Religion in Reggae in a New Context!

As Previously stated in the last post, Damian Marley continues today in his fathers footsteps spreading the message of the Rastifian movement offering support and comfort through his music.
One particular part of the first song that i find spiritually significant in my cultural context is :
"Searching for the light because you're living in the dark
You must realize that Jah was with you from the start
Glorify His works and please be upfull in your thoughts
Even though the ones who wish you well are few and far apart
People never thought that we would make it thru so far
Speak of love Jah children and be proud of who you are
Keep on concentrating on the brighter side of life
Don't let them get you down"

Here's two examples of his work, listen to the lyrics guys!





One other modern reggae artist that i personally like is Tanya Stephens. Her Song ‘Turn the other cheek’ like Damian Marley puts the traditional reggae concept of life’s ‘struggle’ in a modern context. Her music uses the traditional religious phrase of ‘Turn the other cheek’ to demonstarate how it isn’t easy to do, especially when life is hard. ~ One Love x

The title of this blog ‘One Love’ is taken from the famous Bob Marley song. Bob Marley’s lyrics are often full of religious questions, phrases and statements. The song ‘One Love’ is one of his most power songs offers questions such as, “Is there a place for the hopeless sinner who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?” Statements such as, “There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation.” The song uses the memorable phrase of “One love, one heart” and “Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right. Let's get together and feel all right” to not only give strength and hope to the listener but also firmly places the song in history as a cult classic. The idea of giving strength and hope to the listener is primarily taken from religious preaching.

Bob Marley was an icon to many people and his music was so much more than entertainment. To many people Marley was and still is seen as a preacher, with the messages in his music offering spiritual guidance and supporting many people’s faith. Bob Marley was part of the Rastafarian movement which was developed out of Christianity in Jamaica in the 1930’s. It concentrates on a certain ‘way of life’ rather than being labeled as a religion. Rastas take inspiration from themselves, praising ‘Jah’ and rejecting ‘Babylon’ which they view as the western world. Reggae music of which Bob Marley is a figurehead helped spread the message of the Rastafarian movement to the world outside of Jamaica showing how music can play such a vital part in religion.

Reggae music developed from the main ghetto in Kingston called Trenchtown where people tuned in to American radio stations and later blended the sounds with Jamaican folk music. Although Marley is without a doubt the most famous Rasta for his leadership through his music, actively preaching to his listeners, he was not the first or the last. The connection between reggae music and Rastafarian theology is still strong today in the 21st century. Damian Marley has continued in his father’s footsteps having recognition for blending the traditional reggae sound with American Hip-Hop to revisit the issues and values the Rastafarian movement opposes and upholds.

It’s easy to see how reggae music helped spread the Rastafarian movement to a worldwide audience. The lyrics are often powerful and deserve more recognition for the faith they build in people. A few years ago when a close family friend passed away to cancer he requested Bob Marley to be played as a hymn at his funeral. The singing of Marley’s lyrics at such a hard time I believe helped the people at that service with their grief, offering so much more than just a ‘song.’ It is clear that religion and music in case of reggae at least go hand in hand. ~ One Love x