Reggae is an outlet for the beliefs of Rastafari, and is largely responsible for spreading Rasta throughout the world. A high percentage of reggae artists are Rasta, which is the reason that reggae and Rasta have become synonymous.
Reggae is an outlet for the beliefs of Rastafari, and is largely responsible for spreading Rasta throughout the world. A high percentage of reggae artists are Rasta, which is the reason that reggae and Rasta have become synonymous.
Many reggae artists have successfully spread the words of Rastafari around the world. Such artists include Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Alpha Blondy, Burning Spear, Steel Pulse, The Meditations, Lee Perry, etc. Reggae is an instrumental part of the Rasta culture. At any reggae show, one can see many dreads hanging around.
Reggae is more than just music, to many. It is, like all music, a way to express sorrow, joy, various emotions. Reggae is a way of spreading Inity (unity) and love to all. Reggae is, for the most part, very positive. There is still a strong sense of resistence in most reggae music. Reggae is very defiant to anything that is considered Babylon, namely government oppression. Songs such as "Get Up, Stand Up" (The Wailers) and "Fighting Against Conviction" (Bunny Wailer) are some examples of the defiance of reggae music. Rastas want to be treated as people! Even non-Rasta artists face prejudice and oppression and fight back with strong words. Buju Banton's "Voice Of Jamaica" contains many such words of struggle. This album is relevant because at the time that Buju released it (1993), Buju was not Rasta. Linton Kwesi Johnson's "Forces Of Victory" is another example of a non-Rasta conscious album. LKJ provides biting criticism of the racist English society.
Conscious reggae is a deep, touching music. The songs of praises affect me in my heart more than any other kind of music. It's something aside from the one-drop and syncopation. It's a feeling! These songs are truly songs of faith and Jah!