Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s. It is characterized by its fast beat, heavy bass, and focus on the percussion section, particularly the drums. Lyrics in dancehall music often focus on themes of social and political commentary, as well as party culture and having a good time. Dancehall has also influenced other music genres such as hip-hop, reggaeton, and soca. It's a popular genre in Jamaica and around the Caribbean, and also has a significant following internationally.