Rastafari RootzFest – Remembering Year 1

A SHINING EXAMPLE OF RASTAFARI UNITY

‘Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY.” PSALM 133

This Psalm was brought to life in 2015 at the Rastafari RootzFest-HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup held in Negril November 12-15. The event was a celebration of joy for the changes in the Dangerous Drugs Act that decriminalized ganja for medical purposes, with some freedoms allowed to Jamaican individuals to grow and carry small amounts, as well as recognition of Rastafari Sacramental Rights, by all those whose daily lives had been conducted under the fear of arrest for partaking of a plant. The thousands of RASTA who have passed on to higher heights before seeing the fulfillment of their life campaign, must have been looking down and smiling with the same joy being expressed by the thousands gathered at the beautiful Negril Beach Park that weekend.

Most of all, Rastafari RootzFest was a celebration of RASTA Unity that many people claim no longer exists within the movement at home. The disputes that had taken center stage were nowhere in sight, as Rastafari Brethren, Sisters and children from all Mansions joined together in UNITY to participate in the event and show their approval of the revision of Jamaica’s Dangerous Drugs Law. All the Mansions – Nyabinghi, Twelve Tribes, Boboshanti, House of Dread, School of Vision, Youth Initiative Council, as well as ganja farmers representing several Parishes united in Negril in a show of solidarity that surely signalled a new beginning for Rastafari under the opportunities and freedoms of the renewed law.

US magazine HIGH TIMES, an outspoken advocate of legalization for recreational use, partnered with a group of Rastafari to hold the first Cannabis Cup Jamaica as a major feature of Rootzfest and there was some doubt about this unusual partnership. But HIGH TIMES did not impose and it was clear that this was truly a RASTA event. People eagerly anticipated the event as an opportunity to earn at the booth they had rented in the Rasta Cultural Village, and especially of how eagerly they were looking forward to an event that allowed them to use ganja as freely as they desired.

The Long Bay Beach Park is a mile-long stretch of the beautiful white sand Negril beach that has been set aside for the public. On one side of the land a vast football field held tents displaying samples and promotional material of ganja products from Jamaican and US entrepreneurs, as well as samples and buds of ganja. These booths attracted the most interest from the many foreigners present happy to buy good ganja legally for the first time, visiting the stalls and learning more about exotic strains and new products such as BHO a.k.a ‘shatter’ – a THC xtract turned into a dry gum or oil that is the new and more healthy way of using ganja through electronic smokeless vaporizer pipes.

The other half of the Park housed the Rastafari Cultural Village — the real heart of the festival and a beautiful scene of RASTA life. First a food court with several stalls offering a variety of Ital dishes, then a cluster of tents housing Rastafari Mansions – Nyabinghi, Twelve Tribes, House of Dread, School of Vision , Boboshanti — leading into a beautiful craft exposition spread out under trees on the sand.

Tents fluttered Red, Gold and Green decor and pictures of the Emperor. There was jewelery of all kinds from a variety of natural woods, seeds and beads; steam chalices with short and long pipes; intricately carved calabash bowls; fresh fruit and squeezed juices. But most of all, most stalls offered branches and buds of ganja for sale, as well as products made from ganja such as oils for medicine, foods, cosmetics and wines. Tent holders seemed happy with the flow of business and music gave appropriate sounds for the occasion.

On Saturday the sunshine welcomed a crowd of visitors to the Village. At midday Priest Fagan of the Rastafari School of Vision conducted Sabbath prayers, then music by Natural High sound system provided an irie backdrop to the comings and goings of the curious and the committed. As dusk fell at Sabbath close, Ras Iv-I led a Nyabinghi chant that gathered a large crowd of participants, singing and dancing to the drumbeat. Short speeches closed the ceremony, and the Village settled in to receive the night’s visitors.

On the beach, the crowd gathered by a Sumfest-level stage featuring a dynamic opening performance by Jah9, who showed why she is in such international demand. Performances followed by Luciano, The Mighty Diamonds and I-Wayne. I coulnd’t help hinking of all the GanJAH warriors who fought the hard battle to get Jamaica to this day when the herb is FREE to use – GanJAH warriors now ancestors whose spirits were surely with us in Negril.

