In the 1970s, Jamaica underwent a cultural revolution fueled by Rastafari and roots-reggae. While many of the country’s middle-class youth were drawn to that movement’s Afro-centric message, mainstream society frowned on them.
Binghi Blaze started growing his locks over 10 years ago. On ‘Pressuring the Poor’, a song produced by UTH Music, he wails against conventional policy and argues that Rasta should have a say in how the world is run.
“Well, Rastafari have so many influences in society because of the moral integrity, righteous living, natural way of living, which are the foundation and pillar of any society. Everything that the Rastas were implementing and still upholding, but they were chastised and ridiculed for, is now the norm of society,” said Binghi Blaze.
‘Pressuring the Poor’ calls on Jamaicans specifically to move away from political dependence, a pillar of the Rastafarian message. Politicians, Binghi Blaze argues, has kept his countrymen from achieving their full potential.
“Politics in Jamaica is at its worst. School, Church, and politics have failed the people. Rasta will never be politicians or have a political party, just Rastafari movement working towards the better self of the people. We bun a fire for all ‘poLIEticians’!” he reasoned.
Binghi Blaze is from a middle-class background and was brought up in the Church where he learned to play drums. Listening to the music of Rasta firebrands like Peter Tosh and Bob Marley helped make him culturally and socially aware, and he eventually embraced the Rasta faith.
Binghi Blaze recently released ‘Rastalution’, his first album.
