Above: The Jolly Boys
It’s one of the original forms of Jamaican folk music — and Mento still remains on the music scene today. Usually comprising a small band featuring a guitar, a rhumba box, drums and a banjo, Jamaican mento wasn’t calypso, although it shared many similarities with Trinidad’s then-favorite music. Mento music will take you right back to Jamaica, wherever you are. Here are five great Mento songs to start your day with.
The Jolly Boys – Take Me Back to Jamaica
It All Began With Adam & Eve – Lord Flea
Day Dah Light – Louise Bennett
Blu-Lu-Lup – Lord Fly
Hill and Gully Ride – Lord Composer