The musical genre that originated in Jamaica is reggae. Developed in the late 1960s, reggae features a distinctive rhythm, often characterized by its offbeat guitar or piano chords, and lyrics that frequently address social and political issues. Reggae's roots can be traced to earlier Jamaican music styles such as ska and rocksteady. The genre gained international prominence through artists like Bob Marley, whose music popularized reggae themes of love, peace, and resistance. Today, reggae remains a significant cultural force in Jamaica and has influenced countless other musical styles around the world.