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Chapter 30: Tuff Gong / Jamaica

Contents

H.I.M. Voice to a Nation

When once asked how long he had been a Rasta, Bob Marley responded, “Well I’ve been a Rasta ever since… It’s not how long I’ve been a Rasta. It’s how long it take you to grow up.” In the popular culture of Babylon, Rastafari has become synonymous with Jamaica, dreadlocks, the use of herbs and reggae music. While these perceptions may be based on truths, the true meaning of Rastafari can be understood by looking directly at Emperor Haile Selassie I.

 
 

Hearts That Beat as One

Words: Billy Ocean
Photos: Estevan Oriol

Although Rasta wasn’t something that was intentional, it just happened because I used to Jeri curl my hair and then one day I just stopped and it went locks. But Bob Marley’s influence was clearly in there.

 
 
F30MrKelly.jpg

Mr. Kelly

Words: Mr. Kelly
Photos: Estevan Oriol

“Mr. Kelly? Isn’t he the accountant?” Yes, he is the accountant for the Bob Marley Museum, but in the 1970s Mr. Kelly was a teenager who embraced Rastafari and grew up hanging around Bob Marley while he was becoming Reggae’s biggest international superstar. Walking home from high school Mr. Kelly would pass by Marley’s 56 Hope Road compound in Kingston. There the Rasta community would gather to reason and discuss Rasta spiritual philosophy. Anyone in the community was welcome, and Mr. Kelly would get involved in the discussions between Marley and the other elders that would help to define his path in life.

 
 

Golden Eye

Interview: J. Nicely
Photos: Estevan Oriol, IslandOutpost.com

Chris Blackwell is a reggae music pioneer. The Founder of the wildly successful label, Island Records, it was Blackwell’s love of early reggae music that would lead him to play a pivotal role in introducing Bob Marley to the world at large, helping reggae music reach its current level of popularity. Blackwell splits his time between New York City, checking in on his ventures such as Palm Pictures, and living in Jamaica, where he spends his days at the exotic, beautiful Golden Eye resort. Ever the visionary, Blackwell was gracious enough to sit down with Frank151 and discuss his vision of Jamaica’s future.