reggae
what it is
Reggae is a music genre that was first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, following the development of ska and rocksteady. The term "reggae" more properly denotes a particular music style that was strongly influenced by traditional mento and calypso music, as well as American jazz and rhythm and blues. Reggae incorporates elements of various genres, including African music, rhythm and blues, mento, and calypso.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make reggae a playlist
turn these 40 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is reggae?
Reggae is a music genre that was first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s, following the development of ska and rocksteady. The term "reggae" more properly denotes a particular music style that was strongly influenced by traditional mento and calypso music, as well as American jazz and rhythm and blues. Reggae incorporates elements of various genres, including African music, rhythm and blues, mento, and calypso.
What are good reggae albums to start with?
Try Clandestino by Manu Chao, Dutty Rock by Sean Paul, Natty Dread by Bob Marley & The Wailers, and Mama Africa by Peter Tosh.
Who are some women making reggae?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/reggae/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making reggae, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20