Abstract

Against the backdrop of the global circulation of reggae and dancehall music, the article argues that the emergence of these genres in Germany resulted from multidirectional collaborations among musicians in Germany, Jamaica, and other places. Focusing on Gentleman and Seeed, Germany’s two most successful reggae artists, the article examines specific aesthetic forms and cultural practices as sites of multidirectionality and collaborative practice, such as the riddim, the feature song, the use of Jamaican Patois, and the journey to Jamaica. In the German case, the global dissemination and appropriation of Jamaican popular music resulted in the formulation of heterogeneous visions of transnational communities related to collaborative musical practices. At the same time, the article explains Gentleman’s and Seeed’s appropriation of this Black popular music culture as responses to their experiences in postwall Germany.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.