Ska Music

In music, “ska” refers to a genre of fast-paced, danceable music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s. It’s characterized by a strong beat, off-beat rhythms, and a prominent use of brass instruments, often with horns and saxophones. Ska is considered the precursor to rocksteady and reggae. 

JAMAICAN MUSIC: SKA to REGGAE to DRUM AND BASS

Early Jamaican ska bands included the Skatalites, Desmond Dekker, Toots And The Maytals, and Byron Lee And The Dragonaires.

By the late 1960s, reggae and rocksteady music would become the most popular genres in Jamaica, pushing ska music to the backburner. 

The Skatalites played and recorded most of their popular songs between 1963 and 1965. They were a Jamaican ska band that was among those responsible for the birth of the genre, producing hit tracks like Guns Of Navarone.

In addition to their own music, the group backed other popular acts like Bob Marley & The Wailers on their song Simmer Down.

Click here for your copy of The Skatalites