Jamaican Identity

The musical content, the image and attitude the music portrays and how the natives are identified by others because of the music is how reggae music is a contributing factor to what is known as the Jamaican identity.

‘When the music hits you feel no pain’ is a popular line by reggae icon Bob Marley. Reggae music is the foundation in which Jamaican people have rooted their attitudes in, such as anti-Babylonian behaviour and their belief that things will change for the better if you are easy going with time and hard work, it is also the facet through which the masses can identify with. Attributes of the music, mainly its content resonates with the Jamaican people as it normally encompasses social, economic and political issues within the country. Similarly, its religious connotation which is Rastafarianism is linked to Jamaica by those outside of the country along with its vibrant colours of red, green and gold. These attributes along

This is so based on the fact that many Jamaicans love to eat natural vegetation and little to no meat i.e. ital dishes as the reggae musical content suggests. Prahlad (2001) states that “while ital refers specifically to a natural, organic vegetarian diet, it embodies much more than that. It is an all-encompassing ideology centering on the idea of ‘the natural man.’ The dietary elements of this philosophy emphasize not only vegetarianism, but especially unprocessed foods, most notably raw fruits and vegetables.” Though there are many fast food restaurants present within the island, there is an equaling amount of restaurants that cater to those who seek ‘ital’ meals. There are also street vendors who are selling fruits and uncooked produce who sometimes uses phrases from reggae music to attract customers, a popular one being “mek yuh food be yuh medicine” a line from reggae artiste Chronixx’s song