The term PRECURSOR TO REGGAE can be summarized as SKA, a three letter word. SKA is a musical genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and was the precursor to reggae music. It combines elements of Caribbean mento and calypso with American jazz and rhythm and blues. SKA is characterized by a walking bass line, accentuated guitar or piano rhythms, and a drumming style that emphasizes offbeat rhythms.