Ziggy Marley Claps Back At Fans Who Called Him Out For Voting In US Elections
Ziggy Marley’s announcement that he has voted in the United States Presidential Elections has sparked huge controversy on his Instagram page, as it has not gone down well with some of his fans.
Ziggy, who is Reggae legend Bob Marley’s eldest son, posted a video a week ago of himself on his way to vote, as well as after he cast his ballot and handed it to the mailman. He also posted a photo of himself and his wife Orly, a few days later wearing “I am a voter” t-shirts.
“I documented my first time voting ever,” he captioned the video post. “I decided to vote and I wondered to myself why then I thought about those who came before, the price they paid. In part I am voting in honor of them and to honor them, to not belittle their many sacrifices and struggles with my high jaded righteousness and indifference.”
“Many brothers and sisters from numerous backgrounds and origins marched, bled and died to give people like me basic rights in US; the right to be treated like a human being, the right to vote. Imagine if Martin Luther King Jr, John Lewis, and others thought, voting rights, civil rights, who cares, what difference will it make…,” he said.
The Reggae superstar who now resides in California, said voting is “not the end-all” but only a “small piece of a puzzle” to be used as part of a larger effort to bring positive beneficial changes for all people, and that “the work must continue at maximum effort after elections regardless of the outcome”.
“This is what I know, I am voting not for men or party but for my own idea that even though we have differences we can be better human beings, more united human beings, more loving human beings, equal human beings, just human beings. The politics will come and go left right and center but still through it all the humanity that we must show to each other is not negotiable,” he added.
One follower demanded to know why Ziggy chose to vote, claiming it was in contrast to his We Are The People song in which he referred to political leaders as ‘paper politicians’.
“What happen to “We Are The Ppl” song? We are not donkeys or elephants.” How come you are voting?” nowgobe asked, in what was the only comment so far to actually evoke a direct response from Ziggy, who replied: “@nowgobe that still stands will always be who I am not because I voted makes me either of those things still free, free to do what I feel and I felt like voting this time.”
However, Ziggy, who celebrated his 52nd birthday two weeks ago, came under more fire from some of his fans, who said his actions were contrary to the no-vote mantra of Rastafari. Voting is one of the longstanding taboos of most Rastafarians who “fire-bun” participation in what they have described for decades, as electoral “politricks” and the “Babylon” system.
“Smh. Wow I guess that’s difference between dread n Rasta…dread sukd up eena Babylon affairs.. mean while the Rasta watch Babylon fall n destroy itself,” raswhitelion declared, while ilahone1 piped in: “Must be a new time cuz I never saw Rasta vote yet Natty a set new trend.”
Another follower stevenwestmusic said he disagreed with Ziggy exercising his franchise as casting a ballot only gives the voter a false sense of accomplishment. According to him, Ziggy essentially voted against his own freedom, and in reality for someone else to determine how he lives his, which was “still slavery”.
“Living in America seems like it’s very negatively affected your mind… Since when were Marley pro slave master?” he said before adding: “Definitely confirms my suspicions that modern Marley are part of the Babylon system. Not against.”
There were others who upbraided the Rebellion Rises singer for straying from the apolitical stance that his father took when alive, through his music and during interviews.
“You just broke Bob’s heart. That’s a bullet to the heart. Something he rejected his own picked it up. Shame,” bank.look said.
“Your father and Christ said never vote politics are devils business…smh,” Moses Love rebuked, while smartape.infinite noted: “Basically you’re voting for slave master to rule over you!? What a shame. Bob got killed by the Babylon and all he worked and fought for just goes down the drain huh? Is it fun living underneath your dad’s shadow?”
A seemingly ruffled Ziggy clapped back at his detractors, declaring that he was a free man who could do as he pleases.
“For those who question me exercising my right to vote in this time here is the short explanation… I felt like it! boom see it deh a longer explanation was posted a while back but no need to check that this one should do,” he wrote.
There were scores of his other fans, however, who expressed support of Ziggy’s move, and said they were very proud of him.
“Powerful words my brother. I agree 100 percent and stand with you. Your father would be very proud of the stand you are taking. More love and less war. One love,” drjohnbancroft said.
“I’m glad you made the decision to vote. If not for your gain for the honor of our ancestors. #respect,” shelbyunique said.