Non-Rastafarian Jamaican Religious Music

The Bongo nation is a different orchestra of Jamaica possibly originated from Congo; there it is known as Kumina, which means to both religions, a form of music. Kumina’s unique percussion pattern became one of the roots of Rastafarian percussion, itself the source of the characteristic Jamaica rhythm heard in ska, reggae and rocksteady. The present intertwining of Jamaican religion and music can be traced back to the 1860s, when the Pocomanian and Revival Zion churches drew on African cultures, and incorporated music into almost every facet of worship. Later, this movement spread into Hindu communities resulting in baccra music.

The extent of Rastafari into the city of Jamaica in the 1960s changed the Jamaican music scene, and combined drumming played at graduation activities and that has led to today’s famous music. Many of the above mentioned music and dance have been styliled by Prof, Rex Nettleford artistic director (ret, prof and vice chancellor of the University of the West Indies) and Majorie Whyle Musical Director (Caribbean Musicologist, pianist, drummer, arranger lecturer at the University of the West Indies), since the year 1962, this volunteer audiences, including the British Royal Family.