Reggae Culture Essay

Jamaica is known for its jerked chicken, clear waters, and more notably for Reggae, which makes Jamaican culture globally recognized. However, despite its mainstream entertainment value of today, reggae is not only music; however it is a way of life for some Jamaicans. It originated as a political form of protest against the colonial forces operative in the social context of Jamaican life. Musical ambassadors like the Abyssinians, Burning Spear, Sir Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and Rita Marley, along with many others, can be credited with introducing reggae music to the world and giving it international recognition. Yet, despite its popularity, many do not understand the cultural and political climate in which Reggae was developed. As both a fan of the music and culture, I have always been intrigued by the cultural, political and social contexts from which the music emerged, as well as its evolution.

Since the beginning of its rise to international popularity in the in the 60’s, there has been a close association between reggae artists and Rastafari culture, a culture founded on opposition of colonial ideologies (Alleyne 89). In Jamaica, the Rastafari were one of the first on the island to look to Africa as their source to ancestry and identity; as a result of Marcus Garvey’s campaigning. In addition, they were also one of the first to attack unjust social conditions using the musical art form of reggae. Following in the revolutionary spirit of the Maroons; groups of runaway slaves who fought against British slavers in early 18th century. The Rastafari’s goal was to distance themselves from the colonial ideologies of the island. Tafari Makonnen who is better known as Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, ...

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...l context of which original reggae protest songs originated from. However this is nothing new. Hip-Hop has went through the same phase. The only difference is the new reggae hasn’t veered too far from its original purpose. One can make this determination by comparing the older artists like Alpha Blondie or Burning Spear to Chronixx and Kabaka. From then to now reggae consistently remained true to its original spirit. As well as the Rastaman’s Haile Selassie I being praised throughout.

Reggae has proved to be a force to be reckoned with. With the pairing of Rastafarianism, Reggae music is has made its impact on the global community. Reggae is an example of using performance as protest as a means of attaining goals. As long as there that one reggae artist who continues to honor “Reggae,” the music, the culture, and the teachings will remain as an uplifting tool.