Where thou art is the question I pose to all souls supposed to be Ghanaian and Rastafarians after a period of critical observation of these in recent times. It is quite obvious Rastafarianism has entered into an era where people supposed to be conscious of the movements are rather denigrating the ideas preached by the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
To have lived in the darkest corners of the famous ‘shanty’ town of Kingston certainly comes with loads of experiences, good and bad. If not for anything, you are promised of an exposure to activities of the chain of illegal, robust and daring drug syndicates. If it isn’t about the staple of the land, marijuana, then it will be the movement of arms in and around the island. Red, yellow, green and black has eventually replaced the national emblem with these colours seen at every space. 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 from the early part the twentieth century. The movement is named after an Ethiopian prince who in 1930 was crowned emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie I but originally named Tafari Makonnen. The word Ras means “Duke” in the Amharic language. Selassie is also referred to as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is regarded by the movement’s followers as the Black King and redeemer Marcus Garvey had prophesied.
As a worldwide phenomenon, Rastafarianism is currently practiced at every corner of the globe with Ghana not an exception bringing the number of the movement’s loyalists to over millions. Reggae music ranks highest among elements that popularize this movement over the years with credits to the legendary Robert Nesta Marley who converted to Rastafarianism in 1967. The Rastafarian message become widespread as Marley and reggae achieved mainstream popularity.
And after his death other reggae musicians inspired by the Rastafarian message, also communicated it through their music. From different races, they include the likes of Ghanaian respected contemporary musicians- Black Prophet and Blakk Rasta.
Being a member of this Afro-Caribbean religious movement leaves you with relatively simple rules as compared to other religions. A Rastafarian is expected to venerate the Elect of God, Haile Selassie I and also forgo shaving of the hair. This biblical law of the Nazarenes leaves Rastafarians wearing a long, matted locked hair (dreadlocks). A Rastafarian is to abstain from intoxicants especially hard liquor.
Their diet is constituted of foods considered as pure and untainted. As a follower of the ‘Might of the Trinity’, one is expected to extol Black culture and enlighten others on the idea of Black identity. The Black God and Messiah form the basis of the Black culture and identity. Black people should in no circumstance be seen as inferior and be treated with abuse, rather should recognized as the best at all levels.
If these elements form the rudiments of the Jamaican religious and cultural movement, one is tempted to doubt the number of true Rastafarians in Ghana. The streets of Accra are never spared with patrolling men and women carrying dreadlocks wrapped in turbans. And does the activities of these people conform to the guiding principles the religion?
If Rastafarianism is just about endorsing the ritual system involving the use of marijuana as a sacrament, then there will be no doubt Accra as a city can boast of millions of Rastafarians. Truth be told, there are currently more people smoking ‘ganja’ in Ghana under the pretext of being Rastafarians. Bob Marley and other Rastafarians under the influence of marijuana sang praises of its spiritual effects endorsing Black racial superiority.
Apart from the likes of Rocky Dawuni, Black Prophet and Blakk Rasta (who is rumoured not to be a ganja smoker), what can be said of the several thousands of Ghanaian Rastafarians. Does it mean they smoke marijuana for pleasure or they should be simply regarded as substance abusers?
There is a new phase of Rastafarianism currently in Ghana with lots of these dreadlocked men selling their soul, mind and body to the very people the movement is critical of. What seems to have come to stay is the phenomenon of ‘Business Rasta’. Black consciousness is becoming a thing of the past. A visit to the famous La Pleasure beach and other resorts along the beaches across the will presents you with copies instance to vindicate this phenomenon.
Several Rastafarians gather under palm trees along the shore smoking all day, forgetting life is not all about ganja. Others openly consume spirits and other toxicants the movement forbids with no regrets as they gallivant looking out for ‘vulnerable’ white folks to pounce on amidst cunning antics. Theses Rastafarians often act needy and awfully friendly towards their victims, who are usually ladies.
They lure these ladies to win their sympathy after which they become their slaves with the desire of filling their deep and unfortunately dry pockets. As if that isn’t enough, some with the support of black magic manage to get the white ladies to love them unconditionally. With this supposed love, wedding bands and meaningless vows are exchanged. Trust them to end up in Europe and the Americas with these whites, a dream come true for them.
Instead of fighting for Black superiority, these Rastafarians are just doing the worse without caution. Their malevolent activities crushingly demean the black race to their White lovers. They only confirm the old racial adage “anything Black is evil and anything White is God” by their deeds. How long will these self centered charlatans be allowed to bring into disrepute the great Afro-Caribbean religion. Aren’t there any true Rastafarians to rise up for their cherished religion which keeps losing its significance?
And to all the white folks coming in Ghana or coming into Ghana should be cautious of these greedy hypocrites in dreadlocks. They may appear clean followers of the Emperor but be skeptical, they might be Business Rastafarians, you never know. J A H – R A S T A F A R I ! ! ! ! ! ! !
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