Friday, November 2, 2012

Rastafarian community recalls Emperor Haile Selassie I


Luanda – Members of the Rastafarian community in Luanda Province will start this Friday a seven-day gathering in commemoration of the 82nd coronation anniversary of the former Emperor of Ethiopia, Ras Tafari Makonnen, an event that took place in Addis Ababa on 02 November 1930.

The information was given to ANGOP last Wednesday, in Luanda, by the Angolan Rastafarian Community’s secretary for Information, Ras Ndoloman, who revealed that this activity, known internationally by all rastas as Nyabinghi, will be attended by over 300 members.


He also revealed that among the guests there will be members from other provinces of the country.


Ndoloman explained that the mentioned coronation represents one of the main landmarks for all rastas, since it reflects the great importance members give to the prophecy of the Afro-Jamaican Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, who in the decade of 1920 said to his followers “Look to Africa when a Black King will be crowned, he will be the redeemer”.




 Ndoloman went on saying that Nyabinghi is a purely spiritual gathering, in which the participants sing hymns (chants) and say prayers, as well as there are workshops and moments to reflect about the Rastafari Movement and the personality of Haile Selassie I.

He also explained that during the gathering it is a tradition to light up a fire, round which the rastas play the drums, sing, pray and meditate in reverence to the divinity, that is Haile Selassie.

“Basically, it will be an event in which participants will recall, once more, the Supreme Personality, a meeting for all rasta brothers. It is a ritualistic celebration of devotion to Haile Selassie I”, he said.


He further added that similarly to what happens all over the world, this year the community intends to hold a Nyabinghi that lasts for seven days, however, although the logistical conditions have been secured, all will depend on the climate, since the rainy season has started and there has been downpours already.

On 02 November 1930, Ras Tafari (Prince) Makonnen was crowned with the titles King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah and Emperor of Ethiopia, adopting the baptismal name Haile Selassie.

Haile Selassie passed away on 27 August 1975.
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