Authentic Reggae Music

Authentic reggae music was developed in Jamaica in the 1960s. The term reggae, coined by Frederick "Toots" Hibberts of Toots and the Maytals is from the colloquial Jamaican word Streggae. Source: JamaicanS.com. 

What is exclusive reggae music and authentic reggae music? Is there such a thing? If there is, what constitutes it? Let's break the question down, examine it and explain it. By doing so, it may help you to understand the point of view. First, let's look at the meaning of the words, then apply them to the context of reggae music. So, what does it mean? There are two definitions of exclusive I want to use to illustrate the first point.

Exclusive is; something that prevents other things from being true: and secondly, the only source of something restricted to a limited number of people. With those in mind, let's move on to the meaning of authentic.

Authenticity refers to the proven fact that a thing is legitimate or real and not fake, which gives it the term authentic. Now, how does all of this apply to reggae music?

The origin or root of reggae music is in Jamaica. It encapsulates the emotions and moods of the indigenous, which makes it exclusive reggae music. Reggae music is Jamaican folk-rock reggae music which connects to the soul, spirit, mind and heart of the people of Jamaica. Within reggae music, you'll find the story of the birth, history, struggles of the country, politically, socially and economically. Within those struggles, reggae music brings hope, joy and happiness. It is this music that binds, soothes and identifies Jamaican people. It is all these combining elements that make for exclusive reggae music.

Authentic Reggae Music

While searching for other views on authentic reggae music; I stumbled on an interesting article stating that the "Jamaican Government and Reggae music insiders were finalising plans to give reggae music a stamp of approval with the Authentic Reggae(music) Label".

As mentioned earlier, the origin or root of authentic reggae music is in Jamaica. From another perspective, we could say reggae music originated in the people of Jamaica. 

Reggae music runs deep in the hearts of Jamaicans, whether or not you are born and bred in Jamaica. It's in the spiritual DNA of the people. It's our roots, culture, heritage and legacy; you could even say it's our birthright. Again, that makes it even more authentic reggae music. The deep bass and drum that's in reggae is the heartbeat of our music, which goes back to Africa. It's this that envokes the emotions making it alive, followed by a syncopated rhythm which gives it motion. All that said, can it be inclusive? 

To add further insight into this subject, read what UNESCO declared about authentic reggae music, reported by the INDEPENDENT.