Roots Reggae

Roots reggae centres Rastafarian spirituality, African identity, and social protest in the 1970s one-drop style — heavy bass, spiritual lyrics, and studio bands at Channel One, Joe Gibbs, and other Kingston facilities.

Why it matters: Roots reggae is the moral and sonic backbone of Jamaica's global image. Burning Spear, Culture, and Bob Marley's 1970s work still frame how outsiders understand the island's music and politics.