Reggae emerged in Jamaica during the late 1960s, evolving from ska, rocksteady, and calypso with signature offbeat rhythms at 80-110 BPM. Deeply associated with Rastafarianism, the genre addresses spirituality, social justice, and racial inequality through call-and-response vocals. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff brought reggae to global prominence, making it a voice for the oppressed.