“Bob Marley: One Love,” a new movie that chronicles the life of legendary reggae singer and songwriter — from his rise to fame in the mid-1970s up until his death in 1981 — has put a spotlight on what it means to be Rastafarian.

Marley — born Robert Nesta Marley on Feb. 6, 1945 — hailed from Nine Mile, Jamaica. Widely considered an iconic figure in the history of music, he is revered as the pioneer of reggae and a symbol of peace and love around the world.

Raised in the rural parish of St. Ann by his mother Cedella Booker and his father Norval Marley, Marley’s early life was marked by poverty and struggle, shaping his outlook on social justice and inspiring his musical journey years later.

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In the late 1960s, Marley formed the band “The Wailers,” alongside Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, and began producing a string of hits that would define the reggae music genre for decades. Songs like “Stir It Up,” and “Get Up, Stand Up,” pushed Marley to global fame, earning him recognition beyond the island nation’s shores.

The biopic, which premiered in theaters on Feb. 14, starts off in 1976 with Marley surviving a brutal assassination attempt, something that makes him wonder whether he’ll be playing his much-publicized “Smile Jamaica” concert in Kingston. Marley leaves Jamaica for London to do some soul-searching, a point in the movie that flashes back to his younger years.

Marley’s legacy

However, Marley’s music, as the movie highlights, wasn’t just about entertainment, but a powerful vehicle for activism and spirituality. His lyrics often addressed themes of oppression and poverty — reflecting his deep-rooted Rastafarian beliefs and commitment to social change.

Through his music, Marley became a voice for the oppressed, advocating for equality and justice for everyone through music.

One of Marley's most enduring legacies is his album “Exodus,” released in 1977, which solidified his status as a world music superstar. Songs like “One Love,” and “Jamming” became anthems of hope and resilience, resonating with audiences of various religious faith and in different places across the planet.

Despite his immense success, Marley remained connected to his roots, frequently returning to Jamaica and using his platform to uplift his community. His iconic image — with his trademark dreadlocks and infectious smile — has come to symbolize peace and has transcended boundaries of race and religion.

Marley’s life was cut short by cancer at the age of 36, but his spirit lives on through his timeless music.

What is a Rastafarian?

Over the course of his career, Marley became known as a Rastafarian icon. As a result, he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that emerged in Jamaica in the early 20th century.

There are an estimated 700,000 to one million Rastafari across the world. The largest population is in Jamaica (where the religion developed in the 1930), although small communities can be found in most of the world's major cities.

It is a belief system deeply rooted in African spiritual traditions — particularly those of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church — and incorporates elements of various social and political ideologies. The movement is closely associated with the beliefs and practices of the Rastafari, adherents who see themselves as part of a spiritual and social movement rather than a traditional religion.

One of the central tenets of Rastafarianism is the belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarians regard Selassie as the messiah and believe that he is the incarnation of God — fulfilling the prophecy of the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Rastafarians refer to Selassie by various titles, including “Jah” (short for Jehovah) and “King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” They view him as a symbol of Black pride, resistance against oppression and the liberation of African people from oppression.

Another fundamental aspect of Rastafarianism is the belief in “Babylon,” a term to describe the oppressive system of Western society. Rastafarians see Babylon as a corrupt and unjust system that perpetuates inequality and the marginalization of people of African descent. They advocate for a return to a more natural and harmonious way of life and rejecting consumerism.

Rastafarianism, however, is not a monolithic belief system. Practices can vary among different communities and even families. Some Rastafarians live in intentional communities, known as "Rastafarian mansions,” where followers adhere to strict religious guidelines. Others may incorporate Rastafarian beliefs into their daily lives while maintaining connections to other religious traditions.

The Rastafarian movement also places an emphasis on the spiritual and physical connection to nature. Many Rastafarians follow a vegetarian diet, believed to promote physical health, spiritual purity and respect for all living beings. As Marley noted, music plays a significant role in Rastafarian culture, particularly reggae, which has become synonymous with the movement.

Clemente Lisi is the executive editor of Religion Unplugged. He previously served as deputy head of news at the New York Daily News and a longtime reporter at The New York Post. Follow him on X @ClementeLisi.