Abstract This thesis discusses the intertwining relationship between the rise of reggae music on a local and global scale, and the political efforts of both Michael Manley and Edward Seaga to close the gap between the rich and the poor. Central to Manley's success was the wavering support from cultural spokesperson and icon Bob Marley. This thesis will trace how reggae music was co-opted by political parties during the early seventies with the view of securing votes and constituencies. The complexity of the wants of the people, most of whom were poor, marginalised and disempowered, but were fundamental to the grassroots reggae movement will be explored. Manley's politics of change and socialist ideology intended to establish equality and opportunity, however intense pressure from major financial institutions and a global recession made these goals difficult to achieve. These challenges were compounded by the changing values and expectations of the middle class and the shifting direction of reggae music, as the seventies drew to a close.