rastafarian movement

Alexander Powell
2 December 2013
Brewer
Rastafarian Movement (Bob Marley)

Thirty-six years spanned Bob Marley 's life and involvement with the Rastafarian movement and left an impact still felt around the world. Marley 's music was a result of what he saw in himself, what he loved, and how he saw his people get treated. Followers of the Rastafarian movement are known as Rastafarians, the movement is named for Ras Tafari Makonnen, who was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia in 1930. The Rastafarian movement began with the teachings of Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), a black Jamaican who believed that blacks were the true Israelites and taught hatred toward whites as well as declaring revenge on the whites for enslaving the African Americans. “Blacks to overcome their feelings of inferiority and build upon their own unique and evolving culture, and ultimately return to Africa to redeem their homeland and to build a future”(Dubb. Pg2). Things took a twist in the 1960s when Bob Marley one of the most influential and significant Rastafarians ever was playing music of peace and love among all colors. “Me only have one ambition, y 'know. I only have one thing I really like to see happen. I like to see mankind live together - black, white, Chinese, everyone - that 's all.” (Marley.RollingStone.1976). Music raises the soul of man even higher than the so-called external form of religion…That is why in ancient times the greatest prophets were great musicians. (Khan.TheMysticismofSoundandMusic.1996). Bob’s different outlook on the rastafari and the direction it was heading worried the elders, they didn’t want the movement to become a musical fad but rather a religious thing like they had initially intended. Rather than an uprising of a singular race Bob wanted equality and through his music was able to achieve a lot towards his goal. He stood for the poor and wanted awareness for those by the rest of the world. “If you Really want to know how Rasta’s think, listen to them Talk”(Hicholas pg.37). Jamaicans talk very literal with their switch up on English they tend to speak exactly how they feel. If that says anything it’s safe to say Bob was very genuine in his music. He had a lot to say, so much so he sang and with much success changed the world for the better. Not only a great artist but a better man who stood for something bigger than himself. “From the time of Marley’s sudden death in 1981, the world would forever know about Rastafari, and would be intrigued and inspired by reggae and its powerful artistry.” (Hicholas pg.37). Even in death Bob Marley continues to be a huge social influence across the world, 1Love is a global non-profit started by the Marley family. “We have completed 27 fundraising and awareness projects that resulted in over $1.3 million in donations to causes that have changed more than 255,250 lives… and we have only just begun!” (web.dec1. http://www.bobmarley.com/charity/).

Works Cited

Web. http://www.bobmarley.com/charity/.

Nicholas, Tracy. Rastafari A Way of Life (Pamphlet no other info given)
Dubb, Adjua. “Rastrari Way of Life” JahWorks.org

Cited: Web. http://www.bobmarley.com/charity/. Nicholas, Tracy. Rastafari A Way of Life (Pamphlet no other info given) Dubb, Adjua. “Rastrari Way of Life” JahWorks.org