Reggae Trivia
Reggae trivia highlights the musicās Jamaican origins, signature offbeat rhythms, and the performers who carried it from Kingston to audiences around the world. Expect a mix of easy, funny, family-friendly, and harder questions that touch on classic songs, influential figures, and reggaeās lasting cultural impact.
Easy Reggae Trivia
13 questions
These easy Reggae trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
In what Jamaican village was Bob Marley born?
Answer: Nine Mile
Bob Marley was born in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica.
Question 2
Which Bob Marley song includes the title phrase "No Woman, No Cry"?
- A.No Woman, No Cry
- B.Redemption Song
- C.Legalize It
- D.Pass the Dutchie
Answer: No Woman, No Cry
"No Woman, No Cry" is one of Bob Marley's signature songs.
Question 3
Peter Tosh released the album "Legalize It" in what year?
Answer: 1976
Peter Tosh released "Legalize It" in 1976.
Question 4
Who starred in the 1972 film "The Harder They Come"?
- A.Jimmy Cliff
- B.Peter Tosh
- C.Shabba Ranks
- D.Gregory Isaacs
Answer: Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff starred in the 1972 film "The Harder They Come.".
Question 5
The hit song "Pass the Dutchie" was recorded by which group?
- A.Musical Youth
- B.Culture
- C.The I-Threes
- D.Burning Spear
Answer: Musical Youth
"Pass the Dutchie" was a hit for Musical Youth.
Question 6
Gregory Isaacs was famously nicknamed what?
Answer: Cool Ruler
Gregory Isaacs was nicknamed the "Cool Ruler.".
Question 7
Which reggae singer was widely known as the "Crown Prince of Reggae"?
- A.Jimmy Cliff
- B.Bob Marley
- C.Gregory Isaacs
- D.Dennis Brown
Answer: Dennis Brown
Dennis Brown was widely known by the nickname "Crown Prince of Reggae.".
Question 8
Shabba Ranks is a Jamaican artist associated with reggae and what other style?
- A.Jazz
- B.Dancehall
- C.Calypso
- D.Soca
Answer: Dancehall
Shabba Ranks is associated with reggae and dancehall.
Question 9
Which singer was a member of the I-Threes alongside Bob Marley's backing vocal group?
Answer: Marcia Griffiths
Marcia Griffiths was a member of the I-Threes vocal trio.
Question 10
Judy Mowatt belonged to which vocal trio?
- A.The Wailers
- B.I-Threes
- C.Musical Youth
- D.Culture
Answer: The I-Threes
Judy Mowatt was a member of the I-Threes.
Question 11
Rita Marley performed as part of what vocal trio?
- A.The Maytals
- B.I-Threes
- C.Musical Youth
- D.Culture
Answer: The I-Threes
Rita Marley performed is a member of the I-Threes.
Question 12
"Redemption Song" appears on which Bob Marley album?
- A.Exodus
- B.Natty Dread
- C.Legalize It
- D.Uprising
Answer: Uprising
The reggae hit "Redemption Song" appears on Bob Marley's album "Uprising.".
Question 13
Burning Spear recorded an album named after which historical figure?
Answer: Marcus Garvey
Burning Spear recorded an album titled "Marcus Garvey.".
Reggae Family Trivia
12 questions
These family Reggae trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
In a one drop beat, which beat usually gets the accent?
- A.The first beat
- B.The second beat
- C.The fourth beat
- D.Third beat
Answer: The third beat.
The one drop beat is known for accenting the third beat and leaving the first beat unstressed.
Question 2
What year did Bob Marley die?
Answer: 1981.
Bob Marley died in 1981.
Question 3
Bob Marley's album "Exodus" came out in which year?
- A.1967
- B.1977
- C.1973
- D.1981
Answer: 1977.
"Exodus" was released in 1977.
Question 4
The Wailers album "Burnin'" was released in what year?
Answer: 1973.
The Wailers released "Burnin'" in 1973.
Question 5
Peter Tosh was born in which Jamaican parish?
Answer: Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica.
Peter Tosh was born in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica.
Question 6
Jimmy Cliff's birthplace is in which Jamaican parish?
Answer: Saint James Parish, Jamaica.
Jimmy Cliff was born in Saint James Parish, Jamaica.
Question 7
Desmond Dekker performed with what backing group?
Answer: The Aces.
Desmond Dekker's backing group was called the Aces.
Question 8
Beres Hammond was born in which Jamaican town?
Answer: Annotto Bay, Jamaica.
Beres Hammond was born in Annotto Bay, Jamaica.
Question 9
Alpha Blondy is from which country?
- A.Jamaica
- B.Ghana
- C.Ivory Coast
- D.South Africa
Answer: Ivory Coast.
Alpha Blondy is from Ivory Coast.
Question 10
Lucky Dube was from which country?
- A.Nigeria
- B.South Africa
- C.Ivory Coast
- D.Jamaica
Answer: South Africa.
Lucky Dube was from South Africa.
