Perhaps you have already seen a flag that brought the colors red, yellow and green horizontally and in sequence. Bracelets reproduce this pattern, as do t-shirts and caps. And many people associate these three colors together with the reggae musical style, personified in the figure of Bob Marley.
While there are many symbols that can be associated with this musical style, delving into this theme can be an inspiring journey to find your own spirituality. Next, you will understand more about every detail of reggae and how it can convey peace and love!
reggae history
Reggae is the name of the musical style that emerged in Jamaica, Central America, in the late 1960s. The rhythm was developed from two other musical styles, ska and rocksteady, and is characterized by a slow and enveloping beat, which promotes a sense of peace and tranquility instantly.
Over time, reggae began to gain different influences, according to the countries in which it developed. It is possible to find reggae styles inspired by traditional African music, in Caribbean rhythms and based on the blues rhythm, which emerged in the United States of America.
According to musician Toots Hibert, the name “reggae” came about as a spontaneous adaptation of a Jamaican term (streggae) used to characterize a person who is untidy or wearing ragged clothing.
In other words, reggae is considered a relaxed and sloppy style of music, even though there is a complex philosophy behind the message that songs with this rhythm disseminate.
Regarding the colors (red, yellow and green), which are present in the Jamaican flag, reggae assigns meanings to each of them. There is a physical interpretation, related to something visible, and a metaphorical interpretation, related to a concept.
Red is the blood that martyrs shed for the good of the people, while it represents the faith to achieve a goal and the power to achieve it. Yellow symbolizes gold and natural riches, in addition to spirituality and love, essential for those who produce the rhythm. Green is related to the fertility of the earth, representing hope and the capacity for renewal.
Main reggae personalities
The spread of reggae might not have been possible without great personalities who incorporated the rhythm into their own lifestyle. Next, meet some of the greatest representatives of reggae in the world!
1) Bob Marley
Born Robert Nesta Marley in 1945, the Jamaican made reggae history by writing songs about love, resistance and change in society. His figure is one of the most widespread, being characterized by dreadlocks, the hat and the weed in his mouth. For many people, he is a figure who encouraged peace and love.
2) Jimmy Cliff
The lead singer of the reggae band Dragonaires, Jimmy Cliff was born in 1948 in Jamaica. Although he achieved international success, he could not surpass the one who was the great idol of reggae in the world, Bob Marley. Still, Jimmy deserves all the recognition!
3) Peter Tosh
Member of the band The Wailers, Peter Tosh, born Winston Hubert McIntosh, in 1944, played alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. He learned reggae unaided and became a hit alongside his bandmates.
4) Bunny Wailer
Neville O'Riley Livingston is the birth name of Bunny Wailer, member of the band The Wailers, born in 1947. He is the only member of the group that is still alive and continues to produce reggae, releasing hits that reach the world.
5) Ziggy Marley
Owner of a famous surname, Ziggy Marley, pseudonym of David Nesta Marley, has been successful since he was born, in 1968. Son of Bob Marley, Ziggy represents his father's heritage for reggae music.
Rastafarian philosophy
In Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae, a Judeo-Christian religious movement stood out in the 1930s. Rastafarian philosophy, as it is called, was created by peasants descended from African people who were enslaved. Very present in Jamaican society, this philosophy found in reggae a way to expand.
What Rastafarian philosophy preaches is the idea that Haile Selassie I, the last Emperor of Ethiopia, would be the messiah. For others, he is the representation of Jah, the deity worshiped by these people. It is even believed that Haile was one of King Solomon's heirs.
In this way, people who follow the Rastafarian philosophy, called Rasta, unite concepts of Protestant Christianity, mysticism and Pan-Africanism, following a movement that combines religion, spirituality and politics.
Activist Marcus Garvey is a Rasta figure who encouraged pride in black origins and the belief that one must reconnect with African ancestry to honor it. Thus, Rastafarian philosophy is also a social movement for black people and for love.
Among the principles of this philosophy are vegetarianism, eating natural and pure foods, using dreadlocks as a way of connecting to one's own body, smoking marijuana for spiritual cleansing and purification, and homeopathy as a treatment for possible illnesses.
What prevails in Rastafarian philosophy, and which is followed by reggae, is the need to seek the purity of products and relationships, always valuing spiritual cleanliness, love and peace.
reggae and spirituality
In 2018, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included the reggae musical style in the list of Intangible Heritage of Humanity. At the time, the institution declared that reggae makes a “contribution to the international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity, and highlights its dynamics of being, at the same time, cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual”.
The way UNESCO has characterized reggae says a lot about what this musical style can bring to the world. Based on Rastafarian philosophy and making references to Jah (a word used to refer to God), reggae is a rhythm that is based on religion to spread messages of love and peace.
The songs talk about the need to connect with Jah, a religious leader, and to break free from all forms of oppression. A person who listens to reggae will not necessarily be Rasta. However, she will have the possibility to get in touch with the concepts of this philosophy: love, freedom and appreciation of her own origins.
Songs to develop your spirituality
Now that you know all the positivity that reggae music brings, it's time to update your playlist. Check out the 6 best songs to develop your spirituality and spread a message of love and peace!
1) Exodus – Bob Marley e The Wailers
“Open your eyes and look within
Are you satisfied with the life you lead?
we know where we are going
we know where we are from
We're leaving Babylon, see?
We are going to our homeland.”
2) Black Woman – Judy Mowatt
“We are the same on the plantations
With whips on our skins
On auction blocks we were chained
branded merchandise
carnal abuse
And despised and refused
And thrown in the trash can
But it's not like that now
Just get rid of it now
And help me sing my song.”
3) Poor and Needy – Misty in Roots
“How long will you judge unjustly and accept people without mercy?
Defend the poor and orphans
Do justice to the afflicted and the needy.”
4) World-a-music – It's Kamoze
“Showing what it feels like
Singing the graceful kindness
So a thousand rhythms dissipate
Make the spider kiss the fly.”
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5) Freedom taking over – Groundation
“We give thanks and praise to the elders
For we told them that we know that
No one should be alone tonight
Must run, run, tonight, be alone tonight
Must run, run at night
Long before this war we used to cry and lay in bed
With visions of fire turning red,
But instead we called the elders.”
6) None shall escape the judgement – Johnny Clarke
“Yes, weak hearts must fall
Only the righteous will remain
In this congregation of Jah
Anything Jah say, I'll always do
Anything Jah say, I'll always do
because i love him,
Because I love him.”
