Sizzla - Ian Allen

The One Love peace concert was marked by Marley bringing Manley and Seaga, the JLP's leader, onstage with him and joining their hands in a sign of peace.

Since 1975 the most important influences on the growth of Rastafarianism have been the impact of Bob Marley and Michael Manley. The Manley regime provided a backdrop in which the Rastafarian movement could reveal itself to the Jamaican society.

Manley provided space for the Rastafarians because he articulated a third world philosophy and Marley opened up that space. It was during this frame of time that we saw the massive expansion of the Rastafarian value system throughout the Caribbean and North America.

Rastafarian symbols were used by both political parties during the 1976 election. Rastafarianism was slowly becoming more socially accepted and even admired.

People perceived Rastafarians as having made a positive contribution to Jamaican culture. Rastafarian language and appearance were the two dominant forces put to use by both political parties.

The JLP used Rastafarian language to promote their political position. They modified the phrase 'I-up' to 'High- Up' implying that the JLP was higher than the PNP, ready to take over the government.

The PNP on the other hand, made use of the Rastafarian play on words, 'Blind-aga', referring to Seaga's 'blindness'. In Rasta reasoning, 'to see' denotes one's ability to "see the light" or to believe. Apparently, in the PNP's eyes, Seaga was undeserving of that title.

One of the most recognisable and visible Rastafarian pieces of apparel is the tam or the knitted cap. During the 1976 campaign, many photographs were taken of PNP officials wearing tams and Kariba suits, modified safari jackets.

Although Kariba suits are not typically associated with Rastafarianism, it was yet another way for the PNP to dissociate itself with the common suit and tie image of the politician. The 'jacket and tie' has often been associated with oppression in reggae and Rastafarianism.

The overall impact of politics on the Jamaican people, reggae music and Rastafarians, and the reactionary impact of the people and music on politics are wide-reaching phenomena.

There needs to be an awareness of the ways in which politics can affect a society or nation, especially Jamaica's, highlighted by the fact that the PNP and JLP both used Rastafarian language and dress to appeal to the lower class and thus boost their political power and force.

Today read the final part of Sizzla's reflections on the relationship between politics and Rasta

Win a 'Sizzling' date

THREE lucky ladies will get the chance to win a date with Sizzla Kalonji. The special girl will be treated to a full day of excitement with the well-dressed, prolific and personable artiste.

To enter:

1) You must be over 18 years old.

2) Send a photo via mail or email.

(The winner will be chosen by readers.)

3) Finally, she must also write to the STAR describing what her perfect date with Sizzla would be, no more than 100 words.

Write into: The STAR, 7 North Street, Kingston or email: star@gleanerjm.com. Please indicate 'Sizzla Date' in the subject line of the email.

Entries close May 25.

Sizzla's school competition

Artiste of the month, Sizzla Kalonji, is having a unique school competition for the most talented students. Not only will the

students get the chance to win a computer for their schools

courtesy of Sizzla Kalonji, but they will also get the chance to write for Sizzla's new 'Black Magazine'.

To enter, write a 200-word essay on the topic: 'Lifestyle of the Jamaican youth'. Along with the essay, students must submit their names, age, name of school and contact number(s),and must be over 12 years old.

Submit entries to The STAR, 7 North Street, Kingston or email to star@gleanerjm.com. Entries close May 25, 2007.

Get Sizzla's Autograph

Here is your chance to have Sizzla Kalonji ink his name on just about anything you want.

You do not have to take a trip over to Judgement Yard either. Simply join THE STAR and Sizzla for an autograph-signing session at the Aquarius Record Shop, Half-Way-Tree tomorrow between 2 and 5 p.m. Be there!

Copies of the artiste's latest album, The Overstanding, will also be on sale at the store.

STAR GIVEAWAY

To win tickets to The Occasion 111. Tell us:

1) Where the event will take place?

2) The names of the three hosts for the show?

Call The Star on 1-888-843-7827 today between 5-6 p.m. to win. No calls will be accepted before or after this time. The first correct answer wins and the same caller cannot win twice.