By: David Nyaga
Reggae music, born from the heart of Jamaica, has long been a rhythm of resistance, reflection, and redemption. Yet despite its global influence and powerful message, reggae lovers often find themselves boxed into unfair stereotypes, labelled as drug users, lazy, or unkempt. This sweeping judgment ignores the rich legacy and purpose of reggae as a voice for the voiceless.
Icons such as Lucky Philip Dube, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Chronixx, and Buju Banton crafted lyrics that spoke of love, justice, unity, and spiritual consciousness. Lucky Dube, a South African reggae legend, used his music to challenge apartheid and promote peace. Bob Marley’s messages of redemption and equality continue to resonate worldwide. These were not mere entertainers, they were educators, activists, and storytellers.
Reggae culture embraces freedom of expression. Yes, some reggae fans wear dreadlocks but dreadlocks do not define a lifestyle of drug abuse or lawlessness. In fact, many professionals, lawyers, teachers, and clergy are reggae enthusiasts and a percentage of them even wear dreadlocks as a cultural or spiritual statement, not a symbol of rebellion or indiscipline.
Critics often overlook the music’s content. Reggae songs carry messages of African identity, economic struggles, peace-building, and resistance against oppression. They encourage self-awareness, resilience, and respect for humanity. That’s a far cry from the baseless assumptions often thrown at its followers.
To love reggae is to listen, reflect, and grow. It is to value rhythm with meaning and melody with depth. Reggae is not a vice, it is a voice, and one that continues to awaken and inspire millions across the world.
Jerameel Kevins Owuor Odhiambo 
Mt Kenya Times