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Every now and then, the Dubroom receives feedback
from people who would like us to elaborate on the
definition of Consciousness. Oddly enough, we have
yet to receive feedback concerning (DUB) Reggae.
Odd, because it can be very difficult to actually
define the music.
Of course it has to do with the fact that not
everyone has the same definition of Consciousness.
It's a buzzword which can mean many things to many
different people. And there are also many who use
words like Consciousness, Cultural and so on
without actually having a definition of it!
So, what do we mean with
"Consciousness"? And what do we mean
with "(DUB) Reggae"? And why do we think
this is a crucial combination?
For that, we have to dive a little bit into the
history of Reggae Music and the island where the
music originated: Jamaica.
The island was "discovered" by
Christopher Columbus, and pretty soon thereafter
the original inhabitants (the Arawak people) were
killed altogether. Big ships were sailing over the
oceans, carrying millions of Africans who were
brutally captured and forced to work as slaves in
what was called "the new world". If they
weren't killed or died in another way, that is.
Reggae Band Steel Pulse very rightly calls it the
"African Holocaust"!
Fast forward to the 20th century, when Reggae
Music came into existence. Even though slavery was
officially abolished, something which can be
debated, the people on Jamaica feel it to the day
of today. It has placed a deep mark in the souls
of the people, and obviously this has an influence
on the music too.
The movement of Rastafari had, and still has, a
tremendous influence in Reggae Music as many
artists consider themselves to be a member or at
least a sympathizer. They had identified
the system that caused slavery as the very same
thing what the Bible calls "Mystery
Babylon".
The philosophy of Rastafari was incorporated in
the rhythm of Reggae. African drums, for example,
play a dominant role and this is not just a
cultural thing. Cries from the heart, chants unto
the Most High and lamentations in old-testament
style, these are vital ingredients for what is now
known as "Roots Reggae".
And now, whenever someone is introduced to
Reggae Music, sooner or later they will be
confronted with what is called "Conscious
Reggae". In fact, the music appeals to many
especially because of the Consciousness.
Consciousness?
Yes.
To be conscious means to be awake: to know
what's going on, and why things are the way they
are. For Jamaicans were not told about their
history. They were told how there was this
"white Jesus" who made black people to
serve the white folks.
Rastafari and Reggae Music changed that.
Through music, the "half that never been
told" was shared. The Wailers sang about
"Music's gonna teach them one lesson".
Reggae Music is a message music. Sure, it's an
appealing music. You just can't afford not to move
your feet when the music plays. When you're
sensitive, you will be touched straight in the
heart. The music gives strength to carry on in
this system called Babylon.
For there really is a Mystery Babylon. It's not
just in the Bible, it's not just in Reggae Music.
You can actually research the matter and find out
just how true all of what the Rastaman says in
Reggae Music actually is.
And that's why the Dubroom doesn't only promote
(DUB) Reggae Music. We also attempt to provide
back ground information and documentation
concerning Mystery Babylon, and also concerning
JAH.
For not only is Reggae Music closely connected
with exposing Babylon System, many artists are
devout believers and followers of the Most High
God, JAH! And we're not only speaking about those
who believe the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie
to be JAH incarnated.
So, conscious people and spiritual people find
themselves at home in Reggae Music. It's like the
music is created for consciousness and
spirituality, even. In every book about Reggae,
you will find at least a few paragraphs about
Rastafari and consciousness.
And that makes Reggae Music a very special form
of music.
The Dubroom wants to promote this music, and
not just because it is such a nice music to listen
to. We want to provide back ground information.
Not just for those who are actively looking for
this information because they believe in it so to
speak, also for those people who are
"merely" interested in what caused
Reggae Music to become Reggae Music.
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