Are Rastas forgetting the teachings of Rastafari?

Are Rastas Abandoning the Teachings of Rastafari?

By Shaun Cain 

Emerging Reggae artiste, Ras Kaneo, has expressed despair at what he has described as an apparent lack of desire among some members of the faith to uphold righteousness. Speaking with host, Shaun Cain, on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show this week, he has argued that one of the main factors driving this trend is that some members are simply using Rasta to achieve their ulterior motives.  

"They are just exploiting Rasta and what it can give or bring them. They are forgetting what the mission is all about and what you should do as a Rastafarian, as a little bingy man, as a Bobo Ashanti or a Twelve Tribes. We are forgetting our duty," he lamented.  Ras Kaneo has emphasised that the prevailing attitude thrives because, "we are forgetting ourselves and our spirituality, chasing after visas and other material things."

He has noted on the show's on YouTube, "we used to sing about the suffering and how people feel, but as soon as we get there we get comfortable, we forget all about that." 

Ras Kaneo

Ras Kaneo has pointed out that the behaviour of some of the most prominent Rastafarian figures in the music are clearly drifting from the teachings of Rastafari. The Linstead native has expressed disappointment in these artistes' apparent abandonment of the Rastafarian values. According to him, they can be seen on social media excessively indulging in alcohol and other practices that undermine the movement.

Ras Kaneo has revealed that when he was growing up, he used to look up to these artistes as role models. He saw them as Rastafarians that were firmly grounded in the faith. The "Say A Prayer" artiste recalled that his decision to become an artiste was influenced by some of these entertainers. He said they gave him hope and made him very proud to be a Rastafarian. 

When the Star Gazing host, Shaun Cain asked Ras Kaneo how can Rastafarian teachings be brought back to the the forefront of the socialisation of the nation, he offered, "our Rastafari brothers and sisters and the elders need fi gather back the fire, the unity, the love, the joy. Mek we rise that forward again. We need fi see the love from the Rastafari community a spread, not just locally but universally, internationally. We need fi see the Rasta community getting up and pushing forward because the battle is not yet won."

The Linstead-based entertainer, a graduate of the Dinthill Technical High School, maintains that he will always to make righteous music that reinforces the teachings of His Majesty. His latest album is due to be released in another few months. 

Click the link below to watch Ras Kaneo's full interview on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show.

Ras Kaneo speaking on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show.