Which island is the birthplace of the Rastafari religion and reggae music?

Jamaica is indeed the birthplace of both the Rastafari religion and reggae music. The Rastafari movement emerged in Jamaica in the 1930s, drawing on influences from various sources, including African heritage, Christian beliefs, and a response to the social injustices faced by the black population. Central to this movement is the veneration of Haile Selassie I, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, who is regarded as a messianic figure within Rastafarian belief.

Reggae music, which gained international prominence in the 1970s, also originated in Jamaica. This genre evolved from earlier styles of music on the island, such as ska and rocksteady, and became characterized by its distinctive rhythm and socially conscious lyrics, often reflecting themes of peace, love, and resistance against oppression. Artists like Bob Marley played a pivotal role in popularizing reggae music globally while simultaneously spreading the messages of the Rastafari religion.

Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic each have rich cultural heritages, but they do not share the same foundational ties to Rastafari or reggae as Jamaica does.