Despite the much-touted Rasta revival in Jamaica, a leading artiste believes there is widespread discrimination against people with ‘dreadlocks’ in Jamaica.

Deejay Tony Rebel takes this perceived prejudice head-on with the song My Dread. “Mi see it all the time… yuh have some youth weh have some potential, but dem face discrimination ’cause dem have locks,” said Rebel.

Recently released, My Dread is written by Ryan Smith and produced by TMMG, a multifaceted production company of which Smith is a member. Smith is also keyboardist in the TMMG band which played on My Dread.

While conceding that discrimination against people with locks is not as prevalent as 35 years ago when he became a Rastafarian, Rebel pointed to personal incidents to reinforce his point.

“When my children go school, dem want dem cover dem locks. Why a child can’t wear dem locks in the open?” he asked.

My Dread is released during a fruitful period for the new wave of Rastafarian artistes. Chronixx, Jessie Royal, Jah9 and Kabaka Pyramid are leaders of a movement that has drawn a generation to the faith.

Discrimination against the Jamaican Rasta can be traced to the 1930s when they started in west Kingston. Rastafarians were unflatteringly referred to as ‘beard man’ or ‘blackheart man’.

Many had their locks and beards cut by police. In the 1970s, it was fashionable for middle- class youth to accept Rasta. Some were shunned by their families.

Rebel, a leader of dancehall music’s roots revival during the 1990s, is adamant the current spite against Rastas must be exposed. “There’s definitely a resurgence going on. It’s maybe the best kept secret in Jamaica,” he said.