Integration into popular music

Afro-Caribbean music is a blending of musical elements from Africa, America, the West Indies, Europe and the Middle East. Bob Marley, Eddie Grant, UB40, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are all successful artists in the western music scene.

The British Two Tone scene from 1979-1981 , which included bands like The Specials, The Selecter and Madness, developed from the Ska popular in Jamaica and South London in the 1960s.

In the 1980's pop stars like Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and David Byrne mixed Afro-Caribbean elements into their music.

Listen to the extract from Present Arms by the English band UB40, who were heavily influenced by Reggae. Notice the strong bass riff [Riff: A short phrase that is repeated, normally with improvisation and often referred to in jazz music. ] on electric guitar. There are 4 beats to the bar, with beats 2 and 4 are strongly accented.

Now try a Test Bite