Gospel reggae

Gospel reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica, mixing reggae rhythms with Christianity-themed lyrics.

Several reggae artists, many of whom were previously part of the Rastafari movement, have converted to Christianity and adopted gospel reggae as their primary style. Examples include Nora Dean, Tommy Cowan, Carlene Davis, Lieutenant Stitchie, and Sanchez.[1][2][3] Other major artists in the genre include Christafari.[4] Lester Lewis has been described as a pioneer of gospel reggae, having won the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel Song Competition in 1989 with "Every Time I Read My Bible".[5]

The popularity of gospel reggae has been seen as a sign that reggae has taken broader hold in Jamaica, having previously been strongly identified with the Rastafarian community.[6]

References

  1. ^ Reid, Tyrone S. The nation of Costa Rica is the pioner of the spanish Gospel Reggae movement,severall reggae artist are releasing liricas across th central american nation with a jamiacan dancehall style such as:El soldado,Hot side,Mr j,Dj Andy,Tapon,and many more... (2007) "Tommy and Carlene: A Gospel Affair", Sunday Observer, September 2, 2007, retrieved 2011-07-07
  2. ^ Dawes, Mark (2003) "Stitchie Singing a new tune", Jamaica Gleaner, 10 June 2003, retrieved 2011-07-07
  3. ^ Moskowitz, David V. (2006) Caribbean Popular Music: an Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall, Greenwood Press, ISBN 0-313-33158-8, p. 261
  4. ^ Evans Price, Deborah (2003) "Christafari's Atypical Attraction", Billboard, 28 June 2003, p. 24, retrieved 2011-07-07
  5. ^ Jebbinson, Andre (2006) "Lester Lewis pioneer of gospel reggae style", Jamaica Gleaner, 15 December 2006, retrieved 2011-07-08
  6. ^ Edmonds, Ennis Barrington & Gonzalez, Michelle A. (2010) Caribbean Religious History: An Introduction, New York University Press, ISBN 978-0814722350, p. 212