Reggae took shape in Jamaica in the late 1960s as a development of ska and rocksteady. Its defining rhythmic feature is the accent on the second and fourth beats of the bar, creating the signature “rocking” effect, opposite to the European march.
Bob Marley (1945–1981) brought reggae to the world stage and made it the voice of the fight for freedom, peace, and racial dignity. His album Exodus and the posthumous compilation Legend are classics of world music. Other important artists: Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear. Reggae shaped hip-hop (through dub) and punk (The Clash). In Ukraine the reggae scene is represented by the band Komu Vnyz (in select tracks) and solo projects.
