Jamaica's Reggae Legacy

Bob Marley is the most famous Reggae singer and was responsible for carrying its message to the world. A message? That's right Reggae is the musical expression of the Rastafarian Religion. Rastafarians believe the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie was divine and heed his call for non-violence and the end of superiority of one race over another.

You may see dreadlocks all over Jamaica, but that does not make them Rastafarians. In fact probably no more than 20,000 Jamaicans are true believers yet they have made a hugh impact on the culture of the island and in the world. The beard is the male sign of his pact with God (also referred to as Jehovah or Ja). The Dredlocks (which are never cut) are a sign of his link with the Lion of Judah and a symbolic sign of strength.

Rastas study the bible (especially the old testament), reflect, meditate and work on the "I" or the inner divinity. The studies are reflected through ceremonial use of Ganja, believe in physical exercise and express themselves through the arts, poetry and music.

Reggae is the infusion of Calypso that came from Trinidad and Tobago in the 1950's and R&B which was coming in from the United States. Reggae can mean "Coming from the people" or "Revival" and it exploded on the global scene in the 1970s with musical Reggae prophets such as the Late Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Bunny Wailer and the legendary Bob Marley. The music influenced world famous musical groups such as U2, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, UB40, Elton John and Jimmy Buffet.

The rythmic and almost hypnotic Reggae beat crosses political and racial lines and injects lyrics and messages of spiritual truth, anti-greed, government wrongs, social injustice and racial harmony. Reggae did not die with the death of Bob Marley in 1981. His son Ziggy Marley has achieved world fame as well. But many purist believe that true Reggae is being lost with the newer beats of soca and the more "hostile" lyrics of rap. Some people like to say that soca makes you dance and Reggae makes you think.

Live Music Venues in Jamaica

In Montego Bay

• Toby Inn - Laidback with live music, this place attracts people from far and wide with its inexpensive but good jerk pork and chicken dishes. Then they stay for the live music.
• The Cave Disco - Live music. (876.952.4070)
• The Scarlet Keg on Pier 1 - More live music. (876.952.2452)
• Sir Winston's - And even more live music. (876.952.2084)

In Ocho Rios

• Acropolis - Lively nightclub and disco.
• Little Pub - Enjoy live music while downing Red Stripe Beer and local dishes.

In Negril

In Negril most of the action occurs along Norman Manley Blvd. and West End Road. Once you arrive in Negril, it doesn't take long to get wired into all the action. There are lots of outdoor venues here that offer reggae concerts on an almost nightly basis.