Special mention must be made of five people whose work was crucial to the event’s success. Ras Iyah-V was statesman-like in his speeches and presentations. He is to be commended for being bold enough to accept the HIGH TIMES proposal, despite much negative pressure, and

Ras Iyah-V & Prof. Charles Nesson

to make it manifest in a manner that was both sacramental as well as economic. His constant insistence that grass roots ganja farmers must be the chief beneficiaries of the revised law, gives confidence that he will use the power and influence that the success of the RootzFest has given him to keep that objective in sight.

Law Professor Charles Nesson shocked his Harvard University years ago when he admitted being a ganja smoker. Through his love of Jamaica, he followed the discussions leading to the revised ganja law, then persuaded his HIGH TIMES friends to partner with Rastafari In Inity to celebrate the new GanJAH Freedoms. Nesson’s activism at the highest levels of the national and international legalization campaign provided the assurance the organizers needed to move forward with the project. His presence at the event (with his wife Fern, whose photos decorate this article) added to the organizational help.

Sister Mitzie Williams is well known as a RASTA voice on many issues and actions. At RootzFest her quiet supervision of all aspects of the event, and her motherly female personality provided the confidence and firm foundation on which the event proceeded.

Rick Cusick, HIGH TIMES Editor deserves praise for the easy manner in which he manifested the partnership with RASTA culture. HIGH TIMES funding and the contacts that brought so many foreign exhibitors to compete joyously in Jamaica, enabled the event to be an excellent start for what has now become a regular annual event. Many eyes were opened by the Cannabis Cup and it was good to see Jamaican entries among the winners.

And last, but by no means least, the then-Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding who deserves the highest commendation and praise from the Rastafari community for the measured and intelligent way in which he guided the revision of the ganja laws through Parliament, with especial consideration for the Rastafari community. Ignoring critics, Golding treated the RASTA community with total RASpect throughout the process and has thereby earned himself in return a similar high level of RASpect and LOVE.

Rastafari RootzFest 2015 was a very peaceful 4 days and nights of Rastafari UNITY, with not a single incident of crime, no fights, not even a bag snatching. Some of the celebrities who mingled with the crowd included Rohan Marley, Donisha Prendergast, Jah9, Chronnix, Kiddus I, Jah Cure and Mutabaruka. It was wonderful to have been there and I look forward to a bigger, better event at its 4^th staging this December 14-16, 2018.

(c) Barbara Makeda Blake-Hannah

December 4, 2018

Mark Wonder – Righteous Revolutionary

Although Jamaica has no shortage of roots reggae singers, Mark Wonder is truly a wonder, a musical force that must be reckoned with for his powerful lyrics and old-school reggae songs. Blessed with an awesome musical talent with a vocal range of several octaves, his powerful and infectious vocal delivery cannot be disputed. What sets him apart from many is the lyrical commitment to songs to inspire continued progress on the pathway of righteous Rastafari progress. His words peak the spiritual thoughts of true Rastafari and his songs serve as their expression of philosophy.

Born in Kingston, Mark Wonder says his desire to become a reggae singer was influenced by his own Jamaican legends such as Burning Spear, the Wailers, Bob Andy, Black Uhuru, Barrington Levy, Marcia Griffiths, Beres Hammond, the Abyssinians, Israel Vibration, and Dennis Brown. After honing his craft in and around some of the small sound systems within his and neighboring communities, he began to work with top sound systems. After a brief stint with Black Stars he moved on to Black Scorpio, who eventually launched his recording career.

Answering questions about this early experience, Mark Wonder credits Jack Scorpio with giving him “… a real learning experience. You know nothing about the business, so you need the experience. You are working with a big producer and end up working with some of the big names in the business.”

As he grew, other artists influenced his career.  “I was a young Rastafarian at the time, and many artists brought me a certain kind of vibe.”

Mark’s first single was called “Caution”, then came a slew of other releases that started his growth as a leading artist. He has grown tremendously over the years, creating a unique style of his own and unleashing numerous powerful singles that have positioned him now as one of the top Jamaican roots vocalists.

Listening to his album “Dragon Slayer”, released June 16 by Irie Ites Records out of France, one cannot resist singing or rocking to his quality creations which have a universal appeal whether he is praising the Almighty, chanting revolutionary songs laced with social commentary, or keeping the fire of the ancient ones ablaze. His joyful expressions and contagious love songs are also exemplary of the breathtaking quality and range of this amazing and gifted singer. Sticking to the traditional rhythms, Mark Wonder keeps listeners focused with his sweet voice on the original musical vessel that has carried Rastafari’s message to the world.

