February is officially reggae month and black history month! But instead of talking about Bob Marley, who by the way is not the only contributor to Jamaica's music industry I am going to talk about the contribution of the Rastafarian movement to Jamaican music. The number one thing I cannot stand is when people like to make it seem like Bob created reggae all on his own! I am not saying he did not help reggae, but God knows give someone else some credit. Sorry I went off on a tangent as usual...time to actually talk about music.
Reggae started as the music for the oppressed and was most popular at that time in the slums of Jamaica, so also was Rastafarianism. Rastas were quite musical people and also were very in touch with their religious views and beliefs. Rastafarians have been credited for bringing reggae and dancehall to the forefront of Jamaican culture and also to the rest of the world. They sang mainly of equality, harsh living conditions and their beliefs which mainly spoke of connecting with African roots.
Reggae was the main medium used to spread their religious views.
But this type of music and belief spread by Rastas were not readily accepted in Jamaica.
They were abused, rejected and oppressed but they never gave up and for that I applaud them.
They were beaten because of the thought of them being barbaric and criminal, mainly because they smoked marijuana and their views were quite far from that of society. Can you imagine being victimized for being different?
Rastas still play a major part in Jamaican musical forms today. If you have ever seen any reggae acts you can know that the Rastafarian religion and the members fight with oppression played a major part in their music, even as if relates to their appearance.
But sadly you still see some trying to take on the Rastafarian religion as a money making tool. Many of them you will see in dreadlocks are not even dedicated to the Rastafarian religion.
It is so weird to see how things change first they were oppressed now it is like they are being accepted more than ever before.
Rastafarian documentary if you want to learn something more.
On a lighter note, the number one thing I love the most is a well dressed Rasta man.*heart flutters*
I'm just going to get random her and show you some men who totally embrace the Rastafarian religion, some you may know others you may not.
-Junior "Gong" Marley
Jamaican artist Chronixx accompanied by others.
- Sizzla Kalonji (Jamaican Artist)
-Jamaican Artist Richie Spice
- Buju Banton
The pictures can go on and on but guys get educated on reggae music, trust me you will find the information quite entertaining.
XOXO
Toni-Shae Panton
Don't forget to this song by a some great Jamaican artists....it is pretty good!
