Difference between reggae and contemporary reggae and roots reggae?

Question

Difference between reggae and contemporary reggae and roots reggae?

Answer 1

I would say that the real answer to this question is still in dispute.

REGGAE - In the broadest sense, most of the popular 'street' music of Jamaica is loosely defined (by some) as 'Reggae'. This 'sound', groove and spirit emanates from Kingston even today. It responds to and shapes many different aspects of Jamaican culture and society.

DANCEHALL (Contemporary??) - In more specific terms, the freshest, most popular music in Jamaica today is DANCEHALL. There are two schools of thought with regard to this:

1. some say it is a sub-genre of reggae, that has evolved through changes in technology and media. It has a faster pace, is more 'discardable', and tackles a broader range of social issues inclusive of many issues that are viewed to be 'less than wholesome'.

2. Others say dancehall IS NOT reggae. They believe that the popular music (for all the differences described) has evolved so much that IT IS NOT reggae anymore. It doesnt hold the same production quality, mission, musical signature or lyrical values.

ROOTS REGGAE - Is the term loosely used to describe music that maintains more of the traits of the original reggae form.  Typically this is a 'one drop' signature, with more unifying topics.

MY OBSERVATIONS

Personally i have found that artistes, musicians, producers who have had significant success in both roots reggae and dancehall tend to be less inclined to declare dancehall as 'not reggae'. This includes producers such as Sly & Robbie and Don Corleon.

On the other hand, people who have mostly Roots Reggae hits (and limited success with dancehall tracks), such as Peter Lloyd, tend to declare easily and without hesitation, that "dancehall is not reggae".

My opinion? Reggae is an international brand denoting Jamaican music. Its still the umbrella under which most of our music is sold....regardless of the tempo.