Reggae is a combination of traditional African rhythms, American rhythm and blues and indigenous Jamaican folk conventions. The synthetic style is strictly Jamaican and includes offbeat syncopations, up-stroke guitar strums, chanted vocal patterns and lyrics associated with the religious tradition of Rastafari . Though many commercial ventures have been made into Babylon via reggae the strict monetary sentiment is antithetical to many of the religious elements but not the political aspects of Rastafari.
Many performers are rastafarians.
After the death of Bob Marley, the style lost much of its international energy, with the exception of a few bands such as Black Uhuru and Steel Pulse, and singer Linton Kwesi Johnson, a Jamaican poet living in England. Contemporary reggae draws from Rastafarian ritual drumming, chanting, and mysticism, thus slowing down the tempo and giving emphasis to the music's social, political, and humanistic messages. However, during one very hot summer, it was too hot to either play or dance to ska, so the beat was slowed down and reggae was born. It has crossed into the mainstream through the bright, bouncy 'Reggae Sunsplash' festivals and pop-oriented bands like UB40, but more adventurous reggae artists, such as Marley and Perry, have influenced countless reggae, folk, rock and dance artists. Their contributions resonate throughout popular music.