What is the Difference Between Reggae and Ragga

Reggae and ragga are popular genres of music that originated from Jamaica in the 20th century. Reggae originated in the 1960s, whereas Ragga originated in the 1980s, heavily influenced by Reggae. Despite their common origins, there are several differences between the two genres.

The key difference between reggae and ragga is their instrumentation. Reggae music uses live instruments like guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns while ragga music uses synthesized beats and digital production

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Reggae  
3. What is Ragga
3. Similarities – Reggae and Ragga
4. Reggae vs Ragga in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Reggae vs Ragga
6. FAQ: Reggae and Ragga

What is Reggae Music?

Reggae music is a genre of music that started in the late 1960s in Jamaica. The 1968 song “Do the Reggay” by Toots and the Maytals was the first popular song to use the term reggae. Reggae has origins in traditional Jamaican Kumina, Revival Zion, Pukkumina, Nyabinghi, and burru drumming. The immediate origins of Jamaican reggae are ska and rocksteady. Reggae music is also closely linked to Rastafarian religion and many artists still practice Rastafarianism. Lyrics of most reggae music often include Rastafari spiritual themes, social justice, or political commentary. Moreover, the lyrics of these songs are typically in Jamaican English, Jamaican Patois, or Iyaric dialects.

Reggae music has three main rhythms. The first is a steppers beat, which has a steady quarter-note pulse on the bass drum, often doubled by the bass guitar. This is similar to the “four on the floor” feel often found in popular American music. It also uses rockers beat, which has four quarter notes per bar, but gives more space for syncopation. Lastly, the one-drop beat has a steady sixteenth-note pulse with a backbeat accent from the kick drum and snare drum. The most common instruments used in reggae music are drums, bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, horn sections. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, and Jimmy Cliff are some popular reggae artists.

What is Ragga Music?

Ragga music or raggamuffin is a subgenre of reggae music and dance hall music. Its origins go back to the 1980s Jamaica. This was the time when electronic dance music became popular globally. As technology became more developed and accessible, musicians started to experiment with digital sounds and moved away from traditional instruments.

One of the main features of ragga music is its use of electronic instrumentation. Instead of drumming and bass guitar rhythms used in reggae and dance hall music, ragga used drum machines and synthesizers. Another of its features is sampling, which involves taking a part of one sound recording and using it in another. With this practice, music producers can use a large library of sounds, mixing music from different genres and time periods. Ragga also uses many elements of hip-hop like rhythms, beats, and rapping styles. This is because of the popularity of hip-hop in the 1980s.

Similarities Between Reggae and Ragga

1. Both reggae and ragga has Jamaican origins.
2. They have an offbeat rhythm with prominent and heavy basslines.
3. Ragga is a subgenre of reggae.

Difference Between Reggae and Ragga

Definition

1. Reggae music is a genre of music that originated in the late 1960s in Jamaica.
2. Ragga music is a subgenre of reggae music and dance hall music that originated in the 1980s in Jamaica.

Musical Influences

1. Reggae music was influenced by ska, rocksteady, and mento.
2. Ragga music was influenced by dancehall, hip hop, and reggae music.

Tempo

1. Reggae music has moderate to slow tempo.
2. Ragga music has generally a faster tempo.

Instrumentation

1. Reggae music uses live instruments like guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns.
2. Ragga music has synthesized beats and digital production.

Lyrical Themes

1. Reggae has themes like social issues, love, peace, and spirituality.
2. Ragga has party themes, and themes like street life and braggadocio.

The following table summarizes the difference between reggae and ragga.

Summary – Reggae vs Ragga

Ragga is actually a subgenre of reggae that emerged in the 1980s. Reggae music has moderate to slow tempo and uses live instruments like guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, horns. Ragga music, on the other hand, has a faster tempo with an upbeat rhythm. It mainly uses electronic instruments, synthesizers, and drum machines. This is the summary of the difference between reggae and ragga.

FAQ: Reggae and Ragga

1. What is dancehall style?

1. 1. • Dancehall style is a popular genre of music that emerged from Jamaica in the late 1970s. It’s characterized by its catchy beats, digital sounds, and often includes rapping or toasting over the music.

2. Is ragga the same as reggae?

1. 1. • No, ragga is not the same as reggae. Ragga is a subgenre of reggae. It has a faster tempo with an upbeat rhythm. It differs from reggae by the use of electronic instruments, synthesizers, and drum machines.

3. Are reggae and dancehall the same?

1. 1. • No. Reggae and dancehall are not the same although both originated from Jamaica. Reggae, originated in the late 1960s. It is known for its slower tempo and focus on social and political messages. Dancehall originated in the late 1970s, and it has a faster, more energetic beat and often focuses on party themes and dance.

4. Who created reggae music?

1. 1. • It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact creator of reggae music. However, Toots and the Maytals are credited with popularizing the term “reggae” with their 1968 song “Do the Reggay.” Producers like Coxsone Dodd and Lee “Scratch” Perry and artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff are key figures that helped in developing and popularizing this genre.

5. Who is the king of reggae?

1. 1. • Bob Marley is considered the king of reggae. He is known all over the world as a reggae singer and has influenced many newcomers for many years. Some of his most popular songs include “No Woman, No Cry,” “One Love,” and “Redemption Song.”

Reference:

1. “Reggae Music Guide: A Brief History of the Reggae Genre.” Master Class.
2. “What Are The 10 Types Of Reggae Music?” Kattegat Production Inc.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Bob-Marley 3” By Eddie Mallin – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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