Reggae: the inspiration behind it

It emerged out of the slums of Jamaica. Since then it has crossed boundaries and established itself in nations thousands of miles away from its homeland.
In Africa  reggae’s impact can be seen in many sectors of society. Among the youths, reggae is however more than just a form of songs.Due to its close attachment to Rastafarianism, most youths see it as areligious and spiritual music. But reggae’s influence transcends  religious boundaries. Its socio-politicalmessages to many are the driving forces behind its fascinating spread.

Whether in Jamaica or elsewhere, reggae has always spread messages whichestablish injustice, repression, corruption and poverty.It has always associated itself with the underprivileged in society. That’swhy most lyrics and clips feature the slums and difficulty of lifein the Caribbean.
Perhaps to many Africans, its acceptance is closely associated withEthiopia and its Emperor Haile Selasi. This man is hailed and reveredby Rastas in religious terms as almost a God. His close associationstems from the believe that he is the Prophet and God entrusted to rule the black nation as a result of which he is termed as the Lion of Judah and King of Kings.

As a result of this, Rastafarians see Africa as the Motherland of the black man and race, hence explaining why Rastas’ look forward to coming back home to Africa to finally settle. As Marcus Garvey once said “blacks no matter where they are from are Africans.”
Although reggae is the culmination of different forms of music, it was not until 1960 that the word was initiated in Jamaica to refer to a “ragged” style of dance music which originated in New Orleans rhythm n blues.

Soon afterwards, it took the lament-like style of chanting and emphasized the syncopated beat. It was also made explicit with the world of Rastarafai. However, as one observer noted, the paradox of reggae, of course, is that this music "unique to Jamaica" is actually not Jamaican at all, as its foundations are found in the USA and Africa.
At its inception, reggae was very much associated with ghetto phenomena and gang-styled violence, but Jimmy Cliff's Wonderful World Beautiful People (1969) wed reggae with the "peace and love" philosophy of the hippies, an association that would not die away.

Reggae’s association with Africa dates back to decades. This did not only manifest in its origins in Africa, but in the struggle for political liberation in the continent. During the struggle against apartheid, reggae artists allied with their African brothers to resist the racist philosophies they preach. Bob Marley dedicated a whole song to the Zimbabwe struggle in which he looked forward to the day the continent will be liberated from the shackles of colonial bondage.

Over the past twenty years Africa has produced its towering reggae stars, Alpha Blondy and the recently murdered Lucky Dube being great examples. The Gambia’s affiliation with reggae has been thrilling, fascinating and interesting.