The origins of Jamaican music can be traced back to the 1950s, with the emergence of ska and rocksteady. Ska was a fast-paced, upbeat style of music that combined elements of Caribbean mento and American R&B. It had a distinctive offbeat rhythm that the guitar and piano played.

Rocksteady, which emerged in the mid-1960s, was a slower, more soulful style of music that emphasized the bassline and featured more complex harmonies.

Ska and rocksteady were popular in Jamaica and helped lay the foundation for Jamaica’s later musical styles.

The popularity of this genre extended beyond the island’s shores; it also impacted music globally. Ska, in particular, influenced the development of reggae music, which became the most well-known genre associated with Jamaica.

Ska’s offbeat rhythm is still present in modern reggae music, and many reggae artists started out playing ska and rocksteady. Jamaican music continues to evolve and diversify, with genres like dancehall and dubstep gaining popularity. However, the roots of Jamaican music go back to the lively, infectious sounds of ska and rocksteady.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, reggae emerged as the dominant music genre in Jamaica. Bob Marley and the Wailers were at the forefront of this movement with their socially conscious lyrics and infectious rhythms.

Reggae was characterized by its heavy basslines, syncopated rhythms, and use of the “skank” guitar technique. Marley’s music, in particular, helped popularize reggae around the world and cemented Jamaica’s reputation as a musical powerhouse.

Today, reggae continues to be a popular genre in Jamaica and beyond, with artists like Chronixx and Protoje carrying on the tradition.

Reggae music has its roots in Jamaica’s ska and rocksteady scenes, which were popular in the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the emergence of Bob Marley and the Wailers that reggae truly took off. Rastafarianism, a spiritual movement that originated in Jamaica, had a significant impact on Marley’s music. His lyrics often dealt with social and political issues such as poverty, oppression, and inequality.

Marley’s music was also characterized by its use of the “one drop” rhythm, which emphasized the second and fourth beats of each measure. This rhythm, combined with Marley’s soulful vocals and the Wailers’ tight harmonies, created a sound that was both infectious and socially conscious.

Today, reggae music continues to be a powerful force in Jamaica and around the world, with artists like Chronixx and Protoje carrying on the tradition of Bob Marley and the Wailers.

In the 1980s, a new genre emerged from Jamaica called dancehall. Dancehall was characterized by its faster rhythms, electronic instrumentation, and more explicit lyrics. Artists like Yellowman, Shabba Ranks, and Buju Banton became popular in Jamaica and around the world.

Dancehall continued to evolve in the 1990s and 2000s, with artists like Beenie Man, Sean Paul, and Vybz Kartel pushing the genre in new directions. Today, dancehall remains a vibrant and influential genre in Jamaica and beyond, with artists like Popcaan and Koffee carrying on the tradition.

Dancehall’s rise to prominence in the 1980s was a reflection of the changing social and political landscape in Jamaica. As the country struggled with economic hardship and political violence, dancehall provided an outlet for young people to express themselves and escape their troubles.

The genre’s fast-paced rhythms and catchy hooks made it perfect for dancing, and dancehall parties became a staple of Jamaican nightlife.

Dancehall’s popularity continued to grow in the 1990s and 2000s as artists incorporated elements of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music into their sound. Today, dancehall remains a vital part of Jamaican culture, and its influence can be heard in genres like reggaeton and Afrobeats.

Jamaican music has had a significant impact on global culture, influencing genres like hip-hop, reggaeton, and dubstep. The infectious rhythms and catchy melodies of Jamaican music have captivated audiences around the world, and the country’s artists have become cultural icons. Bob Marley, for example, is one of the most recognizable figures in music history, and his message of peace and unity continues to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Today, Jamaican music remains a vital part of the country’s cultural identity and a source of inspiration for musicians everywhere.

Jamaican music has a rich history that spans multiple genres, including ska, rocksteady, reggae, and dancehall. Each of these styles has its own unique sound and cultural significance, and they have all played a role in shaping the country’s musical landscape.

American R&B and jazz, for instance, had a significant impact on ska when it first emerged in the 1960s. It featured upbeat rhythms and horn sections, and its popularity helped to establish Jamaica as a major player in the global music scene.

Reggae, on the other hand, is known for its slower tempo and socially conscious lyrics. It emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was popularized by artists like Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Today, reggae remains one of the most recognizable genres of Jamaican music, and its influence can be heard in everything from pop to hip-hop. Overall, Jamaican music profoundly impacted global culture, and its legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans globally.

