Originating in Jamaica, Reggae music is known for its off-beat syncopated rhythms,
relaxed tempos, and wide array of percussion instruments. It was made popular by
the likes of Bob Marley and Desmond Dekker and is enjoyed by listeners all over the
world. However, the release of the film ‘One love: Bob Marley’ that documents the
life of Marley as a music icon, also shines an often-overlooked light on the reciprocal
relationship between Reggae music and political activism.
Since its creation, there has been a close link between Reggae music and the
Rastafari movement which itself is founded on resistance. The Rastafari are often
discriminated against for their beliefs and appearance- the police would even cut off
Rastafari locks as a symbolic act meant to strip them of their faith and power.
Because of this, the Rastafari in Jamaica were the first to use Reggae music as a
protest against oppressive social conditions. Reggae music has also become a
unique medium for contestation against the colonial and imperialist forces in
Jamaican society. Imperialist beliefs about white supremacy left African populations
being exploited and feeling dehumanised. The song ‘Get up, Stand Up’ by Bob
Marley and Peter Tosh is viewed as a call for African people to reclaim their identity
and fight for their rights as human beings, thereby overcoming colonial oppression.
Jamaica gained its independence in 1962 but it was incredibly unstable. Political
violence was particularly rife between 1974 and 1980. Gangs linked to Jamaica’s two
main parties- the People’s National Party and the Jamaican Labour Party- were
locked in a violent urban conflict, particularly involving shootings in ghettos that
claimed thousands of lives (and included an assassination attempt on Bob Marley
himself). Marley lived Trenchtown, a shanty town in the capital city Kingston, and his
experience of this violence is reflected in his lyrics. The 1973 hit ‘Burnin’ and Lootin’
includes the lyrics “We gonna be burning and a-looting tonight (To survive, yeah)/
Burning and a-looting tonight (Save your baby lives)”. It highlights Marley’s sorrow
and disgust at what the citizen uprising in Jamaica had resorted to.
Marley’s 1987 ‘One Love Peace Concert’ is often described as one of the most
remarkable events ever recorded. It was an act by Marley to call for unity and an end
to politically inspired violence in Jamaica. In this concert, the rival leaders of political
gangs, Michael Manly and Edward Seaga appeared onstage and he clasped both
their hands together in a symbolic act to encourage peace. Perhaps it would be
incorrect to equate Bob Marley’s reggae music with politics- as he has repeatedly
expressed that he has no interest in being associated with political institutions or
politicians. Reflected best in his hit song ‘One Love’, Marley’s music and acts have
been viewed as a way of bringing harmony and cohesion to a divided society
recovering from the damage of colonialism.
However, the influence of Reggae music is not limited to the conflict in Jamaica. It
has also assimilated Rastafari culture into the mainstream consciousness of Western
society, as Reggae artists emerging in the 1990s combined conscious lyrics with hip-
hop rhythms, popularising it and introducing the music to a new generation.
Contemporary reggae artists such as UB40 and Chronixx continue to use their music
as a form of political protest and to raise consciousness among urban youth populations. In 1985, the introduction of Reggae music in the Grammy awards signalled a new attitude towards it and a recognition for its importance, both historically and societally.
Image “Bob Marley and Blazin’ B. – Jamaica, W. I.” by Mikey G Ottawa is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.