Jamaican songs from the 1980's

Jamaica is known for its rich musical culture, producing some of the most significant music genres such as ska, reggae, dancehall, and dub. In the 1980s, Jamaica was at the peak of its international recognition for its music, with many artists gaining mainstream success. In this article, we take a closer look at the music scene in Jamaica during the 1980s.

Dancehall

The 1980s saw the rise of dancehall music. Dancehall is a type of reggae characterized by its fast beat, electronic instrumentation, and lyrics that often revolve around dance, politics, and social issues. Dancehall tunes were played on sound systems- a DJ or selector playing on a powerful sound system- at local parties and dances, with dozens of sound systems emerging in Kingston during this decade.

One of the most well-known dancehall DJs of the 1980s was Yellowman, famous for his humorous lyrics and outrageous performances. Other big names during this time included Shabba Ranks, Lieutenant Stitchie, and Super Cat, all of whom gained international success.

Reggae

Reggae music in the 1980s continued to evolve, with many artists blending traditional reggae with emerging dancehall style. Artists such as Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, and Dennis Brown continued to produce the roots reggae sounds that were instrumental in taking reggae mainstream in the 1970s. Bob Marley also continued to be influential in the music industry during the 1980s, even after his death in 1981.

Dub

Dub music, a subgenre of reggae characterized by the use of reverb and echo effects, continued to influence musicians in the 1980s. Dub saw a resurgence in the 1980s with the emergence of artists such as Scientist and King Tubby, who pioneered the use of drum machines and other electronic effects.

The 1980s stand out as a significant period for Jamaican music. During this decade, dancehall overtook reggae as the most popular music genre, paving the way for many iconic DJs and artists to rise to fame. The unique sound of Jamaican music continued to evolve, with traditional reggae and dub making way for new sounds that took the world by storm. To this day, Jamaica's music scene continues to be vibrant and influential on the global stage.