By the early 1970s, Rastafarian culture had begun to significantly influence Jamaica’s creative communities. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the music industry, as reflected in the sheer volume of recordings released throughout the remainder of the decade that championed the message of Rastafari.
During this period, almost every Jamaican performer of note was drawn to the movement, with the number of Rasta-themed tracks issued between 1974 and the close of the decade estimated to be well in excess of 1000.
But, at the decade’s end, the conscious reggae era came to a close with the arrival of dancehall and the introduction of a new generation of young music-makers whose recordings largely focused on far less spiritual matters.
This compelling 2CD set, comprising 44 of the most popular and significant recordings from the heyday of the roots era, not only provides the first serious examination of the influence of Rastafari on the music of Jamaica, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy some of the finest reggae music ever to see issue.

• First examination of Rastafari on reggae music.
• Includes tracks currently unavailable on CD.
• Features some of the biggest hits of the roots era.