To have lived in the deepest corners of the famous ‘shanty’ city of Kingston several years will certainly never come without loads of experiences, both good and bad. If not for anything, you are promised of an exposure to the illegal activities of the chain of robust, smart drug syndicates. If it’s not about the staple of the land, marijuana then it will be the movement of arms within and out of the island. Red, yellow, green and black has gradually replaced the national flag as these colours are seen almost ubiquitously. But this is courtesy a now global religious movement with much of its followers on the island.
Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement which traces its origin to the island as far back as the early part the twentieth century. The movement was named after an Ethiopian prince who in 1930 was crowned emperor of Ethiopia- Haile Selassie I, originally named Tafari Makonnen. The word Ras means “Lord” in the Amharic language hence the name Rastafari. Selassie’s other titles included King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is regarded by the movement’s faithfulls as the black king and redeemer Marcus Garvey had prophesised.
As a worldwide phenomenon, Rastafarianism is practised at every corner of the globe with GH not an exception. This brings the number of the movement’s loyal faithfulls to over millions. Elements which over the years did popularise this movement include the reggae genre of music. This was thanks to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley who converted to Rastafarianism in 1967. The Rastafarian message become widespread during the 1970s and early 1980s, as Marley and reggae achieved mainstream popularity. Even after his death other reggae musicians inspired by the Rastafarian message, also communicated it through their music. They include the likes of our contemporary Black Prophet, Blak Rasta and others whom are making waves with this genre of music.
Being a member of this Afro-Caribbean religious movement doesn’t leave you with uncountable challenges, but rather simple rules and regulations just like other religions. A Rastafarian, whether to the core or not is expected to venerate the Elect of God, Haile Salassie I and also forgo cutting or shaving of his or her hair. This biblical law of the Nazarenes has left most Rastafarians wearing a long, matted locked hair popularly referred to as dreadlocks. They are to abstain from intoxicants especially hard liquor. Their diet should be devoid of certain items but rather eat foods considered as pure and untainted. As a follower of ‘‘the Might of the Trinity’’, one is expected to stress black culture and enlighten others on the idea of black identity. The idea of the black God and messiah forms the basis of the black culture and identity. Black should never be seen as inferior but rather the best.
If all these are fundamental elements forming the basis of the Jamaican religious and cultural movement, one will wonder if there are any true Rastafarians in Ghana. The streets of Accra are never spared with several patrolling men and women with their long locked hairs wrapped in turbans. One major question is what are these people doing on the streets and does their actions conform to the rules and regulations of the religion. If Rastafarianism is just about endorsing the elaborate ritual system which involves the use of marijuana as a sacrament, then there will be no doubt Accra alone can boast of over millions of Rastafarians. But truth be told, there are now more non Rastafarians in GH smoking ‘ganja’ than the Rastafarians even do. Bob Marley among an endless list of Rastafarians under the influence of marijuana sung praises of its spiritual effects and endorsed black racial superiority. Apart from the likes of Rocky Dawuni, Black Prophet, Blakk Rasta (who is even rumoured not to be a ganja smoker), what can be said of the several thousands of Ghanaian Rastafarians. So does it mean they are just smoking for the fun of it or they are simply substance abusers?
Rastafarianism is fast going through another phase in GH with lots of these dreadlocked men selling their soul, mind and body to the very people the movement is critical of. What has come to stay with uncountable examples in the coastal areas is the phenomenon of ‘Business Rasta’. Black consciousness seems to be losing if not lost its essence and value in the world of Ghanaian Rastafarianism. A visit to the famous La Pleasure beach, Kokrobite beach and Bojo beach will vindicate this. Several Rastafarians gather under the big palm trees along the coast line to smoke all day, forgetting life is not all about ganja. They are seen openly consumer the toxicants the movement forbids with no regrets. There will be several other Rastafarians parading the shore looking out for ‘vulnerable’ whites to pounce on.
They usually act needy and friendly to their victims, usually white ladies. They lure these whites to win their sympathy after which they become their slaves. This will certainly put into their pockets their idolised dollar bills. As if that is not enough, some Rastafarians will go to the extreme with the support of black magic to get these ladies to love them. With this supposed love, wedding bands and meaningless vows are exchanged. Trust them to end up in Europe and the Americas with these whites all in the name of love.
Instead of fighting for black superiority, these Rastafarians will do otherwise. With their activities, they tend to degrade the black race in the eyes of the Whiteman. This goes a long way to confirm the good old adage- anything Black is evil and anything White is God. How long will these self centred and interested persons be allowed to bring into disrepute the enviable afro-Caribbean religion. The true Rastafarians need to stand up as their most cherished religion will sooner than later be drugged into the mud. To all the whites, be careful of the Rastafarians you hang out with, some might be ‘Business Rastas’. J A H – R A T A F A R I ! ! ! ! ! ! !
By Chris Koney
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