About Roots reggae
Roots reggae is a music genre that emerged in Jamaica in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of reggae.
Well-known performers associated with it include Burning Spear.
Roots reggae has given rise to 1 subgenre on this site, such as Dub poetry.
From Wikipedia
Roots reggae is a subgenre of reggae that deals with the everyday lives and aspirations of Africans and those in the African Diaspora, including the spiritual side of Rastafari, black liberation, revolution and the honouring of God, called Jah by Rastafarians. It is identified with the life of the ghetto sufferer, and the rural poor. Lyrical themes include spirituality and religion, struggles by artists, poverty, black pride, social issues, resistance to fascism, capitalism, corrupt government and racial oppression. A spiritual repatriation to Africa is a common theme in roots reggae.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Roots reggae.
Key artists
- Burning Spear
Related genres
Frequently asked questions
What is Roots reggae?
Roots reggae is a music genre that emerged in Jamaica in the 1960s. It is usually classed as a form of reggae.
Where and when did Roots reggae originate?
Roots reggae originated in Jamaica in the 1960s.
Who are famous Roots reggae artists?
Burning Spear.