Jamaican Music and Dance
Reggae Music In Jamaica
Reggae (music) Reggae and its derivatives, including dance hall and rock steady, are key for the understanding of Jamaican culture.
This type of music has its origins in Jamaica and can't be claimed by any other nation. The captivating flow of the music has
led to an ever-growing following. The music has an upbeat aspect with constant rhythmic beats. Their early folk music and dance
often played a part in Christian celebrations and holidays. The folk music and dances also told stories. This was a way of communicating
history to the young people. More recently Jamaican dance has the popular music of Jamaica, especially Dancehall styles.
Dance is a part of Jamaican culture and everyday life, and it always has been. Whether European settlers or African slaves,
every new Jamaican brought their own native dances, and many have evolved and combined to form traditional Jamaican dances.
Dance
Each of Jamaica's musical forms has inspired its own dances, but most notorious may be the moves that originated in Jamaica's dance halls.
However, travelers should note that the dances that go along with songs change as quickly as the popular songs themselves, so you'll have to
pick up particular styles once you've reached the island.
Recently, dance styles such as Taliban and the Jerry Springer have made their way around the dance halls of Jamaica. Perhaps not surprisingly,
these dance styles are generally done much the way they sound. Others are dictated by the lyrics of the songs themselves, which dancers follow.
These lyrically inspired dances are generally named for the song or lyrics.
However, dance hall wasn't the first musical style to inspire dances. One of the earliest forms of Jamaican popular music was ska. Ska, too,
had its own dances, and these energetic routines were inspired by the upbeat musical style. There were a few variations of basic ska steps.
With the musical progression into rock steady, the dances slowed down as the music did. Rude boys, in particular, did not wish to dance as fast,
and the slower beats and dances of rock steady allowed them to stay on the dance floor longer. This helped to add to the popularity of the ska-inspired genre
However, travelers should note that the dances that go along with songs change as quickly as the popular songs themselves, so you'll have to
pick up particular styles once you've reached the island.
Recently, dance styles such as Taliban and the Jerry Springer have made their way around the dance halls of Jamaica. Perhaps not surprisingly,
these dance styles are generally done much the way they sound. Others are dictated by the lyrics of the songs themselves, which dancers follow.
These lyrically inspired dances are generally named for the song or lyrics.
However, dance hall wasn't the first musical style to inspire dances. One of the earliest forms of Jamaican popular music was ska. Ska, too,
had its own dances, and these energetic routines were inspired by the upbeat musical style. There were a few variations of basic ska steps.
With the musical progression into rock steady, the dances slowed down as the music did. Rude boys, in particular, did not wish to dance as fast,
and the slower beats and dances of rock steady allowed them to stay on the dance floor longer. This helped to add to the popularity of the ska-inspired genre
Pukkumania
Pukkumina dances are based in the rituals of Myalism, but they are part of the Revival tradition. Pukkumina is a distinct
Revivalist group and not the same as Zion. Most notable for its possession rituals, this group is also famous for its dances.
The rituals themselves differ from place to place, but they all use music and improvised melodies and harmonies to help induce
possession. These three-day festivals include many different aspects, but dancers who surround the leader move in a manner similar
to Turkish whirling dervishes, suggesting East Indian influences as well.
Revivalist group and not the same as Zion. Most notable for its possession rituals, this group is also famous for its dances.
The rituals themselves differ from place to place, but they all use music and improvised melodies and harmonies to help induce
possession. These three-day festivals include many different aspects, but dancers who surround the leader move in a manner similar
to Turkish whirling dervishes, suggesting East Indian influences as well.
Dinki-mini
Dinki Mini originates from the Congolese word ‘ndingi’ which means lamentation or funeral song. Dinkies are celebratory occasions. Although associated with death, the music is lively, joyous, and exciting, intending to cheer the family and friends of the dear person. Dinki Mini was practised openly throughout slavery but is now done mainly during our annual Festival celebration.
However, it is still performed in the parishes of St. Mary, St Ann, St Andrew and Portland, while Gerreh is found in the parishes of Hanover, Westmoreland and St. James. Its popularity came about from the death of Tacky, a hero of the Maroons, as it was performed during his funeral celebrations.
A Dinki-Mini song:
"My ripe tomato, my ripe tomato
Surrounded by a bush
And to reach that tomato, you always have to push
My ripe tomato, my ripe tomato
You can pick my tomato
That is, if you have your right-size tool"
