Afrocentered

Deep reggae-rocksteady-protodub 1968-1976.

Between 1the late 1960's and late 1970's, Jamaica and the Caribbean faced Cold War tensions as socialism clashed with capitalism. In Jamaica, Michael Manley’s socialist PNP opposed the capitalist JLP, fueling violence and instability. Amid this, Jamaican music evolved from ska’s optimism to rocksteady’s soulful reflection and reggae’s Rastafarian spirituality and social consciousness.

Reggae, born of struggle, resonated globally, particularly with England’s working-class mods, skinheads, and punks. Labels like Trojan Records connected Jamaican music to England’s post-Windrush communities, uniting cultures through themes of resilience and rebellion. Dub pioneers like Lee Perry also influenced England’s experimental music, aligning with psychedelic trends. While Jamaica battled ideological extremes, its music transcended borders, becoming a universal anthem of defiance, unity, and hope.