His album ‘Dragon Slayer’ was launched in 2017 at Inna De Yard, the Rastafari sacred space where guitarist Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith hosts artists and musicians he endorses as presenting true Rastafari quality in their music. Mark Wonder certainly deserves this honour, as this new album fully displays a presentation of his best that some say deserved to be included in this year’s Grammy nominations.

Every song is an anthem, this lyrics providing the beat of an army marching forward to deal with the issues of the day. In the crowd of songs about love and life, Wonder’s tracks serve like a Field Marshall as inspiration for JAH Army, shouting out above the noise of modern life to focus on the true war. His song ‘I’m a Revolutionary Rebel’ describes his revolution ‘… I’m fighting for the cause, nah look no applause…”. ‘Rude Boy’ challenges those who claim to be Rasta in a ‘rude boy’ way, asking them where is their militancy, why are they are not giving Rastafari all the glory instead. It’s a call to the battlefield. “Rise up Israel from your sleep and slumber, chant and sing break them asunder, things hard but they’re not forever, Rastafari Live For Iver…” His single “Hail JAH” has become one of Rastafari’s popular anthems.

Asked why he chooses to sing the songs he does, Mark Wonder says: “For me that is where reggae should be, I don’t know where some people are at, at the moment. They are the ones at the forefront, but what they presenting is not the true pattern or authentic vibration of what reggae music is. I am coming from the old school, and am I trying to preserve that rich heritage, the culture and roots of reggae music.”

Mark has recorded several albums to date which include “Signs of the Times”, “Jeremiah”, “Break the Ice”, “Live at the Couple”, “Victory: The Mystery Unfolds” which was released on his own imprint Battle-Axe Muzik Production, “True Stories of Mark Wonder and Friends” and “Working Wonders”. Mark’s “SCROLLS OF THE LEVITE” is a NowTime Sound with 13 outstanding tracks that received praise in Jamaican and international media. He has continues to record with established international artists as Sizzla Kalonji, Anthony B and Gentleman, as well as roots labels such as AL.TA.FA.AN Records, Addis Records, Bobby Digital, Irie Ites, Oneness Records and NowTime Sound.

Known as a shy and humble person off stage, Mark gives all credit for praise he receives to JAH Rastafari, saying “If it wasn’t for JAH, I would not be able to speak out in song. When I am onstage I am just an instrument of JAH.” Jamaica’s Daily Gleaner newspaper has described Mark as reminiscent of some of the great ones before him. He smiles and says he wishes there were more of such comments to help move his career to higher heights.

“Nowadays, too much of reggae music is like pop music, yu know,” says Mark Wonder. “I want to stick to the roots. Because that is what reggae music is all about. People like me, who are deep within the roots who have a spiritual sense, they haven’t had much of a look in, because we are not into certain things. The industry today is like a circus. We are not into those kind of things.”

Like many roots-reggae artistes, Mark Wonder has established a fan base in Europe through consistent touring. He says that his numerous visits to Europe, especially Switzerland and Holland, have opened up his mind to things he never knew before, and showed that Rastafari message applies to people all over the world. The overwhelming audience reaction at his performance at Bibelot Dordrecht 2017 shows how well known and well loved he is. Time alone will spread his name and music to an ever-wider fan base for this Righteous Reggae Reolutionary.

2016 – THE YEAR IN REVIEW

by Barbara Makeda Blake Hannah
2016 was a year of mixed blessings. The RASTAFARI Nation began the year smiling at the success of the first entertainment event at which Sacramental Rights enabled the use and sale of Ganja for the first time. The Rastafari RootzFest in Negril sponsored by HIGH TIMES Magazine in December 2015 at which Rastafari culture, arts & crafts and music were on display with ganja plants and products, was followed in January by the Rebel Salute music show at which Sacramental Rights again enabled the sale and use of the Holy Herb.

ELECTION CHANGES    The Election in February had a surprising result that upset predictions that the PNP would continue its rule, and instead brought forward another chance for the JLP to govern under a new leader. Among the changes that resulted from the change in administration, the threat was removed of the Goat Islands being turned from an ecological sanctuary into a hub of Chinese commerce. The power of China that had appeared in all aspects of the national development, economy, business and even education also diminished in 2016, even after the opening of a major cross-island highway.

