REVERENCE was a word associated with Rastafarians when Everton Mittoo was a boy in Unity Hall, St James. Since then, many people believe the movement has lost its way and now associate it with a hairstyle.

Known as Reconyze, the singjay lashes out against false prophets in Rasta Imposter, his recently released self-produced song.

“Wi neva si dem man deh back inna di days. Real Rasta nuh eat certain things; dem nuh wear certain things; dem nuh rob, rape or kill,” said Reconyze.

The wiry artiste introduced Rasta Imposter during a show at Roots Bamboo in Negril last year while performing as opening act for singer Admiral Tibet. He said the response was so strong that it was recorded when he returned to Philadelphia, which has been his home for over 20 years.

Reconyze wanted to send a strong statement with his latest single.

“It’s really about man who wear dreadlocks, an’ when dem do bad things real Rasta get di blame,” he lamented.

Reconyze, formerly known as Indian Mittoo, cut his teeth on the north coast hotel and club circuit where the ‘false Rasta’ movement had its genesis. Many men grew dreadlocks and flocked that region to work as reggae artistes or serve as ‘escorts’ for white women from North America and Europe.

As Indian Mittoo, Reconyze performed in Montego Bay and Negril throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Three years ago he made his recording debut with the song, Baby I Love You.

Rasta Imposter is the fourth song he has released since change his stage name.

— Howard Campbell