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Drawing their inspiration primarily from Judaism and Egyptian mysticism, the early Rastafarian leaders also incorporated the teachings of Marcus Mosiah Garvey, a forceful defender of black rights throughout the early 1900's. Garvey claimed Ethiopia to be the true homeland of the black race and it was this precept which became a cornerstone for the religion. Many Rasta elders also claimed Garvey prophesied the redemption of all black peoples by an Ethiopian king, although there is no evidence to support this assertion. None the less, when the Prince Regent of Abyssinia, Ras Tafari Makennen was crowned Negusa Negust and assumed the official title of Emperor Haile Selassie I on November 2nd 1930, many believed the prophecy to be fulfilled and that deliverance for the black race was at hand. The first concentration of Rasta followers settled in encampments around Jamaica's eastern hills, but by the early sixties, growing numbers had moved into suburban areas. There, the religion proved particularly compelling to the local populous, taking a firm foothold in many of the poorer districts. It was the incredible scenes of euphoria during the state visit of Emperor Haile Selasie on April 21st 1966, however, which brought Rastafarianism to the attention of the Jamaican public at large. By the early seventies, it's influence became increasingly apparent in the island's music, with artists such as Max Romeo, The Abyssinians, The Ethiopians and Bob Marley & The Wailers among the first to extol the faith. A few years later, it's doctrines had become the predominant theme throughout Jamaican music, with established stars and a new generation of performers alike advocating the Rasta faith and it's emphasis on black consciousness. It was around this time that the term 'Roots' began to be widely used to describe such releases, as illustrated by Bob Marley's 1976 hit "Roots Reggae Rock". Throughout the remainder of the decade, the religion continued to exert a profound influence on Reggae songsmiths, but with the passing of it's most prominent exponent, Bob Marley, it lost it's most powerful voice. Over the years that have followed, Rastafarianism has played an ever diminishing role in Reggae, with more and more younger performers less inclined to embrace it's teachings. And although 'Roots' music still has a place within contemporary Jamaican music, it's themes are predominantly preached by the older, more established acts. The 50 tracks on this collection date primarily from the seventies - a period widely acknowledged as the golden age of 'Roots' music. These recordings reflect the broad spectrum of performers who incorporated songs of a cultural and religious nature into their repertoire - from the likes of Delroy Wilson, Cornell Campbell, Peter Tosh, The Heptones and The Viceroys all of whom had actively been making music since the sixties - to more youthful performers, such as Sugar Minott, Johnny Clarke, Linval Thompson and Big Youth, who made their mark the following decade. Finally, if you do not entirely agree with all that is conveyed within the lyrics of these songs, focus upon the quality of the performances and enjoy these recordings for what they are - Reggae at it's most sublime. |
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DISC 1 |
DISC 2 |
DISC 3 |
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Cool Rasta |
Under Heavy Manners |
Babylon A Fall Down |
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Time - 58:08 |
Time - 61:25 |
Time - 62:51 |
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All material © Copyright Trojan Records |
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