Question 11
Who was a pioneering Jamaican dub engineer?
Answer: King Tubby.
King Tubby is identified is a pioneering Jamaican dub engineer.
Question 12
Dub often uses studio effects like which pair of sounds?
Answer: Echo and reverb.
Dub emphasizes remixing, bass, drums, and studio effects such is echo and reverb.
Fun Reggae Trivia
13 questions
These fun Reggae trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Which reggae bassist answered to the stage name "Family Man"?
Answer: Aston Barrett used the stage name "Family Man."
"Family Man" was the stage name of bassist Aston Barrett.
Question 2
What year did Gregory Isaacs release the album "Night Nurse"?
Answer: Gregory Isaacs recorded the album "Night Nurse" in 1982.
1982 is the year for Gregory Isaacs's "Night Nurse.".
Question 3
If you pulled "War Ina Babylon" from a reggae shelf, which album title would you be holding?
Answer: You would be holding "War Ina Babylon," the Max Romeo album released in 1976.
Max Romeo released the album "War Ina Babylon" in 1976.
Question 4
Burning Spear's "Marcus Garvey" marched onto the scene in what year?
Answer: Burning Spear's album "Marcus Garvey" was released in 1975.
The listed release year for "Marcus Garvey" is 1975.
Question 5
Bob Marley's famous Kingston address was 56 what?
Answer: Bob Marley lived at 56 Hope Road in Kingston.
The address given for Bob Marley is 56 Hope Road.
Question 6
What town serves as the capital of Saint Catherine Parish?
Answer: Spanish Town is the capital of Saint Catherine Parish.
Spanish Town is identified is the parish capital in the listed facts.
Question 7
Way Tree isn't a plant hereāit's a district in which Jamaican city?
Answer: Way Tree is a district in Kingston, Jamaica.
Way Tree is a district in Kingston.
Question 8
The Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album first showed up in what year?
Answer: The Grammys created the Best Reggae Album category in 1985.
The category was created in 1985.
Question 9
Who recorded the reggae staple "Pressure Drop"?
Answer: "Pressure Drop" was recorded by Toots and the Maytals.
The song "Pressure Drop" is credited here to Toots and the Maytals.
Question 10
What 1968 song title is famous for being the first to use the word "reggae"?
Answer: The term first appeared in the title of the 1968 song "Do the Reggay."
"reggae" first appeared in the title "Do the Reggay" in 1968.
Question 11
UB40 took its name from what unusual source?
Answer: UB40 was named after a British unemployment benefit form.
The band's name came from a British unemployment benefit form.
Question 12
Which Marley is Bob Marley's son: Ziggy Marley, Lee Perry, or Gregory Isaacs?
Answer: Ziggy Marley is the son of Bob Marley.
The listed family relationship is that Ziggy Marley is Bob Marley's son.
Question 13
Before the stage lights came on, Burning Spear was born with what name?
Answer: Burning Spear was born Winston Rodney.
The artist performing is Burning Spear was born Winston Rodney.
Funny Reggae Trivia
13 questions
These funny Reggae trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
Which Bob Marley and the Wailers song from 1977 sounds like the official anthem of a very relaxed party schedule?
- A.Israelites
- B.Jamming
- C.Could You Be Loved
- D.Three Little Birds
Answer: Jamming
Bob Marley and the Wailers released "Jamming" in 1977.
Question 2
Bob Marley and the Wailers released which song in 1980 that asks a romantic question without waiting for a text reply?
- A.Jamming
- B.Bad Boys
- C.Three Little Birds
- D.Could You Be Loved
Answer: Could You Be Loved
"Could You Be Loved" was released by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1980.
Question 3
In Jamaican speech, what word means feeling good or pleasantābasically the verbal version of a sunny breeze?
- A.Skanking
- B.Dutchie
- C.Irie
- D.Riddim
Answer: Irie
The phrase "Irie" means feeling good or pleasant.
Question 4
When "Pass the Dutchie" became a hit, the members of Musical Youth were what age group?
- A.Thirtysomethings
- B.Retirees
- C.Teenagers
- D.College students
Answer: Teenagers
Musical Youth members were teenagers when "Pass the Dutchie" became a hit.
Question 5
"Pass the Dutchie" climbed all the way to No. 1 on which UK chart in 1982?
- A.The Dance Chart
- B.The Radio Chart
- C.Singles Chart
- D.The UK Albums Chart
Answer: The UK Singles Chart
The 1982 hit "Pass the Dutchie" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
Question 6
In what year did the One Love Peace Concert take place in Kingston, giving reggae a very memorable date on the calendar?
- A.1977
- B.1980
- C.1978
- D.1976
Answer: 1978
The One Love Peace Concert took place in Kingston in 1978.
Question 7
At the One Love Peace Concert, Bob Marley joined the hands of Edward Seaga and which other political leader onstage?
- A.Yellowman
- B.Desmond Dekker
- C.Michael Manley
- D.Peter Tosh
Answer: Michael Manley
Bob Marley joined the hands of Michael Manley and Edward Seaga onstage at the One Love Peace Concert.