DAWTA OF JAH    In April I had the good fortune to spend a blessed week lecturing to students at Texas Christian University on aspects of Rastafari culture and philosophy. I spent a further three weeks in America observing and resting in that unique society as it prepared for its own election. However, issues of wanton and racist police brutality threw the USA into national turmoil that was further increased by the campaign of the Republican candidate, who later surprised the world by winning the opportunity to replace Barak Obama as the next US President. Thanks to his controversial opinions on traditional international relations, racial and religious minorities and the international economy, the world awaits his rule with increasing fear.

H.I.M. VISIT COMMEMORATED    Also in 2016 the Rastafari Nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of the visit to Jamaica by H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Defender of the Holy Orthodox Faith, with a ceremonial recreation of his triumphant motorcade from the Kingston airport, as well as a series of activities over three days to commemorate and institutionalize this special history.  The Emperor’s Grandson H.I.H. Prince Ermis Sahle Selassie, Chairman of the Ethiopian Crown Council, officiated.

CRIME & VIOLENCE INCREASE     In Jamaica, the violence of 300 years of slavery in which this nation was born, manifested itself in a rise in murders, especially of women by male partners, as well as acts of a criminal underworld financed by the scamming industry. The situation is so unmanageable that the Commissioner of Police resigned, leaving a vacuum that seems impossible to be filled.

OLYMPIC GLORY    One great good light for Jamaica in 2016 was the rise of Usain Bolt to legendary status by winning three Olympic Gold medals in Rio to crown a career that began with similar wins in the two previous Olympics. As Jamaica celebrated with and for him, Bolt’s playboy behavior off the track celebrating his achievement diminished the glory of that sparkling moment of history. Though Jamaica was still proud of him, his crown seemed a little tarnished thereafter.

HURRICANE MATTHEW PASSES OVER     Thanks to our prayers, the island was spared a devastating hurricane that promised to be the worst in our history, but the destruction was diverted to our Northern neighbours Cuba and Haiti, neither of which could afford it either. We gave thanks and sent what help we could to our sister islands.

VIVA FIDEL!     Cuba suffered the loss of their great leader Fidel Castro who, despite efforts by international media to diminish the glory of his reputation, was hailed by Jamaica and Third World countries especially in Africa as a revolutionary hero whose life work helped liberate those living under European colonialism. Jamaica especially remembers him fondly for his many gifts to our nation. The opening up of US relations with Cuba by  President Obama opens the way for a new history for Jamaica’s closest neighbor.

RASTA RADIO JA interviews Sister Carol @ RootzFest

RASTA ROOTZFEST 2016      The year 2016 closed with another successful staging of Rastafari RootzFest, this time organized by a fully Jamaican organization, with emphasis on locally-grown ganja and associated products.  However, the event left unanswered several important issues of concern to the Rastafari Nation. These include the future of the Pinnacle lands, the building of the promised Pinnacle National Heritage monument, as well as the payment of outstanding reparations to victims and descendants of the Coral Gardens genocidal brutality.

Most important is the necessity for the Jamaican Government to establish a firm relationship with the Rastafari Nation relating to the development of Ganja business. Plans for issuing of licenses for production and sale of medical marijuana have not properly acknowledged the traditional role of Rastafari in the ganja industry, nor provided compensation or opportunities for those who for decades were the sole advocates and maintainers of ganja agriculture, when such activity was illegal and resulted in violence and imprisonment for ganja farmers — most of whom were and are Rastafari.

LEGALIZE IT!     The high costs to enter the ganja industry as proposed by the Cannabis Licensing Authority, as well as the fact that ganja is still not fully legalized for purchase by recreational and sacramental users, are just some of the many problematic issues that will need time and harmonious discussion to be suitably resolved.

The RASTAFARI Nation looks forward to building on the important changes brought by the revision of the Dangerous Drugs Act – including a name change of this important legislation — to reflect the inheritance Jamaica has received from the pioneers who paid the bitter price to make the GanJAH Green Gold become positioned now as the salvation of the Jamaican economy. FORWARD in 2017!!!

Rastafari RootzFest – Shining Example of RASTA UNITY

‘Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY.” PSALM 133

This Psalm was brought to life at the Rastafari RootzFest-HIGH TIMES Cannabis Cup held in Negril November 12-15. The event was a celebration of joy by all those whose daily lives have been conducted under the fear of arrest for partaking of a plant that provides them medicinal healing as well as sacramental inspiration. The thousands of RASTA who have passed on to higher heights before seeing the fulfillment of their life campaign, must have been looking down and smiling with the same joy being expressed by the thousands gathered at the beautiful Negril Beach Park.

