DUNDEE reggae collective Pictish Clan sparked interest with their performance at the annual pro-cannabis day in George Square two weeks ago.
The group appeared at the 420 celebration, which campaigns for the legalisation of the drug, and were keen to spread their Rastafarian message to the Glasgow protesters.
The collective, which contains 11 members, represents a concerted effort to spread awareness of Rastafari culture through their music. Young dreadlocked vocalist Samuel Struth, also known as Yah Israel, argues that smoking cannabis is an essential part of this lifestyle.
“We are very vocal about the medicinal and sacramental use of cannabis.
“The event was a peaceful demonstration against the current drug laws, and we were joined by a host of speakers, activists and musicians.”
But there is more to Pictish Clan than dreadlocks and marijuana. The group are attracting interest for their mingling of Scottish and Jamaican lexicons, or “pictish patois” as they call it. Inspired by Jamaican music legends such as Bob Marley, the group have attempted to convey their own roots through the genre.
“We’ve really tried to tap into our Pictish heritage,” says Yah. “It’s local and so definitely within the spirit of Rasta, but we also make music that varies from political and social to cosmic and trippy.”
The Rastafari movement is a religion that first developed in Jamaica during the 1930s. Followers of the movement worship Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie as the messiah, and reggae artists like Bob Marley were often renowned for instilling their music with the belief’s doctrines.
Pictish Clan are now one of several reggae groups in Scotland that are seeking to spread this “spiritual” message.
“We don’t believe the lifestyle is about dedication,” says Yah. “We call it ‘livification’ because it is a way of life. Myself and group member Rasfyah visited Jamaica and learned about the spirit of reggae and Rasta. It’s inspired the group to spread consciousness and share vibes of love.”
So is Scotland beginning to embrace the “vibes of love”? Yah cites the burgeoning reggae scenes of Edinburgh and Glasgow as evidence of progression but claims there’s a lot less support in the “Pictish area”.
“Some people have told me that I can’t be Rasta because I am white and sing in a Scottish accent,” says Yah. “We want to explain that reggae is for everyone. It is the music of one love.”
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