Meaning
Roots reggae — the conscious, Rastafari-and-social-themed reggae of the 1970s, singing of Africa, faith, freedom, and the struggle of the oppressed. More broadly, 'roots' means one's origins and heritage, the ground one springs from, and 'roots an culture' names the whole conscious, righteous tradition set against 'slackness'. To be 'roots' is to be authentic, grounded, and true to one's heritage, and the word gathers up music, identity, and values into one, naming the deep, conscious taproot of Jamaican culture and self-understanding.
Examples
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Him play pure roots an culture.
He plays only conscious roots reggae.
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Wi haffi know wi roots.
We have to know our origins.
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Roots music feed di spirit.
Roots music feeds the spirit.
Origin
From English 'roots' (origins), taken up in reggae for music grounded in African heritage and Rastafari consciousness.
How it’s used
In music, the opposite of 'slackness' — 'roots an culture' is deep and conscious. Beyond music, it simply means one's heritage.