Polish Reggae - History

History

Bob Marley's music is credited as introducing reggae to Poland, and beginning a vibrant reggae movement there. According to reggae studies professor Carolyn Cooper, Marley's lyrics of "resistance against the system" have been a basis of inspiration for some human rights demonstrations in Poland. Another influence was British Rastafarian band Misty In Roots, who played live in the country in 1983 and 1986. In the 1980s Polish rastafarians appeared. The first Polish reggae song was performed by the band Budka Suflera in 1974 - Sen o dolinie, music by Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine, Polish lyrics by Krzysztof Cugowski. The first homegrown Polish reggae groups started in the 1980s, and some even took on the reggae look, complete with dreadlocks. Some Polish reggae groups were included on the compilation album MUP: Reggae from Around the World, on RAS Records. In 1999, reggae music was a prominent part of Woodstock Junction, an annual music festival in Żary, Poland. Polish-language reggae has retained its popularity over the years, and an all-Polish-language radio station in New York state is more likely to play reggae music than polka music (which might not come as a surprise, since polka music does not originate from Poland).