Jamaica's Reggae Musos Are Fighting Back Against Homophobia

Once known for the works of Bob Marley and encouraging peace and justice, the last thirty years have seen reggae music step away from its 'equality for all' message and instead become a haven for a violent brand of homophobia.

Airing tonight on the ABC, Foreign Correspondent's One Love episode takes a deep dive look at how reggae moved from its original narrative and shifted towards one of hatred with the rise of dancehall music in the '90s. Earning its grounding from Christian churches and strict Rastafarian religious teachings, lyrics quickly became laced with violent suggestions towards gay people.

In the past few years though, up-and-coming reggae artists are fighting back against these homophobic attacks and reclaiming reggae music to be a genre for all, no matter their race, creed or sexual orientation.

Etana is one artist who is part of the movement, who says that she'll have no part in anything that divides and separates people.

"Rastafari is love, togetherness, oneness, unity, unconditional love. Fighting for the rights of the people, for the poor, the sick, the elderly, the needy. That’s what Rasta is about. Loving and caring and sharing," she says in the episode. "Everyone has a right to decide his own destiny, Bob Marley even put it in a song, right. That’s a serious statement, it needs to be followed."

One Love airs tonight on ABC's Foreign Correspondent at 9.20pm, as well as being available on ABC's iView platform.