How UB40 Brought Reggae to the Mainstraem

Reggae music has long dominated the Jamaican islands and found traction exported to neighboring nations with cultural and ethnic similarities. Long a music preaching non-violence, faithfulness to family, community and faith, and resisting the tides of violence that have long beset the beautiful Caribbean island nations, reggae music has inspired generations of islanders throughout the region. Though reggae music gained some popularity in large Western hemisphere markets early on, it was not until much later that big stars emerged and promoted reggae as an acceptable musical pop genre. First capturing the public’s attention with such artists as Peter Tosh and the esteemed Bob Marley, further leaps towards mainstream music were made when artists like The Police and later, UB40 blended contemporary pop and rock music with punk and reggae styles.

UB40 helped reggae music stride forward into the top of the popular music charts by blending reggae with vocals and vocal harmonies more reminiscent of contemporary and older pop music. Although it may be unfortunate, the Caucasian lead singer for UB40 may have helped many white music listeners to accept and adapt to a new musical genre, as has happened with past styles. Whereas Eric Clapton helped introduce white audiences to the delta blues, UB40 eased the transition into mainstream acceptance of reggae music.

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