Before Reggae, there was Early Jamaican Sounds. This show will explore the early genres that came out of Jamaica, from the late 1950s continuing until the 60s when Reggae was born. The artists and songs within this show would put Jamaica on a global stage, influencing many bands and sub-cultures in the UK and around the world.

Encompassing a range of sub-genres, Caribbean music offers syntheses of African, European, Indian and indigenous influences.

Diverse sub-genres developed across the Caribbean

Caribbean

With its walking basslines and offbeat rhythms, ska is a fast-paced fusion of American rhythm and blues and calypso – and a source of inspiration for early reggae and rocksteady. 

Jamaica-born progenitor of reggae and rocksteady

Derived from reggae, dub consists of instrumental remixes of existing recordings. Heavy sub-bass is punctuated by spacious echo and ethereal Jamaican patois.

Bass-led instrumental remixes of reggae recordings

The world's favourite Jamaican musical form, reggae offers huge diversity – but is best-known for its languid rhythms, distinctive lyrical content and often beautiful harmonies.

Jamaican export known for its languid rhythms

Reggae

Roots music brings a strong spiritual and social consciousness to classic reggae influences, and is frequently heavily informed by Rastafarianism.

Reggae that emphasises the spiritual and social

Roots

Early Jamaican Sounds

Early Jamaican Sounds showcase the wide range of genres coming out of Jamaica in the mid 20th Century. Expect Ska, Rocksteady & Reggae!

Episode 1

Episode 2 of the Early Jamaican Sounds channel where Rosie Todd perfectly blends Reggae, Roots, Ska and Rocksteady.

Early Jamaican Sounds

Early Jamaican Sounds

Episodes

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Early Jamaican Sounds

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