Most of all, Rastafari RootzFest was a celebration of RASTA Unity that many people claim no longer exists within the movement at home. The disputes that have taken center stage in RASTA news this past year were nowhere in sight, as RASTA from all Mansions joined together in UNITY to participate in the event and show their approval of the revision of Jamaica’s Dangerous Drugs Law. Nyabinghi, Twelve Tribes, Boboshanti, House of Dread, School of Vision, Youth Initiative Council, as well as RASTA ganja farmers representing several Parishes united in Negril in a show of solidarity that surely heralds a new beginning for RASTAFARI.

INITIAL RESERVATIONS     I was one of those RASTA who expressed initial reservations about the proposal that US magazine HIGH TIMES, an outspoken advocate of legalization for recreational use, would partner with a group of RASTA to host a Cannabis Cup in Jamaica. It seemed like exploitation of a high order, especially as the group was not an existing RASTA organization but a company formed specifically for the purpose and I questioned the ‘sacramental’ nature of the event that had earned the proposal’s approval by the Sacramental Committee set up by Minister of Justice Mark Golding.

Applying for and receiving media accreditation as RASTA RADIO JA, I attended the launch at the Bob Marley Museum and my reservations vanished when I saw and heard the speeches by the many RASTA involved in the event. In fact, no representative of HIGH TIMES spoke or was present at the event. It was strictly Roots RASTA, and from Ras Iyah-V, the chief organizer, to the representatives of several Mansions who spoke, it was clear that the event was truly a RASTA event. Several RASTA friends told me of how eagerly they anticipated the event as an opportunity to earn at the booth they had rented in the Rasta Indigenous Village, and especially of how eagerly they were looking forward to an event that allowed them to use ganja as freely as they desired.

Noting my report after the launch, Professor Charles Nesson – one of the event organizers – wrote inviting RASTA RADIO JA to share our broadcast coverage with his Berkman Center at Harvard University, a welcome opportunity to share news, interviews and information to a wider audience.

FIRST REPORT         Arriving in Negril on Thursday in time for the launch, we were greeted by a beautiful sight. The Long Bay Beach Park is a nice stretch of the Negril beach that has been set aside for the public. On one side was a vast football field with tents displaying samples and promotional material of ganja related products mostly from US entrepreneurs whose booths attracted the most interest from the many foreigners present.

The other half of the Park housed the Rastafari Indigenous Village — the real heart of the event and a beautiful scene of RASTA life. First a food court with several stalls offering a variety of Ital dishes, then a cluster of tents housing Rastafari Mansions – Nyabinghi, Twelve Tribes, House of Dread, School of Vision , Boboshanti — leading into a beautiful craft exposition spread out under trees on the sand.

Tents fluttered Red, Gold and Green decor and pictures of the Emperor. There was jewelery of all kinds from a variety of natural woods, seeds and beads; steam chalices with short and long pipes; intricately carved calabash bowls; fresh fruit and squeezed juices. But most of all, most stalls offered branches and buds of ganja for sale, as well as products made from ganja such as oils for medicine, foods, cosmetics and wines. Tent holders seemed happy with the flow of business and music gave appropriate sounds for the occasion.

RASTA RADIO JA          With portable internet and 2 laptops, RASTA RADIO JA was able to broadcast live pictures from the Village and interviews with vendors and visitors. I was especially glad to speak with Rick Cusick, HIGH TIMES Editor, a very happy man who said how pleased he was with how the Festival was manifesting and gave some history of how it all came about from a desire that began when the very first celebrity cover issue of HIGH TIMES 40 years ago carried a photo of Bob Marley. He said he was proud and delighted that HIGH TIMES was a part of world history, and that the liberalization of Jamaica’s ganja law is an example that the rest of the world will follow. He reminded me of our first meeting a year ago when he came to discuss the event with Ras IyahV and Kubba Pringle, saying what a loss Kubba’s passing has been to Negril and to the Westmoreland ganja movement, and paying tribute to his memory.

SATURDAY SUNSHINE        On Saturday the sunshine welcomed a crowd of visitors to the Village. At midday Priest Fagan of the Rastafari School of Vision conducted Sabbath prayers, then music by Natural High sound system provided an irie backdrop to the comings and goings of the curious and the committed. As dusk fell, Ras Iv-I led a Nyabinghi chant that gathered a large crowd of participants, singing and dancing to the drumbeat. Short speeches closed the ceremony, and the Village settled in to receive the night’s visitors.