Jamaican music has a rich and diverse history encompassing a range of genres such as ska, reggae, dancehall, and dub. Numerous cultural and social factors, such as the island’s colonial past, political unrest, and economic difficulties, have influenced this music.

Despite the challenges, Jamaican music continues to evolve and is relevant to modern audiences worldwide. Today, a new generation of artists is emerging. They incorporate traditional Jamaican sounds with contemporary styles like hip-hop and electronic music, creating a fresh and unique sound. The fusion of traditional and modern music has contributed to the popularity of Jamaican music globally and helped elevate the genre to new heights.

One of the most significant trends in Jamaican music today is the growing movement towards conscious and socially conscious music. Artists like Chronixx and Protoje use their platforms to address social issues such as poverty, inequality, and political corruption. 

Furthermore, dancehall remains dominant in Jamaican music, with artists like Shenseea and Spice pushing the genre forward with their bold and provocative lyrics. Also, artists like Skilli Beng, with a new sound called Trap Dancehall, is making waves on the international scene. Trap music, a subsection of hip-hop, influences this style heavily. 

Dancehall has seen a resurgence in popularity, with a new wave of artists bringing a fresh approach to the music.

Jamaican music continues to be a powerful force for cultural expression and social change. Its ability to blend traditional sounds with contemporary styles and a conscious and socially aware approach ensures that the genre remains relevant and essential to modern audiences.

The post A Brief History Of Jamaica Music Genres: From Reggae To Dancehall appeared first on EDB Travel.

1. Mi soon com
2. Wah Gwaan
3. Nuh problem mon/man
4. Jus roun de carna/jus up de road
5. Yeh man or yeh mon
6. Mon/man
7. Yu gud
8. Irie Mon/man

The Jamaican language is colorful and exciting, direct and not discreet as the English Language. There is no gentle way to express some ideas. Certain Jamaican patois phrases might be offensive if you are unfamiliar with the culture. Also, translating some words direct into English might confuse you because they mean different things depending on the speaker, facial expression, situation, and voice tone. 

Although the majority of Jamaicans speak Patois, the official language is English. Therefore everybody understands basic English and can communicate with someone using that language. 

Here are some patois phrases and what they mean. 

Jamaican cookout in the country

“Mi soon com” is a frequently used Jamaican patios phrase on the island. 

English translation : 

1.  I will be there shortly.
2.  I will be back soon.
3.  I will soon arrive. 
4. I am on my way.

You will be in a world of frustration if you take this phrase literally. However, “Mi soon com”, in Jamaica could mean just that; I will be there shortly. It all depends on the context and the speaker.

 Here are some situations where you might hear this patios phrase and what to expect. 

a) Someone owes you money. “Mi soon com”, could mean you will never see them again, the next day or the following year. But, on the other hand, they might be giving assurance or buying time until they can pay you.  

b) Waiting for your friend to pick you up at 8 am, call at 8:05 to find out what happened and if they will arrive soon. “Mi soon com” could mean they are just getting out of bed or running an errand and will get to you shortly. Either way, an hour’s wait will be excellent by Jamaican standards. 

c) Hiring a repairman or tradesman in high demand, “mi soon com,” could mean days or weeks. It’s just comforting you until he fulfills his contract with other clients he probably told the same days or weeks ago. 

Jamaican wedding

“Wah Gwaan?” Translate to “what’s happening.”  

It could mean “what’s happening” or “what is going on?”

We also use it as a form of greeting. As in saying, “what’s up” or “how are you?” The speaker is not asking “what’s happening” but just a Jamaican way of saying “hi.” You can respond by saying, “nothing much,” or “mi deh yah.” Which translates to, “I am here” or “I am ok.” 

In some situations, this Jamaican Patios phrase could spark a lengthy conversation with a total stranger. They could tell you what is happening in the environs presently or what’s happening to them personally. If you are caring and sympathetic, you could hear a sab story most times just taking advantage of your feelings, hoping to get some material or financial benefit. 

“Nuh problem man” is probably the most popular Jamaican Patois phrase foreigners know. It was made popular by tourism advertisers and tourists who want to forget about their worries and have a good time. 

“Nuh problem man” translates to “no worries or no problem.” It is used as reassurance or saying, “everything is ok.” Sometimes it simply means ” ok. “

In the direst moment, a Jamaican will look you in the eyes with the most reassuring voice and say, “nuh problem man,” and start offering you solutions. 

