What are the different styles of Jamaican music?

* Originated in the 1940s

* Characterized by acoustic guitars, banjos, and percussion instruments

* Often used for social commentary

* Notable Mento artists include The Jolly Boys and Lord Flea

Ska

* Originated in the 1950s

* Uptempo, danceable music

* Characterized by fast guitar strumming, double-time drumming, and a walking bass line

* Notable ska artists include The Skatalites and Desmond Dekker

Rocksteady

* Originated in the mid-1960s

* Slower, more relaxed tempo than ska

* Characterized by the use of organ and electric guitar

* Notable rocksteady artists include Alton Ellis and Otis Redding

Reggae

* Originated in the late 1960s

* Characterized by a relaxed tempo, heavy bass, and syncopated rhythms

* Often used for spiritual or political commentary

* Notable reggae artists include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff

Dancehall

* Originated in the late 1970s

* Characterized by its strong, syncopated rhythms and Jamaican patois lyrics

* Often associated with violence and crime

* Notable dancehall artists include Shabba Ranks, Supercat, and Beenie Man