The History & Cultural Significance of Rastafarianism

Rastafarianism is a religious movement and lifestyle that emerged out of Jamaica in the 1930s, during a time when the remnants of the Atlantic slave and British colonialism oppressed and disenfranchised Jamaicans of African descent. The teachings of the prominent activist Marcus Garvey, known as Garveyism, promoted African self-reliance, pride, unity, and the return to Africa. It was his prophetic-like words, “Look to Africa where a Black king shall be crowned, he shall be your Redeemer”, that became foundational to the creation of the religious movement, when Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia in 1930. 

Marcus Garvey

Selassie claimed to be a direct descendant of the biblical King David and proclaimed himself to be the “King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and Conquering Lion of Judah”. To some Jamaicans, he was their God or Jah, the long-awaited Black Messiah just as Garvey prophesied. Rastafari preaching is biblical, drawing especially from the stories of the Israelites and the themes of exile and deliverance, easily resonating with the people who were stolen from their land and sold into slavery.

The Founding Fathers of Rastafarianism

The founding fathers were four early preachers of the movement. They emerged independently but shared a collective vision of Black identity, worship of Haile Selassie as the messiah, and a rejection of colonial oppression. The most prominent early leader was Leonard Percival Howell, also known as 'The Gong.' Bob Marley fans may recognise this nickname as the inspiration behind Marley's own moniker, 'Tuff Gong,' which also became the name of his record label. Howell, who was a controversial figure, is often referred to as the first "Rastaman." Howell, who had experienced racial discrimination in his many travels, returned to Jamaica in 1932 and began preaching the divinity of Haile Selassie, Black racial pride, and the need for repatriation to Africa. Howell also established the first Rastafari community called Pinnacle, modeled after Maroon self-sufficient settlements.

Leonard Percival Howell

Alongside Howell were Joseph Nathaniel Hibbert, Archibald Dunkley, and Robert Hinds, who each led their own groups and preached similar messages. Hibbert, who had lived in Costa Rica and was part of the Ancient Order of Ethiopia, began preaching in Jamaica after Selassie’s coronation. Dunkley, a former sailor, started a Rastafari mission in Port Antonio before relocating to Kingston. Hinds, initially a follower of revivalist preacher Alexander Bedward, founded his own King of Kings Mission, the largest early Rastafari group. 

Robert Hinds (right) meeting Emperor Haile Selassie I (left)

Religious Beliefs & Practices

Rastafarianism is a movement of spiritual empowerment and resistance to Western society, “Babylon”. Its theological framework sees Black people as God’s chosen, destined for redemption in “Zion” (the African homeland). Rasta’s believe in living naturally, ethically, and in harmony with Jah - "livity". This extends to Ital food laws, eating natural and vegetarian foods (in most cases). Symbolically, wearing dreadlocks, which was inspired by the Nazarite vow in the Bible, bringing them closer to God, an unbroken link to Africa and all things natural. The most defining practice of Rastafarianism is Nyabinghi, a communal gathering with drumming, chanting, prayer, scripture reading and ritual smoking of marijuana to connect them spiritually and promote unity.

Cultural Impact

Rastafari spread beyond Jamaican shores as a syncretic blend of Protestant Christianity, mysticism, and pan-Africanism, mixed with influences from Hinduism and African spirituality. While it was originally a response to oppression, racism, and economic hardship, Rastafarianism rapidly became an international phenomenon after the 1970s, in large part due to reggae music and its most famous exponents, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley. They and other musicians used their music to communicate Rastafarian ideals. The promotion of Afrocentric identity has influenced music, literature, fashion, language, social justice movements all over the world.

Bob Marley

Challenges and Prejudice

From its inception, Rastafarianism faced intense discrimination and misunderstanding. Stigmatised for its opposition to colonial and dominant Christian norms, as well as for its practices such as dreadlocks and marijuana use. The 1963 Coral Gardens massacre, a violent clash that took place from April 11-13 in Jamaica, in which authorities violently suppressed a Rasta community, remains emblematic of state-sanctioned prejudice. Rastas report continued institutional discrimination, especially in education, employment, and legal systems that police their hair, religious expression, and lifestyle. As recently as June 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the case of a Rastafarian man suing state prison officials in Louisiana after guards held him down and shaved him bald in violation of his religious beliefs.

The Religion Today

Rastafarianism has evolved into a worldwide movement, with an estimated one million followers spanning the Americas, Africa, Europe, and beyond. In Jamaica, Rastas are finally recognised as an important religious and cultural minority, and the government has taken steps in recent decades to address past wrongs and improve relations. I’m sure many will feel there’s still some way to go.

Today, Rastafari faces new challenges, balancing tradition with modernity, preserving its Afrocentric theology amid commercialisation and global spread, and addressing issues such as gender, sexuality, and social justice for the next generation. Nonetheless, what started in the small island of Jamaica continues to inspire millions globally.