Meaning
The world-famous Jamaican music genre that grew out of rocksteady around 1968 — marked by its offbeat 'skank' guitar, deep bass, and often conscious, Rastafari-rooted lyrics. Carried across the globe by Bob Marley, it is Jamaica's greatest cultural export.
Examples
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Reggae music tek Jamaica to di worl.
Reggae music took Jamaica to the world.
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Di offbeat skank mek reggae special.
The offbeat skank makes reggae special.
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Bob Marley a di king a reggae.
Bob Marley is the king of reggae.
Origin
Of debated origin — possibly from 'streggae' (a rough, ragged person) or an African root; the name was fixed by the late-1960s recordings that defined the style.
How it’s used
Grew from ska and rocksteady, and gave rise to dancehall. 'Roots reggae' is its conscious, Rastafari-themed branch.