90 Best Reggae Songs for Weddings
2020
These are the best Reggae songs for weddings to get people on the dance floor! We would like to consider reggae more than just music created in the Jamaican region. However, the roots of reggae music date back to the late 60’s in Jamaica.
Reggae music can be split into two sub-genres today – Reggae (slower-paced than ska but faster than rocksteady) and Dancehall (faster dance/pop tempo style). We will attempt to highlight a couple below. Some of the contemporary music styles have received an international appeal to be featured on many Top-40 playlists globally.
A clear distinction we want to make is that many times Calypso/Soca music is usually categorized as Reggae music which is not. Those genres are bread from Caribbean islands such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, etc. We do notice that many music services like iTunes, Spotify, and the like, categorize that music style as Reggae. We are referring to songs like Bunji Garlin – Differentology, Kevin Lyttle – Turn Me On, Machel Montano – Fast Wine, Rupee – Tempted to Touch, etc. We are not considering them Reggae music.
Dancehall Reggae Wedding Songs
There are other dancehall artists who receive quite a bit of airplay, but their lyrics are really not suitable for wedding playlists unless it’s going to be a predominantly Caribbean audience. Dancehall artists such as Assassin, Busy Signal, Konshens, Mavado, Popcaan, Vybz Kartel are very popular on the dancehall scene and have sold millions of records/albums.
Reggae is all music that has a rhythm accented with an offbeat usually on the second and fourth beats of each bar. In addition, the rhythm guitar emphasizes the third beat or holds the chord on the second beat until the fourth is played. The third beat’s speed and the use of complex bass is a signature of reggae music.
Reggae formed from ska, mento, and R&B styles of music. The biggest propitiator of reggae music is Bob Marley. Bob Marley started with the musical group the Wailers promoting the image of the urban guerilla. Bob’s stardom peaked when he converted to a more soulful-pop melody sound in the early ’70s.
Thank you for Jamaican DJ Curtis for helping us assemble the above list. We are all appreciative of your efforts to share your knowledge. DJ Curtis is an avid music lover who loves to share his passion. In his spare time, you can find Curtis spinning the best tunes at a local Tri-State (NY, NJ, CT), national and international events. Curtis has made guest appearances on several local radio stations infecting eardrums over the airwaves. His love for music and for providing top-level entertainment services has opened his clientele spectrum to include corporate and private university events. Curtis enjoys playing at milestone birthdays, weddings, retirement, proms, and other special parties. You can contact Curtis at (917) 776-8487 or jamecho[at]gmail.com.
10 Popular Reggae Songs Right Now (as downloads on Amazon)
- I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
- Baby, I Love Your Way – Big Mountain
- Lockdown – Koffee
- Buried Alive – Buju Banton
- Little District – Long Beach Dub All Stars
- Work That We Do – Pepper
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
- Take Me To The Ocean – The Movement
- Memories – Buju Banton feat. John Legend
- I Am a Jamaican – Buju Banton
Reggae Wedding Songs
Reggae wedding song list curated by Matthew Campbell
Last Updated: July 27, 2020
Listen to our reggae wedding playlist on Spotify.
Other related song lists to read:
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Want something smooth and sassy? I highly recommend this reggae song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtO2LEfeYKY
Thank you Pidok for the suggestion.
Who’s ever heard of a reggae song being a waltz? There has never been, or could even be a reggae song written in 3/4 time, by definition of what a reggae rhythm is. I think u should rethink that description.
Thank you Justin. We will check it out and rewrite.
I would add some more contemporary artist like Jah Cure and Gyptian. I’m from the Midwest but love them
Hi Brosia, thank you for the feedback. We will try and add more artists as you suggest on our next update.
As a Jamaican and a DJ, I have to agree with your list. You are missing a couple contemporary songs like Tarrus Riley’s She’s Royal but a very nice mix. Other artists like Jah Cure, Etana and Alaine have released some really good wedding reggae songs as well. You are also missing one of Jamaica’s soulful artist Beres Hammond.
Hi Curtis. Thank you for your suggestions. Reggae is not one of my best known music styles. I will be updating this list with your suggestions!
Hello im lookinf for a nice slow song to play for the mother son dance at my wedding i am having trouble finding the perfect song do you happen to no any?
Hi Sayoka, please visit out mother song songs page – https://www.myweddingsongs.com/wedding-song-lists/mother-son-songs/