André Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Luciano

Rastafarianism is a lifestyle and not a religion. As such, when some artistes made the conversion from a 'baldhead' to Rastafarian, they see it as a way of living a purer life.

The Mufasa-like locks have helped many Jamaican talents to gain worldwide recognition, but according to Bascom X, that's not all.

"It was not really a decision I made. I grew up with it. It was always around me. Now I have certain values as a Rasta man and the livity clean. There is more guidance and more balance to life," he said.

He went on to say that when he finally began to profess Rastafarism physically not many people were surprised because his 'livity' had always taken the characteristics that are fundamental to the Rastafarian faith.

"From you a Rasta man there are certain things you naah guh get mix up in. People can't call you name in certain things," Bascom X said. "I was like a sponge living in the inner city and trying to find your way. Now I am more relaxed and less things worry me."

Bascom X could not deny, though, that his appearance has helped to push his music across the globe to every ethnic group. He also said he was not worried about negative reactions to his change in appearance since his music is now reflecting the Rastafarian purity. Furthermore, with stars such as Sizzla, Capleton and Buju Banton preceding him, it was clear to him that fans would love him just the same.

"Man like Sizzla, Capleton and Buju are my early influence. When Sizzla just a buss you saw every man walking with tree limb. When Buju became a Rasta, people seh that was the end for him and look now," he said.

Physical aspect

While Bascom X said he knew nothing else but Rastafarianism, Delly Ranx had to hold out until he was his own man before he could sport the most physical aspect of the faith, the locks.

He always wanted to be a Rastafarian while he was growing up. However, his father, who headed a Christian home, made the pronouncement that no Rastafarian would be living under his house. Even though it took some getting used to, Delly Ranx said his father now realises Rastafarianism is not something his son is putting on, but who he is.

"It was after me do Row Mr Fisherman and I got some good responses. People seh dem see it inna me and encourage me to take the step," Delly Ranx said.

He took the step and now he is seeing where it was a good decision. Much like Bascom X, he said he is now living a purer life and staying out of harm's way. Delly Ranx recalled the days of "playing with the girls' heads" while having the time of his life. He quickly learned that in life you reap what you sow.

"Rastafarianism to me explain how I am to vision life and to be your brother's keeper and have a different respect for the women. If you do good it will follow you and if you can't do good, don't do anything at all," Delly Ranx said.

One man that many will say epitomises purity is Luciano. He was once a Seventh-day Adventist but said his search brought him back to Ethiopia where he realised that it is Haile Selassie who sits upon the throne of King David and King Solomon. He, however, pointed out that both faiths are closely intertwined, except Adventists do not acknowledge Haile Selassie.

"For me Rastafarianism is life, repatriation and restoration. We have to restore the earth and you have a leader like Marcus Garvey who began that," Luciano said. "I have more self-confidence. It makes me feel good that I am living free of Babylonian system."

Luciano said the Rastafarian faith has taken him to the level he is now at and his locks help him to connect with the universe at a greater level.

Some Rastas say that Haile Selassie will call the Day of Judgement, whenthe righteous shall return home to Mount Zion, identified with Africa, to live forever in peace, love, and harmony. In the meantime, many Rastas call to be repatriated to Africa. Repatriation, the desire to return to Africa after 400 years of slavery, is central to Rastafari doctrine. Bascom X, Delly Ranx and Luciano, among others, await that day when they will return to Africa from where they came.