The Gambian Rasta

Observing the smiling coast of The Gambia if would be hard not to notice a Rasta face or few amongst the dynamics of its people. They have become a part of the Gambian landscape, these constructed identities impacting many a visiting experience of the Gambia; but what is a Rasta and what does the dreadlock wearing Rasta in the Gambia represent.

Rasta’s are often the recipients of negative stereotyping such as ‘bumsterism’ but Rasta did not have its origins as such but through Rastafarian religious origins established in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Its followers allowing their hair to grow freely thus locking into the recognisable dreadlocks formation. Rastafarianism roots were formed through the legacy of Marcus Garvey a Jamaican born, American immigrant responsible for the founding of the (U.N.I.A) United Negro Improvement Association, in America. He had predicted of kingship returning to Africa, many Rasta’s accepted this as prophesy fulfilled, with the emergence of Haile Selassie the former Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarianism has since gained popularity worldwide due to Rastafarians such as Bob Marley, Culture, Peter Tosh and others but whereas the founding Rastafarians are known to glorify Selassie, many Gambian Rasta have no such feeling some even having no awareness of whom Haile Selassie is.

Many visitors to the Gambia are captivated by Rasta mystique including its musical attributions in tradition and reggae forms; Rasta related memorabilia is also popular some displaying marijuana symbols although many Rasta’s are not marijuana users. Many are hardworking serving at various positions within the Gambian tourism and business sectors. Salons can be found packed with patrons acquiring a variety of styles and treatment to their dreadlock hairstyles. The once dreaded dreadlock is now proving just as attractive to many females some adding their own uniqueness’s such as shaven head sides as worn by Mohawk Indian warriors of old America.

From discussions held with local Rasta they express admiration of the Jamaican Rasta community and their culture but emphasise that although they hold Selassie in high regard they do not idolise him. They recognise Rasta as being an outwardly expression of one’s inner self but they appear to have no strict guideline by which they follow. They consider themselves a cultural work in progress , a fusion of past and present and have expressed that the Rasta they represent is representation of peace, love and respect for others a sentiment clearly expressed by Rastafarian legend Bob Marley by song ‘One love, one heart, let’s get together and feel alright’.