What does ska mean?
Ska is a lively music genre that emerged in Jamaica in the late 1950s. It combines a strong, dance-oriented rhythm section with sharply accented guitar or piano phrases, lively horn parts, and vocal styles influenced by earlier Jamaican music. Ska was an important foundation for rocksteady and reggae, and its recognizable rhythms and instrumental combinations later attracted musicians in Britain, North America, and elsewhere. The genre experienced several revivals and regularly fused with punk, rock, soul, and other forms, producing both revival performances and new hybrid styles. Today, “ska” can name the historical Jamaican genre, contemporary bands that perform it, or a broader musical style inspired by those traditions. Although the term is sometimes used loosely for music with an upbeat rhythm, its traditional meaning refers more specifically to the distinctive style developed in Jamaica.
nounSka is a Jamaican music genre that emerged in the late 1950s and helped shape later styles such as rocksteady and reggae. It is characterized by an emphatic rhythm section, prominent guitar or piano riffs, and a lively horn section.
- A genre of Jamaican-origin popular music marked by a strong, uptempo beat, offbeat guitar or piano phrases, and prominent brass instruments.
- Music in the ska style, especially music performed by a band identified as ska.
"The band fused ska rhythms with punk energy, creating an infectious live show."
"They met at a ska club where the live band kept everyone dancing until midnight."
"Her record collection ranges from classic ska to contemporary reggae and dub."
"The festival’s second stage featured several promising ska bands."
Rarely used; “ska” is normally treated as an uncountable name for the genre.
"The compilation includes skas by bands from Jamaica, Britain, and the United States."
Ska brought together Jamaica’s celebrated rhythm sections and horn sections, creating the springy, guitar-driven sound that helped give birth to rocksteady and reggae.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ska
The term “ska” was in use in Jamaican music contexts by the late 1950s. Its precise origin is uncertain, although it is often connected with the word “skank,” referring to a characteristic style of movement or rhythm. The musical form developed in Jamaica and subsequently influenced rocksteady, reggae, and later international ska revival scenes.
How ska is actually used
When referring to the genre, “ska” is normally used as an uncountable noun. “Skas” is possible when counting distinct acts, songs, or releases, but it is uncommon in ordinary usage.