Contemporary reggae draws from Rastafarian ritual drumming, chanting, and mysticism, thus slowing the tempo and giving a stronger emphasis to the music's social, political, and humanistic messages. Rastafarians claim that white Christian preachers and missionaries have perverted the Scriptures to conceal the fact that Adam and Jesus were black. Their rituals include the use of marijuana and the chanting of revivalist hymns.
Reggae music is the popular music of the movement.
Rastafarians, who stress black separatism, have exercised some political influence in Jamaica. All Rights Reserved. Copying or unauthorized mirroring of this material is prohibited.