This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
Reggae music, originating from the term 'rege-rege' meaning 'ragged clothes,' found its way to Kenya in the late 1960s. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that the genre gained significant traction.
On August 1, 1982, a coup attempt by junior rebel officers of the Kenya Air Force against President Daniel arap Moi's government took place. This event marked a turning point in Kenya's musical landscape, as the country's taste in music shifted from love songs to protest anthems.
Reggae's popularity soared, with popular uptown clubs like Monte Carlo Nightclub, Shashamane International, and Hollywood Club hosting reggae-themed nights, drawing in large crowds. The genre's rebellious dress code and Rastafarian movement also gained traction, especially in rural towns and Nairobi slums.
According to the Rastafari Society of Kenya (RSK), the movement in Kenya began with the establishment of two major Rastafari orders: The 12 Tribes of Israel and Bobo Ashanti. The former was established in 1986, while the latter was locally established in 1992.
Today, reggae music has transcended Kenya's borders, with its influence evident in the country's politics and culture. Politicians have even hijacked the genre, coining slogans like 'Nobody Can Stop Reggae,' which has been used by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in BBI rallies.
