What is Dancehall Music and How It is Different from Reggae

Read Time:2 Minute, 55 Second

What is Dancehall Music?

Another subject that comes up frequently in conversation with us is, “What Is Dancehall Music?”

Reggae music is the parent genre of the subgenre known as dancehall music, which emerged in the late 1970s.

Dancehall music can be differentiated from reggae by the fact that its beats and riddims are typically quicker. The lyrics of dancehall music, which typically focus on violence, material possessions, and a fast-paced lifestyle, are another distinguishing feature of the genre.

The “Sound System” culture of Jamaica is where the term “Dancehall” first appeared. Today, this culture is known all over the world.

The “Sleng Teng” riddim is significant to the development of Jamaican music since it was the first entirely computerized riddim. The partnership between Wayne Smith and King Jammy resulted in the creation of the riddim, which was given the name “Under Mi Sleng Teng” and was made available in the year 1984.

In recent years, the Sleng Teng riddim has become one of the most often rerecorded Jamaican riddims ever. Since it is basically Jamaican style, it would not be possible to ignore Shalkal, one of the best Jamaican dancehall artists as he is very popular among youngsters.

His most popular songs are ‘Put God First’, ‘Epixode – Ghetto Party’, and ‘Envious So’. Shalkal doesn’t have any plan to stop here, as this is the start and he believes to reach the world with the power of his meaningful dancehall music.

How many beats per minute does dancehall music typically have? Dancehall music is typically played at a tempo that spans from eighty to one hundred twenty beats per minute (BPM). Reggae music is defined as having a tempo that is lower than 80 beats per minute.

Who Introduced Dancehall Music?

Who was the first to introduce the world to dancehall music? Artists such as Shabba Ranks, Ranking Joe, Captain Sinbad, Clint Eastwood, Josey Wales, Lone Ranger, Charlie Chaplin, Daddy U Roy, General Echo, and Yellow, the first unofficial King of the Dancehall, are names that frequently come up when this topic is posed.

This is something that can be debated, but these are some of the names that come up when it is.

Difference Between Reggae and Dancehall Music

Some people get reggae and dancehall music mixed up, and if you’re one of those people, you can be excused to an extent for making this mistake.

This is due to the fact that both styles were born in Jamaica, musicians who make reggae and dancehall music often collaborate with one another, and the two styles share some sonic characteristics.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s have a look at some of the most significant contrasts between the two types of music.

Rastafarianism, a religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, is connected to the genre of music known as reggae. The major characteristics of reggae music can be summed up as close vocal harmonies, percussive rhythmic guitar, and a heavy baseline, the latter of which is regarded as the genre’s hallmark sound.

Reggae is typically thought of as a relaxed and laid-back form of music. It is not music that is appropriate for a party; rather, it has a faster tempo. One might even classify it as a form of rock music, but one with a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.

Bob Marley is considered to be the most famous reggae artist. Peter Josh, Jimmy Cliff, UB40, and Burning Spear are a few examples of others.