An Introduction To Mexican Reggae In 10 Songs

Mexican reggae is one of the coolest genres the country has to offer, yet it remains massively underrated on a global scale. If you’re interested in the Mexican music scene, or even just reggae as a whole, this comprehensive introduction to Mexican reggae is the article for you; from Jalisco’s Golden Ganga and La Yaga, to the exquisitely named Los Yerberos from Mexico City, we’ve rounded up the top 10 examples of Mexican reggae that you won’t be able to stop listening to.

Sal a Caminar, Antidoping

Easily one of the biggest names on the Mexican reggae scene is the long-running band Antidoping. Hailing from Mexico City, they’ve made their mark on the genre over the span of their 25-year career and continue to release new music to this day. However, their popular song Sal a Caminar remains one of the most iconic examples of their style, sound and Mexican reggae rhythm that was pioneering when they formed way back in 1992.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlUCwTFTyIA

Aire, Golden Ganga

Caminando, Ganja

From Ganga to Ganja, we’re sensing a theme in the names of these Mexican reggae bands. Ganja-with-a-J is one of the pioneers of the reggae genre in Mexico, having formed in Mexico City in 1995. For over 20 years they’ve continued to blend together a fusion sound influenced in part by salsa and jazz music, while always heavily featuring reggae in their singles. By far and away one of their most popular tracks is Caminando.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaFwK1UvzJs

Vamos Caminando, KL Reggae

Baja California produces some of the country’s best reggae bands and artists and KL Reggae is perhaps one of the most successful to hail from this tourist-friendly Mexican peninsula. Founded in 2003, they continue to promote messages of peace and justice through the lyrics to their most popular songs and perform with various world-famous artists across Mexico. If you want an intro to KL Reggae though, you must listen to Vamos Caminando.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8w72DT07yM

Liberación, La Yaga

Another of the first-wave reggae bands in Mexico, La Yaga was formed in Guadalajara rather than Mexico City and released their first album in 1998. Of all the groups on our guide, they perhaps touch on the most important social issues, like ecology, human rights and Mexico’s numerous indigenous groups. 2012’s Es Ahora is their latest disc, but their most iconic record remains 1998’s Liberación, which is why the must-listen song is Liberación.

No Me Dejaré Caer, Corpusklan

One of the newer reggae groups to make our introduction, Corpusklan only started life in Cancún, 2004. However, the quality of their reggae is impressive to say the least. While they dabble in dancehall at times, their first song for which they filmed an official video, No Me Dejaré Caer, is a sax-heavy, reggae rhythm masterpiece that everyone ought to listen to at least once. Keep your fingers crossed for new music and shows from them in the near future.

Polecia, Los Yerberos

Having gained mainstream success at roughly the same time as Antidoping, Los Yerberos were also one of the first bands to bring Mexican reggae into the public interest, becoming pioneers for all those that were to follow. Therefore, their songs make for essential listening. Their fusions of pop/rock and reggae proved hugely popular, and although they disbanded in 2002, their 2015 reunion only reignited interest in their music. We recommend, as an introduction, their track Polecia.

Basyer, Rastrillos

Also known as Los Rastrillos, Rastrillos is the oldest reggae group on our guide and happily rode the wave of success when the early 90s saw a growth in Mexican reggae. Formed in 1989 as an underground band in the questionable Mexico City neighborhood of Iztapalapa, Rastrillos continue to release new music to this day, although their style incorporates a much broader range of influences. Their must-listen song is undoubtedly Basyer.

Pretexto, Vibra Muchá

Moving from one of the oldest Mexican reggae bands to one of the newest – Vibra Muchá. Combining an intriguing mixture of styles and genres, such as trip-hop, jazz and the traditionally Mexican Son Jarocho, their music remains rooted in reggae. One notable aspect of this youthful group is that all the members studied a degree related in some way to music. If you’re interested in the new wave of Mexican reggae then their song Pretexto is one that you can’t miss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE8y5h8bJPE

Para Tí, La Celestina

To round off our introduction to Mexican reggae, we have the Guadalajara-based group La Celestina. While all the members are from various parts of the country, this western city is where they joined forces to create one of the best reggae bands on the scene almost 20 years ago. Again, they bring in elements of funk and cumbia to their music making it a unique listening experience and their most recent album even has worldbeat influence. If you had to choose just one song, listen to Para Tí.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.