When you’re in Jamaica you can’t go more than 20 feet without seeing some sort of reference to Bob Marley. Posters, T-shirts, and place mats are everywhere. But if you’re smart and ask the locals, you can go beyond reggae to discover some authentic Jamaican music called Mento.

It turns out Mento, known for its slow rhythm, precedes reggae. One of the most famous Mento acts is the Jolly Boys, who have been playing together for more than 40 years. They are keeping Mento music alive for generations.

Beyond Mento, Jamaica has its own brand of folk music. We visited the Maroon people in Mooretown, Jamaica, where country songs are sung for individual ancestors who have passed.

Hear some authentic Jamaican music and jam with the Jolly Boys in Peter’s latest Hidden Gem adventure.

And don’t miss out on Peter’s other Hidden Gems of Jamaica, including the Best of Boston Bay