roots reggae
what it is
Roots reggae is a subgenre of reggae that deals with the everyday lives and aspirations of Africans and those in the African Diaspora, including the spiritual side of Rastafari, black liberation, revolution and the honouring of God, called Jah by Rastafarians. It is identified with the life of the ghetto sufferer, and the rural poor. Lyrical themes include spirituality and religion, struggles by artists, poverty, black pride, social issues, resistance to fascism, capitalism, corrupt government and racial oppression.
✦ 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 roots reggae a playlist
turn these 32 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is roots reggae?
Roots reggae is a subgenre of reggae that deals with the everyday lives and aspirations of Africans and those in the African Diaspora, including the spiritual side of Rastafari, black liberation, revolution and the honouring of God, called Jah by Rastafarians. It is identified with the life of the ghetto sufferer, and the rural poor. Lyrical themes include spirituality and religion, struggles by artists, poverty, black pride, social issues, resistance to fascism, capitalism, corrupt government and racial oppression.
What are good roots reggae albums to start with?
Try Heart Of The Congos by The Congos, Sinsemilla by Black Uhuru, Blackheart Man by Bunny Wailer, and Hebron Gate by Groundation.
Who are some women making roots reggae?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/roots-reggae/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making roots reggae, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20