2. Origin
• Rastafari movement began in the Caribbean island of
Jamaica in the late 1920 out of the Pan African
philosophy of Marcus Garvey.
• Rastafari has experienced marginalization in
Jamaican and the Caribbean region
3. Impact culturally
• Reggae lyrics have identified with those who
experience political turmoil or racial inequality.
• It has influenced the politics and cultures of affected
countries
• The reggae song “One love” by Bob Marley, was
named the song of he millennium by BBC (1999)
• Exodus was chosen as the greatest album of the 20th
century
5. • Reggae music is being used in great blockbuster
movies, such as
– I am Legend
– Marley and me
– Home
6. • Through Reggae music, Bob Marley has spread the
philosophy of Rasta influencing the 1970’s Hippie
Movement in Europe and North America.
• Reggae music coveys feelings of spiritual
togetherness and has consciously overcome
religious, political and ideological barriers.
7. HairStyle
• Dreadlocks became a visible symbol of Rastafari and
were worn by Caribbean individuals as well as those
persons in the metropolis who adopted Rastafari
culture.
• It has now become a major mainstream hairstyle and
the new look of black feminist.
• It also broke the cultural prejudice against virgin hair
and now black and men wear a "natural look”
• Faux locks..can be purchased and placed on to the
hair.
9. Diet
• Ital food /natural food is the food of Rasta. These
foods are free of preservatives.
• They reject meat and processed foods.
• This trend has taken hold in the Diaspora, where
healthy eating places can be found
10. Negative influence of Rastafari
• Involvement of Rastas in illegal narcotic trade that
introduces Rastas to Law Enforcement in the USA.
(Buju Bantun ...Old dub reggae)
• Jamaican posse groups were cited by some American
as the most vicious organization ever seen in the
American criminal world.
• These groups control the drug trade in North eastern
USA.
11. • Dreadlocks are considered strange but also
intimidating.
• Second generation Caribbean migrants have adopted
Rastafari as a source of fortitude in the face of
racism. In 1970, Babylon became the Brixton (Britian)
police station in clashes with the police.
• Rastafarism provided belief system and a culture of
resistance in the face of oppression in Britain
12. Racial profiling
• Rastas have bee subjected to routine searches based
on wearing of “locks”
• They have been marginalized as an exotic cultural
practice from the islands.
• It is not given respect as other traditional practices
13. Impact of Rastafari in the Caribbean
• Rastas introduced the African style of drumming
known as Burru in reggae music. E.g. Count Ossie
mastered this style of drumming.
• Craft sector has developed due to Rasta. They
developed the craft of wood carvings. Make knitted
belts and tams, and other items include rings, badges
and pendants.
14. Speaking against Justice
• Rastas are very vocal about social injustice in their
songs. They speak out against what they see as the
wrongs in society.
15. Wearing of the Turban
• They preserve the wearing to the Turban.
17. Calypso music
• Harry Belafonted brought calyso to international
fame in the 1950’s such as the “Banana Boat Song”
• Famous Trinadian artists like the Mighty Sparrow and
Lord Kitchener developed
18. Reggae Calypso Soca Punta Zouk Dancehall Salsa
Bob
Marley
Mighty
Sparrow
Machel
Montana
Pen
Cayetana
Kassav Shaggy Celia Cruz
Jimmy
Cliff
Lord
Kitchener
Blue Boy Banda
Blanca
Ophelia
Marie
Sean Paul Gloria
Estafan
Burning
Spear
David
Rudder
Fay Ann
Lion
Lord
Rhaburn
Dibouse
Black
Yellow
Man
Albita
Rodriquez
Beres
Hammond
Byron Lee
and the
Dragonair
es
Colin
Lucas
Alan Cave Buju
Banton
Ricky
Martin
Ziggy
Marley
Lord
Pretender
Denise
Baton
Patrick St.
Eloi
Elephant
Man
Olga
Tanon
19. Questions
• The migration of Caribbean nationals to the United
Kingdom and North America has benefitted those
countries more than the Caribbean. Discuss (20
marks)
• Explain why some Caribbean people have a
preference for goods produced in foreign countries
as against locally produced goods. (25 marks)
