This children’s article, A kids’ guide to reggae music, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about music history, and explore the cultures connected to reggae. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
Where reggae began
Reggae music started in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It grew out of earlier Jamaican styles called ska and rocksteady, which already had strong beats and danceable rhythms. Reggae slowed the music down a little and added a heavy bassline that made people want to move.
The songs often told stories about everyday life, love, or important social issues. Reggae quickly became more than just music; it was a way of expressing new ideas and important feelings.
Famous reggae stars
The most famous reggae artist of all time is Bob Marley. With his band, The Wailers, he spread reggae music across the world with hits like One Love and No Woman, No Cry. Marley’s songs spoke about peace, unity, and freedom, making him an icon far beyond music.
Other important reggae stars include Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Burning Spear. Each brought their own style, but all helped reggae become a global sound.
Reggae and culture
Reggae has deep connections with Jamaican culture, especially the Rastafarian movement. Rastafarians often wear dreadlocks, celebrate peace and equality, and use reggae as a way to share their beliefs.
But reggae is also important in many other places. In Africa, the Caribbean, and even Europe, people connected with reggae’s messages of justice and hope. It became music for people who wanted change in the world.
Reggae’s importance today
Today, reggae is still loved everywhere. There are reggae festivals in countries all over the world, and many modern artists mix reggae with other styles like hip hop, rock, or pop.
In 2018, UNESCO (a United Nations group) even recognised reggae as an important world cultural treasure. That means reggae is not just fun to dance to, it’s also part of human history!
Article vocabulary list
- Bassline – The deep, low notes in music that set the rhythm
- Icon – A very famous and respected person
- Rastafarian – A religious and cultural movement from Jamaica
- Dreadlocks – A hairstyle where hair is twisted and locked into rope-like strands
- Justice – Fairness and the idea of everyone being treated equally
- Unity – People coming together in agreement or friendship
- Cultural treasure – Something important to the traditions and history of the world
- Movement – A group of people with shared ideas and goals
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where did reggae music begin?
A) Jamaica
B) Brazil
C) Nigeria
Answer: A) Jamaica
2. Which two music styles came before reggae in Jamaica?
A) Jazz and hip hop
B) Ska and rocksteady
C) Rock and blues
Answer: B) Ska and rocksteady
3. Who is the most famous reggae artist?
A) Jimmy Cliff
B) Peter Tosh
C) Bob Marley
Answer: C) Bob Marley
4. Which cultural movement is strongly linked with reggae?
A) Rastafarianism
B) Buddhism
C) Christianity
Answer: A) Rastafarianism
5. What special recognition did reggae receive in 2018?
A) A Grammy Award
B) UNESCO called it a world cultural treasure
C) It was made into a school subject
Answer: B) UNESCO called it a world cultural treasure
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