On the beach, the crowd gathered by a Sumfest-level stage featuring a dynamic opening performance by Jah9, who showed why she is in such international demand. Performances followed by Luciano, The Mighty Diamonds and I-Wayne. Patrons were were arriving as I left the Park, thinking of all the GanJAH warriors fought the hard battle to get RASTA to this day when the herb is FREE to use! I remembered such GanJAH warriors now ancestors whose spirits were surely with us in Negril.

ORGANIZERS   Special mention must be made of five people whose work was crucial to the event’s success. Sister Mitzie Williams is well known as a RASTA voice on many issues and actions. At RootzFest she showed herself to be a true RASTA leader whose greatest asset is her ability to retain her cool and composure under all circumstances, never raising her voice even when speaking firmly to resolve a situation. Her quiet supervision of all aspects of the event, and her motherly female personality provided the confidence and firm foundation on which the event proceeded. She is to be highly praised.

Rick Cusick, HIGH TIMES Editor and chief negotiator with Rasta In Inity, deserves praise for the easy manner in which he manifested the partnership with RASTA culture. HIGH TIMES funding and the contacts that brought so many foreign exhibitors to compete joyously in Jamaica, enabled the event to be an excellent start for what will surely become a regular annual event. The rain flooded the Cannabis Cup field, but did not discourage hundreds from visiting the stalls and learning more about exotic strains and new products such as BHO a.k.a ‘shatter’ – a THC xtract turned into a dry gum or oil that is the new and more healthy way of using ganja through electronic smokeless vaporizer pipes. Many eyes were opened by the Cannabis Cup and it was good to see Jamaican entries among the winners.

Prof. Charles Nesson & Ras Iyah-V

Ras Iyah-V was statesman-like in his speeches and presentations. He especially excelled in his speech at the Ganjah Seminar held by the Beckley Foundation, hosted by Countess Amanda Whyms. He is to be commended for being bold enough to accept the HIGH TIMES proposal, despite much negative pressure, and to make it manifest in a manner that was both sacramental as well as economic. His constant insistence that grass roots ganja farmers must be the chief beneficiaries of the revised law, gives confidence that he will use the power and influence that the success of the RootzFest has given him to keep that objective in sight.

Law Professor Charles Nesson shocked his Harvard University years ago when he admitted being a ganja smoker. Through his love of Jamaica, he followed the discussions leading to the revised ganja law, then persuaded his HIGH TIMES friends to partner with Rastafari In Inity to celebrate the new GanJAH Freedoms. Nesson’s activism at the highest levels of the national and international legalization campaign provided the assurance the organizers needed to move forward with the project. His presence at the event (with his wife Fern, whose photos decorate this article) added to the organizational help.

And last, but by no means least, the Minister of Justice Senator Mark Golding deserves highest commendation and praise from the RASTA community for the measured and intelligent way in which he guided the revision of the ganja laws through Parliament, with especial consideration for the RASTA community which has suffered and advocated for legalization. Ignoring critics, Golding has treated the RASTA community with total RASpect throughout the process and has thereby earned himself in return a similar high level of RASpect and LOVE.

RASTAFARI UNITED              Rastafari RootzFest was a very peaceful 4 days and nights of Rastafari UNITY, with not a single incident of crime, no fights, not even a bag snatching. Some of the celebrities who mingled with the crowd included Rohan Marley, Donisha Prendergast, Jah9, Chronnix, Kiddus I, Jah Cure and Mutabaruka.  It was wonderful to have been there and I look forward to a bigger, better event next year.

(c) Barbara Makeda Blake-Hannah

ALL PHOTOS: (c) Fern Nesson

“RASTAFARI & THE ARTS” – Book Review

RASTAFARI AND THE ARTS is without reservation, the most thorough look at RASTAFARI of all the books I have read so far – and I have read many. As a writer myself of one of these many books – albeit the first one written by a practicing member of the faith – and as a RASTA for over 40 years, I feel eminently qualified to make such a sweeping commendation. It is truthfully a real pleasure to read, full of information that is both delightful and welcome because it touches areas of Rastafari often unrevealed by other studies of the topic.

