Lesson 3A: Move to the Groove

1 What do people think of first when asked about Jamaica? For many, the sun, turquoise sea and white sand are the first things that come to mind. But there’s more to Jamaica than just sandy beaches! For example, coffee lovers will surely think of the Blue Mountain,      . And sports enthusiasts  will mention the Jamaican Olympic heroes,      ! However, what most people think of first is music. Jamaican music has always been the heart of the island: Kingston, the island’s capital, is the birthplace of ska, reggae and many other music genres. If you ever visit Jamaica, make sure you bring your dance shoes with you!

2 One of Jamaica’s most popular art forms, which is known for its upbeat tempo and energetic dance moves, is ska. In the late 1950s, when it originated, ska was a synonym for having a good time. No wonder: the music was new, fast and exciting! But this new dance craze really hit Jamaica in the first half of the 1960s,      . The island was going through a cultural revival, and ska reflected the optimism of that period. And a decade later it hit the clubs of London! Even the chart-topping Beatles,      , helped popularise the ska sound.

3 Reggae music,      , was more downbeat and much slower in tempo. Bob Marley and his band, the Wailers, became world-famous reggae stars in the 1970s. Marley was
an artist      . He fought for the rights of black people, and he used reggae music to call for social change. He made conscious music. His lyrics are meaningful and speak of human rights, unity, peace, love and hope. But, at the same time, music encourages people to forget their troubles and move slowly to the rhythm. Marley managed to inspire people of all cultures and races, and he still continues to do so. No wonder he became a Jamaican cultural icon!