“Jus roun de carna” or “Jus up de road” are misleading Jamaican patios phrases, especially in rural areas. They use it when giving direction. Its English translation is “nearby” or “just around the corner. “

The furthest thing from the truth, “Jus roun de carna,” could have you traveling for miles before reaching your destination. 

The country areas seem to have a different metric system for measuring distance. For example, one mile appears to measure five urban miles. So if a person in rural Jamaica tells you “jus up de road,” prepare to travel for miles before reaching your destination. 

Rural village in Jamaica

“Yeh man” is one of the popular Jamaican Patois Phrases; it is a favorite among tourists and frequently used in regular conversation on the island. Some foreigners might think it’s made-up words tourists use to sound cool, but it is not. 

“Yeh Mon,” translated to English, is “yes man”. In Jamaican Patois, it means yes, or you agree.

 “Mon”/man” is not peculiar to any age, sex, or gender. It is attached to some patois phrases such as “nuh problem mon” (no problem), “com yah mon” (come here), “luk yah mon” (look here), “irie mon'(everything is ok), and “yeh mon” (yes).   

Jamaicans use “mon/man” in most of our conversations. But it has always been debated whether we are saying “mon or man.” I have observed that some speakers say “mon” while others say “man.”

Male speakers trying to sound cool or masculine tend to say “mon” instead of “man.” On the other hand, tourists often use “mon” when trying to speak like a Jamaican. So tour guides and workers in hospitality perpetuate this because it sounds cool, and they want guests to feel comfortable. But in most instances, we say “man.” 

“Yu gud?” is the Jamaican way of asking if you are ok. For example, if you are at a party or just hanging with some friends, someone might come over and ask, “yu gud?” The appropriate response would be, “yeh mon/man”, “mi gud”. If you are ok and “no man/mon” if you’re not. 

“Irie mon” is another famous Jamaican patois phrase on the north coast. Everywhere there is some business with “irie” in its name. “Irie mon” is Jamaican, but the Rastafarians mostly use this phrase. It means mellow, feel good, good vibes, or just a way to say “hi” after somebody greets you. 

“Irie,” or “irie mon,” started in the sixties and seventies with the rise of Rastafarians. They have a creative way of using different expressions or playing with words to distinguish themselves from the rest of society. 

Tourists love saying “irie mon,” which made it popular along the North Coast. Even a radio station is named Irie FM. 

Movies and cartoons depicting a chilled Jamaican “irie” or “irie mon” are always in their dialect. 

It is funny because the average Jamaican dont use that phrase often in their speaking. I can’t even recall ever using it or people in my environs. But, probably, if you are around Rastas, you would hear “irie mon” quite often. 

A Rastaman walking on the beach

Although most Jamaicans speak Patois, English is our official language, so we all understand basic English. Jamaicans talk fast but listen keenly, and you will get the gist of the conversation because most Jamaican patio words derive from English. However, knowing some commonly used patois phrases will speed up communication. 

While it would be flattering to greet us in our language, knowing what is said and giving the appropriate response is good enough. So need to go overboard trying to talk like a Jamaican; it can come off weird or disrespectful.

Check out this post for helpful travel tips. Then, sign up to receive my best Jamaica travel content. 

Want to learn the Jamaican accent and how we pronounce certain words? Check out this video on youtube.

The post 8 Helpful Jamaican Patois Phrases You Should Know appeared first on EDB Travel.

Many people don’t know their significance or care. I was once such a person. Since discovering the movie “Light House,” I started taking notice of these unique monuments. They are prominent and hard to miss.

The shoreline beside Plumb lighthouse in Kingston

Lighthouse brief history

Lighthouses have developed from a fire on a hill that guides ships into ports to sophisticated signaling equipment controlled remotely. Construction of these monuments adapts to improvements in technology, getting better with each advancement.

In ancient times lighthouse functioned as a marker for port entrance rather than warming from dangerous reefs and rocks. However, the transatlantic trade caused a shift in the early eighteen century. They became important tools to assist ships with navigation and warn them of hazards.

There was an explosion in construction to keep up with the rapid expansion of the shipping industry. Improvements in technology made it possible to construct more power lighthouses.

As navigation technology improved in the twentieth century, reliance on lighthouses declined. They are expensive to maintain and are not profitable. So they use a cheaper alternative.

The modern construction method and automation eliminated the need for lighthouse keepers. There is no need for regular servicing, so a full-time worker is unnecessary.

Despite the reduction in numbers, there are still many worldwide. Some still perform their original function, while others serve sites and tourist attractions.

