The Source of Rasta Riddims

The foundation of Rasta music in Jamaican popular culture owes much to the legendary Oswald “Count Ossie” Williams, a Rastaman who is widely credited with introducing the uniquely spiritual Rasta drumming style to the mainstream. It originates in the Rastafarian community. This drumming tradition holds sacred significance often described as “earthical” or “churchical” and the drums are also call harps centers around three main drums:

1. Bass Drum
   • Structure: Similar in appearance to a military bass drum, but with heads that extend slightly beyond the rims. It also have visible metal legs extending.
   • Material: Traditionally made from ram goatskin, favored for its deep, mellow tone and less aggressive nature compared to ewe goats.
   • Size: Varies from 22 inches to as large as 36 inches, such as the ceremonial “royal drums” used at Prince Emmanuel’s Rasta commune in Bull Bay, Jamaica.
   • Construction: Typically made from barrel staves bound with metal bands and pegs.
2. Fundeh
   • Role: Keeps a steady pulse, often providing the backbone of the rhythm.
   • Structure: A long, narrow, single-headed drum, usually around 9 inches in diameter.
   • Material: Head made from ram goatskin; body crafted from barrel staves, wood strips, or occasionally a hollowed tree trunk.
   • Mounting: Raised slightly off the ground with metal pegs for resonance.
3. Repeater (or Akete)
   • Role: The lead or improvisational drum, adding spiritual inflection and vocal-like rhythms.
   • Structure: Similar to the fundeh but shorter in length.
   • Material: Typically topped with female goat skin (ewe), prized for its thinner, more responsive qualities. Some drummers, including Count Ossie, preferred stretched pelican crop for its unique sound.

Drum Tuning and Symbolism

Rasta drums are tuned by adjusting tension in the metal braces. Each drum is set to a distinct register—bass (low), fundeh (alto), and repeater (high). Drums are often adorned in red, green, and gold, the symbolic colors of Rastafari and Ethiopia.

While the three drums form the rhythmic heart of Nyabinghi (Rasta) music, performances often include a variety of other instruments such as:
• Horns
• Guitars
• Harmonicas
• Percussion tools like graters and bottles

This fusion helped shape a unique soundscape that underpins roots reggae and carries the spiritual vibration of Rastafari throughout the world.

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