What Is Rastafarianism?
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Rastafarianism is a religious movement (especially popular in Jamaica – 5% to 10% of the population) that is less than a century old. It had its beginnings in a black, political movement that started in the 1920s/30s.
The word Rastafarianism often calls to mind the stereotypical images of dreadlocks (long braids or natural locks of hair), ganja (marijuana), the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, and the reggae rhythms of Bob Marley. Rastafarians have no universally acknowledged leaders, no universally agreed upon defining principles. It is a black consciousness movement—Afro-Caribbean—and there is a split between the religion and its accompanying social consciousness, so people can appreciate what Rastas are trying to do socially while not embracing the religion.
Who Was Bob Marley?
Background information
Birth name- Nesta Robert Marley
Born- 6 February 1945(1945-02-06)
Nine Mile, Saint Ann, Jamaica
Died -11 May 1981(1981-05-11) (aged 36)
Miami, Florida, United States
Genres- Reggae, ska, rocksteady
Occupations- Singer-songwriter, musician
Instruments -Vocals, guitar, percussion
Years active -1962–1981
Labels Studio -One, Upsetter, Tuff Gong
Associated acts -The Wailers, Wailers Band, The Upsetters, I Threes, Bob Marley & The Wailers
Website- bobmarley.Com
Nesta Robert "Bob" Marley, OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rocksteady and reggae bands The Wailers (1964–1974) and Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974–1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience.
Bob Marley was a member of the Rastafari movement, whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae. Bob Marley became an ardent proponent of Rastafari, taking their music out of the socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene. He once gave the following response, which was typical, to a question put to him during a recorded interview:
Interviewer: "Can you tell the people what it means being a Rastafarian?"
Bob: "I would say to the people, Be still, and know that His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia is the Almighty. Now, the Bible seh so, Babylon newspaper seh so, and I and I the children seh so. Yunno? So I don't see how much more reveal our people want. Wha' dem want? a white God, well God come black. True true."
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