History of Reggae: Mento

 Mento

Mento is another part of Jamaican musical history. It originated among enslaved Africans who used music as a way to express their cultural identity and comment on their lives. It was influenced by both African and European musical traditions. Instruments such as the guitar and banjo, became staples of the genre. The rhythm section often includes percussion instruments such as the rumba box and maraca. The music was usually festive and light but had lyrics that reflected themes such as social injustice, struggles of the lower class, and how their lives were marginalized in comparison to people.
Mento was a precursor to many other Caribbean musical genres, including ska, rocksteady, and reggae. 

While popular in the 1940's and '50s, mento’s popularity started to decline. As ska and then reggae in the 1960s, became more popular its influence remained strong in those genres. The rhythms, melodies, and even the content of mento helped shape Jamaica's modern music scene.


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