(2015)
The religious underpinnings of the Rastafari religious movement are often overshadowed by Rasta’s association with reggae music, dub, and performance poetry. Rastafari and the Arts: An Introduction takes a fresh view of Rasta, considering the relationship between the artistic and religious dimensions of the movement in depth. Darren J. N. Middleton’s analysis complements current introductions to Afro-Caribbean religions and offers an engaging example of the role of popular culture in illuminating the beliefs and practices of emerging religions. Recognizing that outsiders as well as insiders have shaped the Rasta movement since its modest beginnings in Jamaica, Middleton includes interviews with members of both groups, including: Ejay Khan, Barbara Makeda Blake Hannah, Geoffrey Philp, Asante Amen, Reggae Rajahs, Benjamin Zephaniah, Monica Haim, Blakk Rasta, Rocky Dawuni, and Marvin D. Sterling.
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black theology: an international journal 14.3 (2016)
“Middleton’s book is an excellent introduction to Rastafari. Its greatest strength lies in its accessibility, to students especially. As I have intonated, accessibility is not a skill-set perfected by many ‘insiders’ of Rastafari. Yet, if ‘insiders’ do not engage with the issue of accessibility then Rastafari might become a victim of its own commercial success. In this respect, Middleton has done a service to Rastafari and his book should be read alongside ‘insider’ introductions such as Yasus Afari’s Overstanding Rastafari: Jamaica’s Gift to the World (2007). The book’s greatest achievement lies in its resolute refusal to stereotype or simplify Rastafari. Middleton has therefore enabled students to engage with the stunning diversity of Rastafari values and practices, and he guides his audience through the artistic worlds of Rastafari with great care and love.”