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One may ask, are Cubans even allowed to freely listen to Music? The Republic of Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean (over 11 million inhabitants), and has long been known for its rigid Fidel Castro led regime, causing a huge lack of Freedom for its citizens. This loss in freedom came after Cuba gained formal Independence from the United States in 1902. After Raul Castro became the new President in 2008, he promised that there would be more freedom in Cuba, of which there has been progressive changes. Though slow in movement, one can say there seems to be a ray of hope.
There are still major restrictions for example, Computer ownership/Internet use and Travelling to name a few, and there is still a high rate of Illegal Emigration. However, the island does boast a highly rich Culture (understandable being a highly multi-ethnic region), offers the best worldwide healthcare, a 99.8% literacy rate and a lower infant death rate than most developed countries, but many of the benefits are not equally distributed.
A huge part of Cuban Culture is Music, right now various types of Music though not definitively known as Genres are enjoyed more in the island. Besides Cuban produced Music, local Cuban musicians also tend to adapt worldwide Popular Cultures such as Hip Hop, Reggae, Reggaeton and Rap, while still maintaining their own vibe through content and lyrics representing current Social and Political issues.
Approaching the 1990's, Cubans began listening to REGGAETON, a 'form' of Reggae Music (blending Reggae, Electronic and Latin beats) which many original Reggae Lovers feel can never come remotely close to the authentic and meaningful Genre. Reggaeton is mostly popular in the Latin American Culture and spreading to other regions especially where Latin American communities exist, I would be lying if I say it doesn't get me moving. There is nothing more satisfying and relaxing even somewhat holistic, than some real, unadulterated Reggae Music seeping through your body. However, I think its great when persons try to emulate this beautiful Genre, I'm all for diversifying, creating an eclectic blend, mixing cultures, as long as the original is still maintained and respected... I do agree however, we can never say it is actual Reggae Music.
Some Cubans have actually criticised Reggaeton as being 'too explicit' and sexual, and publicly yearned for actual Reggae. Original Cuban Reggae lovers there have made efforts to push the actual genre, however limited by Resources and support.
When I say Reggae, I am not referring to Cuban Reggae, which is a mix of Hip Hop, African Beats and Reggae, but the original 'Jamaican born and grown' Reggae. In Cuba, Reggae is largely associated with the Rastafarian culture, as is in many other societies, hence Reggae is represented and promoted by the small cross section of Rastas in Cuba. Reggae? We all instantly think of the Jamaican King of Reggae, Bob Marley who was a convicted Rastafarian, spreading Reggae Music worldwide, touching the lives of persons from various races, cultures, age and class.
Most of the Rastas and Reggae Musicians reside in the Eastern part of Cuba, where it is believed mostly Jamaicans live, and a huge Caribbean influence exist. However, Cuba does not permit the 'public' Rastafarian practice, namely smoking Cannabis, which is considered a main part of the faith. There has been controversy as Reggaeton is more popular (not without criticism though) than Reggae, the original genre from where it was even created. There are a few Reggae bands/artistes in Cuba, main ones such as Remanente and Paso Firme, and others on the rise still trying to keep the genre alive.
I recently bumped into an article in the Havana Times, where the author Dmitiri Prieto said he met with Raudel, a local Musician who pleaded for 'the advance of pacifistic non-conformist spirituality in support of reggae and against Reggaeton, which he said represented the corruption and perversion of the music that gave it its birth.' He also highlighted the fact that "... Rastas are unable to freely practice their belief due to Law enforcement."
He mentioned that the Mass Media has also been airing more Reggae promotions and even Bob Marley which is a good sign for the well loved Genre. To highlight progress, he also made reference to a recently published Cuban book 'La Cultura Rastafari en Cuba' (Rastafarian Culture in Cuba) by Cuban Researcher/Author Samuel Fure Davis.
I also came across another interesting online narrative by FURE written back in 2005, 'Lyrical Subversion in Cuban Reggae' and and also his in-depth presentation 'Reggae in Cuba', which was held at The University of the West Indies, Jamaica. Prieto also mentioned an upcoming conference on 'African-based' beliefs of which he says will include the Rastafarian Faith, for the first time.
Reggae means different things to different persons, to Cubans it is synonymous with Rastafari. I am not a Rasta nor smoke Marijuana, (not every Islander smokes meds by the way), but those who know me well, KNOW I deeply enjoy the natural mystic/outdoor vibe, nourishing and healing the body with herbs, seeking knowledge, eating organic and healthy AND I am an avid fan of my Island's Reggae and Dancehall Music! Despite what Reggae means to you, I am determined to help keep this island gem of a genre alive and taking the authentic Caribbean culture to the World.
We love the move, the word is getting out... Free Up Reggae maan! It is not 'just' Music, it is a euphoric experience! We may like Music, but everybody needs a little Reggae! Read original article with video links here http://bit.ly/GFM2eV
Natalie Monique is a Jamaican born, Media Production and Communications Specialist. You can find more articles like this and the latest updates in Entertainement, Fashion and Lifestyle on her Classy, Cariburban website http://www.nataliemonique.com/
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