonderful varieties and not focus solely on the roots scene (which unfortunately seems to be equalled with reggae too many times). There is the bubbling dancehall of the early 80's to the hard ragga of the 90's, the mellow lover's rock of the 70's, the skinhead scene with there preference of ska and early reggae, the spiritual roots to the heavy digital UK dub scene, the political dub poetry and much much more.

Good luck in your task and I please show us the result when you're done.