Introduction to 2 Tone Ska

2 Tone Ska emerged in the late 1970s in the UK, marking a revival of the original ska music that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. This genre blended elements of ska, punk rock, and reggae, creating a unique fusion that resonated strongly with both British and Jamaican musicians and fans.

The Birth of 2 Tone Ska

The 2 Tone movement, named after the label founded by Jerry Dammers of The Specials, featured bands such as The Specials, Madness, and The Selecter. These groups incorporated a multicultural ethos, addressing social and political issues that spoke to both Jamaican artists and the wider diaspora in the UK. It was a significant moment in music history, demonstrating the power of cross-cultural collaboration and the preservation of musical heritage.

Reception in Jamaica and the UK

The reaction to 2 Tone Ska was varied, with both positive and negative sentiments expressed among Jamaican musicians and fans. For some, it was seen as a legitimate homage to the roots of ska, a celebration of musical heritage. Others viewed it as a commercialization of the genre, diluting its traditional roots.

Mixed Feelings in Jamaica

While older and established Jamaican musicians may have appreciated the revival and its influence, many younger Jamaicans were more drawn to roots reggae. This was reflected in the sentiments of Neville Staple, a Jamaican member of the 2 Tone band The Specials. In his autobiography, Staple noted that many young Jamaicans viewed ska as "old man music," similar to how white youth in the late 1970s/early 1980s felt about 1950s rock'n'roll.

Some Jamaicans felt that 2 Tone wasn't "real ska" due to the punk, pop, and rock influences, but this didn't dampen the enthusiasm of some black youth. Ska and reggae have a close relationship, and the fact that most 2 Tone bands had black members wasn't lost on people of African descent. The presence of black and white musicians in the same band during the 2 Tone era was quite revolutionary, as it was rare for such integration to occur in earlier musical communities.

Affirmation from Afro-Caribbean Musicians

There was some input and appreciation from Afro-Caribbean musicians towards 2 Tone Ska. The British-based reggae band Capital Letters, with a track called “Smoking My Ganja” in 1978, was said to have inspired Jerry Dammers to start the ska revival. Another track, "Whatever Happened To Bluebeat And Ska" by the black British reggae band Matumbi, also influenced Dammers. Bob Marley, a prominent figure in the reggae scene, expressed a positive sentiment towards 2 Tone, stating, "Some of it sound good man."

The Legacy of 2 Tone Ska

The legacy of 2 Tone Ska extends beyond its musical influences. It highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the fusion of different musical genres. The genre not only paid homage to its Jamaican roots but also paved the way for further cross-cultural musical collaborations. It serves as a reminder of the power of music in bringing people together, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.