Island Reggae = Hawaiian Reggae
Recognized as one of the most important artists of the 20th Century, Robert Nesta
“Bob” Marley’s popularity has grown exponentially since his passing at the age of
36 in 1981. Marley’s music, which continues to reign supreme in the hearts of fans
the world over, put reggae solidly on the world map and inspired generations of islanders
to develop their own style, called Hawaiian Reggae.
Hawaiian Reggae emerged as a power player on the island music scene in the 1980’s,
and increased in popularity over the years. Incorporating strong Hawaiian and island
style local flavor with smooth groove infectious beats, Hawaiian Reggae which is
also called Island Reggae, has become as main stream as traditional Hawaiian and
Island Contemporary, earning its official place in 1991 with a Reggae category at
the annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, Hawaii’s version of the Grammy’s.
Feel good island music is how many visitors describe Hawaiian Reggae. Harmonious
vocals mixed with laid back island rhythms put a bounce in your step and make you
want to hop on the Reggae train, It’s not unusual, when venturing out to music venues
in the evening, to see bunches of Reggae fans dressed in red, yellow and green Rasta
colors packed onto a tiny dance floor skanking their hearts out, experiencing the
joys of Hawaiian Reggae!
Drawing on an array of influences, from rap and R&B, to Island Contemporary and Traditional
Hawaiian, the lovers’ rock feel of Hawaiian Reggae is decidedly upbeat and draws
primarily on themes of island life and love. Island Reggae fans enjoy mixing local
favorites with classic reggae.
Compilations like the “Island Love Shack” and “Reggae in Paradise” series, which
mix Hawaiian Reggae artists with National and International Reggae artists, are extremely
popular. Since most popular Hawaiian artists like Justin Young, Norm, Kawika Regidor,
Troy Fernandez and Ka ala Boys love the smooth grooves of Island Reggae, you can
find selections of this very popular genre on all of their albums. Over thirty years
has passed since the world lost Bob Marley, but the essence and spirit of his beloved
Reggae lives on in Hawaiian Reggae.
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