Reggae

Reggae is Jamaica's best-known export — a family of rhythms and vocal styles from the late 1960s onward marked by emphasis on the third beat, bass weight, and often Rastafarian or social themes, recognised by UNESCO in 2018.

Why it matters: Reggae names both a genre and a national symbol. From Bob Marley to dancehall's digital era, understanding reggae's internal branches prevents flattening a diverse island sound into one stereotype.