Author Darren J. Middleton, a Professor of Religion in The John V. Rich Honours College of Texas Christian University, has produced a book that ploughs new ground in the academic fields of Rastafari by looking at the movement through its artistic creative expressions and in particular, an eclectic choice of RASTA artists through whom he manages to present a deeper and intellectually richer harvest of facts, opinions and scrutiny of the world’s newest religion.

However, it has been a little difficult for me to write a review of the book simply because I am featured in it and readers of my review may consider my praise of the book self-serving. While it’s an honour to be gathered and praised in such esteemed company, to give the book and those Professor Middleton has selected to illustrate it full credit, my inclusion would have resulted in an extremely critical assessment of the book if I was not completely happy with its contents. So while it is an unusual practice for someone mentioned in a book to write a review, an independent read of its contents will certainly find it worthy of my praise. I can only ask to be forgiven, therefore, for any pride I may exhibit in reporting on the other artists with whom I keep company in this excellent book.

Prof. Middleton’s opening statement confirms that “… Rasta and its adherents have transitioned from outcasts to culture bearers… and Rastafari represents one of the twenty-first century’s most vibrant durable and pervasive religions…” His book is for undergraduate students, he explains, those with little awareness of Rastafari beyond the stereotypes of Marley and ganja, and he hopes to break down these stereotypes by illustrating the movement’s artistic diversity not just in music but in literature film and art.  It’s an excellent objective which he accomplishes well.

EARLY INTEREST IN MUSIC        He admits early that his curiosity about and interest in Rastafari began with music, and this is where he book gives the most attention. In fact, he devotes an Appendix to “Dr. M’s Rasta Riddims Playlist” a list of 250 songs that he offers to students to get to know Rastafari better and to introduce listeners to several dimensions of Rastafari religious life. Emphasizing how Rastafari arts are ‘the primary mechanism for the faith’s transmission”, he looks at the arts both from insiders and outsiders views, including films and artworks made about Rastafari by non-members inspired by Rastafari.

Middleton sees literary art as an informative source for learning about Rastafari and he comments on the books of Roger Mais (“Brother Man”) and Orlando Patterson (“Children of Sisyphus”) set in the early years of the Rastafari movement, comparing them with present-day works such as my own novel “Joseph – A Rasta Reggae Fable” (including a Q&A with me about my literary inspiration through my Rastafari spirituality) and the works of Jean Gouldbourne, Masani Montague and N.D. Williams.

Middleton gives due homage and praise to the founding stars of reggae, but ventures off the beaten path with interviews with almost-unknown-but-deserves-to-be-known singer Asante Amen, and India’s premier sound system Reggae Rajahs. He specially devotes space in the music arts for poetry, singling out Black British poet Benjamin Zephiniah with both an introduction to and explanation of his poetic works and history, and also a lengthy interview with him.

FILMS ON RASTA       The chapter on film references some well known documentaries about Rastafari such as Oliver Hill’s “Coping With Babylon”, Monica Haim’s ‘Awake Zion” exploring Rastafari’s Jewish links, the recent “Marley” documentary, and James Ewart’s “Ras Tafari”, a collection of interviews with well-known Rastas (incuding myself). Middleton also comments on Bianca Nyavingi Brynda’s “Roots Daughters” that explores the feminine side of Rastafari’s history and introduces readers to “The Emperor’s Birthday” a 1992 documentary of a Rastafari pilgrimage to Ethiopia to celebrate the special occasion, that gives an inside view of Sheshemane and its residents.

Professor Middleton gives a look at the spread of Rastafari to Africa to fulfill Garvey’s repatriation dream in a chapter featuring interviews with Ghana’s Blakk Rasta musician and radio presenter, then takes a look at Rastafari’s spread to Japan – just one non-Black country where Rastafari has taken root. The spread has not been without its negatives and one which Middleton deplores is the commodification of the movement in hundreds of products that exploit Rastafari’s colours, icons and philosophy purely for material purpose. The irony is not lost on how Babylon seems to be winning the commercial game as usual.

RASTAFARI AND THE ARTS is a varied buffet of information brought together by a master story-teller with a fountain of research and and deep heartfelt appreciation for the topic. It is not Middleton’s first writing on Rastafari, as he has published numerous international articles and academic papers on the religion and how it’s cultural expressions have strengthened its acceptance and growth. The book is a textured addition to the library of academic studies on Rastafari, with a fresh perspective that is both an asset and a new direction. Praise and RASpect are due to the author.

RASTAFARI & THE ARTS – Published: Routledge, New York  2015