Positive Vibrations: Politics, Politricks and the Story of Reggae

Positive Vibrations tells of how reggae was shaped by, and in turn helped to shape, the politics of Jamaica and beyond, from the rudies of Kingston to the sexual politics and narcotic allegiances of the dancehall. Insightful and full of incident, it explores how the music of a tiny Caribbean island has worked its way into the heart of global pop.

From Marcus Garvey’s dreams of Zion, through ska and rocksteady, roots, riddims and dub, the story closes with the Reggae Revival, a new generation of Rastas as comfortable riding rhythms in a dancehall style as they are singing sweet melodies from times gone by. Impeccably informed, vibrant and heartfelt, Positive Vibrations is a passionate and exhaustive account of the politics in reggae, and the reggae in politics.

‘A readily accessible, nuanced and thought-provoking read.’ - David Katz, author of People Funny Boy: The Genius of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry