Saturday 19 June 2010

Jamaican Reggae Migration

As you already may know, Jamaican Reggae artists, Lord Kitchener, Bob Marley, Angélique Kidjo, and Ziggey Marley played a significant role in migrating the Reggae musical genre to the UK. However, they were not the only artists that represented for the Jamaican culture. During the 1970s, Reggae had a strong influence on the UK. Dancehall or Drum n' Bass outside of Triphop and UKG(UK Garage) are considered to be one of the three main genres to take place in the UK's Hip Hop industry. These two Jamaican genres has shaped the vocal and dance styles within the UK reggae and hip hop scene.(14)



DANCEHALL
For instance, Jamaican and dancehall singer, Gyptian has managed to lead the charts in the dancehall genre. According to BBC 1Xtra, the end of May 2010, Gyptian single "Hold Yuh" had peaked at number 91 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 33 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, number 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs Chart and had been at the top of the Reggae Digital Songs chart for nine consecutive weeks.(15)(16)

Dancehall and toasting is considered to be conjoined in definition. Dancehall music is, in its most basic form, a deejay toasting (or rapping) over a riddim also known as a reggae rhythm. Dancehall is also known as bashment, a term which can refer to either the music itself or a large party where dancehall music is played.

DRUM N' BASS

Drum and bass is a type of rave music which emerged in the mid 1990s. The genre is characterized by fast breakbeats, heavy bass, sub-bass lines, and occasional infra-bass lines. Drum and bass began as an offshoot of the United Kingdom rave scene of the very early 1990s. Over the first decade of its existence, the incorporation of elements from various musical genres led to many permutations in its overall style. The Drum and Bass genre tend to be very popular with Nigerian and Jamaican decent rappers. The international Jamaican Grammy winning artists Sean Paul and Wayne Wonder has known to be prime examples of using Drum and Bass with their music.Although, Sean Paul and Wayne Wonder may not be the only one, who has had a grand influence on the UK nation in using Drum n Bass. UK's artist, S.P.Y has firmly established himself as one of the most exciting producers and DJs in drum & bass.(17)
He managed to climb the charts with his new hit "Favel," which BBC 1Xtra has placed the hit in the top 10 list for this month.


As for Sean Paul, one of his most famous world wide hit, "Get Busy" climbed the Billboard charts in the UK and the US. Not only influenced by Drum n' Bass, but Dancehall was also integrated within his music. Here is a video peek from his music video "Get Busy."

In this video, you will be able to see the dances that are incorporated within this genre of music. It provides a taste of both Jamaican and African ritual dancing; however, it is mixed with today's contemporary American and British style of hip hop dancing.

Wayne Wonder is also a leading Reggae and dancehall artist from Jamaican decent. He has also used both dancehall and drum n' bass to gain attention in the UK. Here is one of his most famous hits, "No letting Go."

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