The history of lighthouses in Jamaica

Although Jamaica was a major transshipment hub, the first lighthouse did not come to the island until 1841, seven years after emancipation. A crew of free African men built it. These men were among free Africans who came to Jamaica after the British abolished slavery. Morant Point in Saint Thomas is where this monument is located.

It was the first in the western hemisphere to use cast iron for construction. Alexander Gordon designed the Morant Point lighthouse, which George Grove constructed.

The Jamaica National Heritage Trust lists this lighthouse as a monument of considerable importance to historians and industrial technology.

In 1886 the government passed the law for the construction of lighthouses to aid ships safely navigating Jamaica water. This is forty-five years after the construction of the Morant Point lighthouse.

The seven lighthouses protected by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) all have a unique history.

Folly Point Lighthouse was built in 1888 in the parish of Portland. The fireproofed tower is masonry constructed. It flashes a white light of 2 seconds duration followed by 8 seconds of darkness. The light is visible for a distance of thirteen miles.

Folly lighthouse is popular with tourists that visit Portland. They also visit the folly ruins, which is an abandoned mansion built in the early 1900s.

The Plumb Point lighthouse on Great Plumb Point (between the Norman Manley International Airport and Port Royal) is the second oldest lighthouse in Jamaica.

Built in 1853, eleven years after the Morant Point lighthouse, it is the second oldest on the Island. Since its construction, the lights have only gone out once. That was during the 1907 earthquake.

Local sandstone makes the bottom half, while cast iron constructs the top. Plumb Point Lighthouse has two lights, a red beam pointing in a southerly direction and a white light pointing in an easterly direction.

Plumb Lighthouse, built in 1853, the second-oldest lighthouse in Jamaica

They constructed this lighthouse in 1841 at the southern end of Saint Thomas. It was the first lighthouse built in Jamaica. it is a tube made entirely of cast iron ship from England. It was the first of its kind in the western hemisphere. The Morant Point lighthouse is one hundred feet long, with a diameter of five feet at the base and three feet at the cap.

Morant Point Lighthouse

At the extreme western end of the Island is the Negril Point Lighthouse. This white 66 feet tall concrete tower, light is elevated 100 feet above sea level. The lighthouse has an automatic white light that flashes every two seconds.

The French company Bubbler & Bernard built the Negril Lighthouse in 1894 on a tank 14 feet deep. They fill this tank with water to keep the tower balanced and secure in an earthquake.

This cylindrical tower has an elaborate light enclosed in a metal and glass protector. The Negril Lighthouse uses solar energy.

Tourists often visit this lighthouse; you can also view it from Ricks Cafe.

Negril Point Lighthouse

Lover’s Leap Lighthouse is in Saint Elizabeth and is the most recent lighthouse built in Jamaica by the Port Authority. Standing at approximately 1600 feet above sea level. Three sources powered this lighthouse, electricity, a generator, and a set of batteries. There is an observatory deck and restaurants nearby.

The Portland Point Lighthouse is in Clarendon. It has the highest tower on the Island, standing at 145 feet. This lighthouse is at latitude 170 44′ 9″ north and 770 9′ 58″ west on the summit of the Portland Ridge, near the southernmost point of the Island. The Tower flashes a white light every 15 seconds.

Near Port Maria in Saint Mary is the Galina Lighthouse. This tower is over 40 feet high, made of concrete, and painted white. The light is approximately 60 feet above sea level. This Lighthouse flashes a white light of 1.2 seconds duration, followed by 10.8 seconds of darkness.

It is solar-powered.

Negril Point Lighthouse is the best place to explore if you are on the north coast. It is a superb place to watch the sunset.

A caretaker will be happy to give you a tour; however, it might come at a minimal cost.

Hop over to Rick’s Cafe, go for a dive, drink, and watch the sunset.

Plumb Point Lighthouse is perfect if you are in Kingston. There are plans to develop it as a tourist attraction. You might not get access to this property from the primary entrance. However, you can enter from the shoreline. Port Royal is about 15 minutes away.

Click here to learn more about Port Royal.

For those in Portland or Saint Mary, Folly Lighthouse is an excellent place to start your exploration. It is possible to get close to this monument, but the doors are closed, and there is no caretaker. While there, check out Folly ruins, or take a boat ride to Monkey Island.

Of all the lighthouses mentioned, Lover’s leap lighthouse is the only one developed to accommodate tourists. There is an observatory where you can view the rugged coastline. Restaurants are on the property, and a trail goes down to the sea.

Thanks for stopping by.

The post Folly Lighthouse_ A Brief History Of Lighthouses In Jamaica appeared first on EDB Travel.