Ska

Ska: 61 upcoming festivals, including 26 with tickets on sale.

Ska is a vibrant, rhythmic genre defined by an upbeat tempo, a distinctive guitar-driven offbeat, and often features piano and brass instruments, creating an energetic and danceable sound. Originating in Jamaica in the late 1950s, it emerged from a blend of mento, calypso, jazz, and rhythm and blues, gaining international exposure through labels like Island Records. Pioneering artists include Laurel Aitken, Toots & The Maytals, Desmond Dekker & The Aces, and The Skatalites. Ska notably evolved into rocksteady and reggae, and has experienced several significant revivals, cementing its enduring cultural impact.

Parent genreJamaican / Reggae