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Publishing Information

Setting: Kingston's Carib Theatre, early 1973.
Event: Deejay Big Youth electrifies the audience by flashing his dreadlocks, an act previously unseen on stage.
Audience Reaction: Shock and pandemonium; the performance marks a cultural shift in reggae towards Rastafarian identity with visible dreadlocks on stage.
Context: Dreadlocked performers faced societal stigma; many Rastafarians were outcastes.

Genre Influence: As a deejay, Big Youth introduces conscious lyrics contrasted with the upbeat dance music of previous artists.
Sound Systems: Big Youth credits sound systems as platforms for artistic expression, which lacked the control of the music business.
Performance Philosophy: Advocated themes of unity, spirituality, and survival reflecting social realities.

Historical Background: Deejaying as a performance art has roots in sound systems, blending local Jamaican culture with global influences.
Count Machuki: Recognized as a predecessor, shaping the art form before others like U-Roy emerged.
U-Roy's Contribution: Dubbed the founding father of modern deejay style, he revolutionized how rhythms and vocals were mixed, leading to widely popular deejay hits.

Reggae's Roots: The genre is described as a voice for the marginalized and as a vessel for broader Rastafarian themes.
Rastafari Movement: Gained traction within Jamaican society; the prominence of dreadlocks symbolizing a cultural and spiritual identity.
Transformational Period: The 1970s represented a cultural renaissance in reggae music, paving the way for the roots rock reggae movement.
Sound System Culture: Growth of sound systems reflects the desire for local, immediate engagement with music and messages pertinent to the audience.
Dub Music Evolution: Moving from original tracks to complex remixes, dub became an influential genre in its own right, with contributions from producers like King Tubby and Lee Perry.

Legacy of Deejay Culture: The emergence of conscious deejays marked significant cultural shifts in Jamaica, influencing music globally.
Resilience of Reggae: Adapting to societal shifts and commercial pressures, reggae continues to evolve, intertwining with global music landscapes.