Jah music : the evolution of the popular Jamaican song / Sebastian Clarke.
| Author/creator | Saakana, Amon Saba, 1948- |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | London : Heinemann Educational, 1983, ©1980. |
| Description | 216 pages, 12 pages of plates : illustrations ; 22 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | Preface -- History and roots -- Rastafari: the concept of the black redeemer -- The birth and development of Jamaican music -- Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer: three modernists -- The power of the spoken word -- The dub masters -- The British scene -- Step forward/backward: the changing future. |
| Abstract | This book is an important work on contemporary Jamaican music whose author has himself been deeply involved in its evolution. The book examines the historical context from which Reggae emerged, including the social and cultural significance of Africa. It traces the origins of the people who settled in Jamaica during the fifteenth century as slaves from Africa, and the manner in which they survived with their song, dance and culture. The book demonstrates the stylistic links with Africa and the different forms of expression in popular Jamaican music. It traces the rise of the distinct and unique Jamaican music, from its original imitation of the Afro-American R&B in the 1950s, through the popularization of this music by the sound systems, and its indigenization in 1962 as Ska: the first profound expression of a Jamaican popular musical identity and sensibility. The book also shows the major contribution that Rastafari has made in the evolution of both Jamaican music and society. The importance of musicians, singers, producers and entrepreneurs in the development of the music, from rock steady to reggae/rockers, is then discussed. There are stories of woe and exploitation, but they do not diminish the impact that the music has made internationally and on national music cultures today. |
| General note | Reprint. Originally published: London : Heinemann Educational, 1980. |
| Bibliography note | "Selected discography": pages 182-186. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN | 0435821407 |