Question 8
Which reggae artist appeared at the One Love Peace Concert in 1978ābecause one legend apparently was not enough for the evening?
- A.Big Mountain
- B.Peter Tosh
- C.Inner Circle
- D.Yellowman
Answer: Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh appeared at the One Love Peace Concert in 1978.
Question 9
Which Jamaican deejay is known for dancehall style and has a name that sounds impossible to forget?
- A.Yellowman
- B.Eek-A-Mouse
- C.Desmond Dekker
- D.Bob Marley
Answer: Yellowman
Yellowman is a Jamaican deejay known for dancehall style.
Question 10
Eek-A-Mouse got his stage name from what sourceāproof that inspiration can come from unexpected places?
- A.A racehorse nickname
- B.A comic book villain
- C.A schoolteacher
- D.A sound system speaker
Answer: A racehorse nickname
Eek-A-Mouse took his stage name from a racehorse nickname.
Question 11
What dance style is closely associated with reggae, in case your feet suddenly decide to become very rhythmic?
- A.Tango
- B.Skanking
- C.Salsa
- D.Moonwalking
Answer: Skanking
The skanking dance style is closely associated with reggae music.
Question 12
In Jamaican music, what does the term "riddim" refer to?
- A.A concert venue
- B.A drumstick pattern only
- C.backing track
- D.A lead singer
Answer: An instrumental backing track
"Riddim" refers to an instrumental backing track.
Question 13
Who recorded the song "Bad Boys," the tune that practically arrives wearing sunglasses?
- A.Big Mountain
- B.Musical Youth
- C.Inner Circle
Answer: Inner Circle
Inner Circle recorded the song "Bad Boys.".
Hard Reggae Trivia
14 questions
These hard Reggae trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
Who produced Burning Spear's album "Marcus Garvey"?
- A.Jack Ruby
- B.Coxsone Dodd
- C.King Tubby
Answer: Jack Ruby
"Marcus Garvey" by Burning Spear was produced by Jack Ruby.
Question 2
Name the producer attached to Burning Spear's "Marcus Garvey."?
Answer: Jack Ruby
The listed producer for Burning Spear's album "Marcus Garvey" is Jack Ruby.
Question 3
Which vocal group recorded the Studio One-era song "Book of Rules"?
- A.The Heptones
- B.The Abyssinians
- C.The Wailers
- D.Black Uhuru
Answer: The Heptones
"Book of Rules" is identified here is a Studio One-era song by The Heptones.
Question 4
"Book of Rules" belongs to the Studio One era, but which act actually recorded it?
Answer: The Heptones
The Heptones recorded the Studio One-era song "Book of Rules.".
Question 5
Who sang the classic reggae track "Skylarking"?
- A.Peter Tosh
- B.Horace Andy
- C.Dennis Brown
- D.Bunny Wailer
Answer: Horace Andy
The classic track "Skylarking" was sung by Horace Andy.
Question 6
If "Skylarking" comes on, which singer should get the credit?
Answer: Horace Andy
Horace Andy is the singer identified with the classic track "Skylarking.".
Question 7
What was Dennis Brown's first Jamaican No. 1 hit?
- A.Book of Rules
- B.My Pocket
- C.Skylarking
- D.Satta Massagana
Answer: Money in My Pocket
Dennis Brown's first Jamaican No. 1 hit was "Money in My Pocket.".
Question 8
The Abyssinians are best known for which roots reggae song?
- A.Satta Massagana
- B.Book of Rules
- C.Money in My Pocket
- D.Anthem
Answer: Satta Massagana
The Abyssinians are best known for the roots reggae song "Satta Massagana.".
Question 9
Which song is most strongly associated with The Abyssinians in roots reggae history?
Answer: Satta Massagana
"Satta Massagana" is the song The Abyssinians are best known for.
Question 10
King Tubby was born under what name?
- A.Robert Nesta Marley
- B.Winston Rodney
- C.Bunny Wailer
- D.Osbourne Ruddock
Answer: Osbourne Ruddock
King Tubby's birth name was Osbourne Ruddock.
Question 11
Before the dub legend became known as King Tubby, what was his given name?
Answer: Osbourne Ruddock
The listed birth name of King Tubby is Osbourne Ruddock.
Question 12
As a studio engineer, King Tubby helped pioneer which style?
Answer: dub
King Tubby helped pioneer dub.
Question 13
What were the surnames of the duo Sly and Robbie?
- A.Marley and Tosh
- B.Dunbar and Shakespeare
- C.Dodd and Perry
- D.Ruby and Tubby
Answer: Dunbar and Shakespeare
Sly and Robbie's surnames were Dunbar and Shakespeare.
Question 14
Fill in the surnames: Sly ___ and Robbie ___.?
Answer: Dunbar and Shakespeare
The pair's surnames are Dunbar and Shakespeare.
Download PDF
Get the generated PDF file for printing, classroom rounds, or offline use.
Download printable trivia PDF