If Reggae was Peanut Butter and Marijuana was jelly, Rastafarian Culture would be like the bread that held it all together. I’ve heard that smoking a joint while listening to a really great reggae album might feel like a religious experience, but today I am learning how marijuana and Reggae is actually a huge part of the Rastafarian ideology. I wanted to better understand just how strong these connections were, so I chatted with an expert.

Friendlyness, Toronto born Reggae artist, a Rastafarian and pot smoker, chatted with me about the movement, the lifestyle and most importantly about his music, “It’s all about love, “he told me, “I want my audience to leave a show knowing what its all about. Its not just about the music, its also about the message.”

As front man of Friendlyness and the Human Rights, Friendliness feels a sense of responsibility to his audience. He wants to share the knowledge and teachings of the movement he is so strongly tied to. “We use the music to spread the message,” explained Friendlyness, “even the rhythm has a purpose.” Rasta drumming is often referred to as the heartbeat, or the life force. It is was what connects the audience to the performer and his message, almost like a chant. Friendlyness is well aware of the power of the rhythm when he is writing a new song. “The sway of the music is similar to the movement of the sea and the earth. You must be grounded to really connect.”
Simply giving his audience a beat to gyrate to isn’t enough, though I’m sure it can’t hurt. There is after all mention of procreation in the teachings.

The Rastafarian culture, as most of you know, has Jamaican roots, but did you know that its history is in fact linked to an Emperor in Ethiopia? His photo graces the liner notes of Friendlyness’ latest album, One Thing, released in 2010. The emperor was born in the late 1800’s and is believed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. His followers spread the teaching of Jah, (God) whose main message is to show love, make peace and unify. Makes you question, when Bob Marley was singing Is This Love?, was he trying to spread the message of the teachings? He sang, “ We’ll share the same room, for Jah provide the bread.”

And what about marijuana? Why is it so prevalent in the culture? “ It’s a spiritual act, it brings us closer to Jah.” Friendyiness explained. He also confided, “ I started smoking pot before I joined the movement. As I young teenager I didn’t understand its relevance. Not until later, when I was wise enough to look for the teaching did it make sense.” Rastafarians consider it a sacrament that cleanses the body and mind, heals the soul, exalts the consciousness and facilitates peacefulness.

If you want to learn more about Rastafarian culture seekout Friendlyness and the Human Rights. They are currently touring across Canada promoting their album, One Thing. Pay close attention to the lyrics and the rhythm. You’ll notice something very powerful. They are the voices and beats inspired by the ideologies of a culture followed by millions worldwide. They are the result of the ancient philosophies that have since inspired a genre of music and generations of music lovers. Reggae, like marijuana is truly Rastafarian.