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Jamaican Street Dance History
Jamaica's street dance culture dates back to the late 50's early 60's. In anticipation of Jamaica gaining independence from Britain, the late 50's brought about a new found spirit of nationalism. Inspired by this, local jazz musician and pioneering producer "Coxsone" Dodd was driven to create a uniquely Jamaican dance sound. This music was called Ska and fused American jazz and R&B with Jamaican mento, and featured a strong bass and drum rhythm section, guitars, keyboards and brass. Rocksteady, and later, reggae eventually evolved from ska in the late 1960's.More...