By Anthea McGibbon
To the layman, reggae music is usually limited to its association with, as mentioned earlier, Jamaica, as well as dreadlocks, the use of marijuana, and of course Bob Marley. Although it is true that all have their links with reggae, these usually negative connotations restrict its beauty as a musical genre.
Today, especially in our country, people sporting dreadlocks and the ever-prominent reggae colors of black-green-yellow-red are usually labeled mischievous deviants stoned out of their minds and out to cause some sort of trouble. Although these people are not entirely guilt-free, it is still an unfair generalization as reggae music actually preaches otherwise.
If you listen to reggae pioneer Bob Marley’s lyrics, his songs promote peace, love and equality for all through the help of “Jah,” their supreme being. Reggae music is in the center of the Rastafari movement, a monotheistic religious movement which has in turn served as an influence on many celebrated reggae artists.
As for the other associations, the growing and wearing of dreadlocks is supported by Biblical verses and Rastas believe that it is a symbolism of a spiritual journey which requires utmost patience.
Rasta, Ganja, SpiritVerses
On the other hand, the use of marijuana, or ganja as the Rastas say, is actually a spiritual act that is often accompanied by prayer; to them it is a sacrament that cleanses the body, mind and soul.
Reggae as a musical genre was first developed in the 1960s in Jamaica, especially in Kingston, the country’s capital. In its earliest form it had various stylistic origins such as R&B, Jazz, Blues, Calypso and Rocksteady.
As mentioned earlier, reggae was used as a political instrument by its propagators, most notably by reggae legend Bob Marley. Reggae was used by musicians such as Marley to preach Rastafari and to make the struggles of their people known throughout the world.
It was able to break into mainstream around 1975 through “No Woman, No Cry,” Marley’s first hit outside Jamaica. It could be said that reggae music helped in making the world take notice of the small island nation situated in the Caribbean Sea.
Posted on 
09 April, 2009 in 
Editorial | 
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