While some may listen to reggae music because of the peaceful feelings evoked by lover’s rock or roots reggae or for the raw, pulsating rhythms of dancehall, taking the time to comprehend what is actually being said can lead to an even greater appreciation of the genre.
History of the Rastafarian Movement
The Rastafarian movement is a set of spiritual beliefs based on the teachings of Jamaican born Black Nationalist Marcus Garvey. Garvey advocated a “Back to Africa” movement and sought to break the pattern of inferiority and self-hatred that had developed among many blacks after hundreds of years of slavery and oppression.
These ideas resonated among poor people living in the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica and so the movement grew there in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
The name of the movement comes from Ras Tafari Makonnen, who was crowned as emperor of Ethiopia on November 2, 1930. He then took the name Haile Selassie I and the title of Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. To Garvey's followers, Selassie’s coronation was a direct fulfillment of Ezekiel 28:5 and Revelation 5:5, as well as of a statement made by Garvey in 1927, “Look to Africa, for there a king shall be crowned”.
Rastafarian beliefs center on living a natural, simple life. Therefore they avoid all unnatural and canned foods, as well as pork, shellfish and alcohol- a diet known as Ital. They believe that Haile Selassie will return at Judgment Day to lead his followers back to Africa, where they will experience heaven on Earth.
Contrary to popular misconception, Rastas do not smoke marijuana, called ganja, for recreational purposes. True followers use the herb during focused meditation periods called reasonings.
The most significant outward characteristic of Rastas is their dreadlocked hair. Wearing dreadlocks is significant because of the Old Testament command to not cut one’s hair (Leviticus 21:5) and because wearing the hair in this fashion resembles a lion’s mane, a reference to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
References to Rasta Beliefs in Music
Not all reggae artists are Rastas but the influence of the movement is found throughout the genre. The most famous reggae artist of all times, Bob Marley was a devoted Rastafarian and references to his beliefs can be found throughout his music as well as in the music of other artists. These are some of the most common references to Rasta teachings in reggae music:
- “Jah”, such as in Bob Marley’s “Forever Loving Jah”. Jah is God in the Rastafarian movement. Rastas believe that Haile Selassie was God on Earth and references to him are made throughout many songs. One example is a 1990’s song by the artist Capleton called “Wings of the Morning”. The song’s hook says, “Put on the wings of the morning and fly/there is no escaping King Selassie”, referring to Selassie’s return at Judgment Day.
- “Babylon”. Babylon refers generally to the commercialized modern society which Rastas seek to avoid and more specifically to the corrupt system of white men that has been used to oppress black people. Based on the prophecies of the book of Revelation, Rastas believe that Babylon will be destroyed at Judgment Day.
- “Natty dread” or “dreadlock Rasta”, as in the Linval Thompson classic “Natty Dread Girl”. Both refer to a person who wears dreadlocks and/or holds Rastafarian beliefs.
- Principles of black liberation and going back to Africa. Bob Marley made many eloquent references to these ideals, such as in his anthem “Redemption Song”, released on his last studio recording, Uprising in 1980. In less than five minutes, Marley outlines the struggle of the African from slavery to modern times with such poetic lines as “emancipate yourselves from mental slavery/none but ourselves can free our minds”.
- Strong appreciation for and references to the Old Testament is noted by many artists, such as in Buju Banton’s beautifully simple rendition of “Psalms 23”.
While those who are unfamiliar with Caribbean culture and language patterns may find reggae lyrics difficult to comprehend at first, with time, patience and understanding, listeners can move past the beats and rhythms and delve deeper into a more meaningful listening experience.
Alana Tutwiler - Alana Tutwiler is a Contributing Writer for Suite101.com. She has a bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of North ...
