5 Reggae songs in loving memory of Haile Selassie I
Today is Haile Selassie‘s earth strong. In order to celebrate it and somehow pay tribute to the King of Kings, we have decided to share with you 5 songs in honor of Haile Selassie that we love and a couple of facts about his life. If you like these songs too, share this article and if you know better songs than these ones (I’m sure you do) do not hesitate to leave a comment below.
1. Sizzla – Rastafari Teach I Everything
From Sizzla‘s 12th studio album, “Rastafari Teach I Everything”, released on Greensleeves on September 4, 2001
2. Capleton & Luciano – Hail King Selassie
From Capleton‘s album “Still Blazin”, released in 2002 under VP Records label.
3. Black Uhuru – I Love King Selassie
From the album “Black Sounds of Freedom” released in 1981. In 2013, this song has been remixed with Chronixx.
4. Bob Markey – Selassie Is The Chapel
Released in 1968.
5. Khari Kill – Picture of Selassie
Featured on the “Take a Ride Riddim” aka “Truth and Rights Riddim”, produced by Bobby “Massive B” Konders in 2005
Haile Selassie I, spiritual leader
This day marks the 122nd birthday anniversary of HIM – Haile Selassie, the spiritual leader of Rastafarians and perhaps the most revered Ethiopian emperor of a multitude of reggae music lovers. The vast information regarding the life of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia has become well known throughout the world. Many world leaders have absorbed his influence as a prominent Statesman of the world stage. Born Tafari Makonnen on July 23, 1892 in the province of Harrar, Haile Selassie came to be identified irrevocably with Ethiopia and the Rastafari movement. The facts and stories of His life are tightly interwoven with the daily life of the Rastafari Global movement. His biblical roots stem from the King David and his son Solomon –„the wisest man in the bible.” According to Rasta a burning bush of cannabis grew on Solomon’s tomb. Rastas smoke herb to meditate, symbolizing the burning bush. They say that after meeting the Rastafarians, Haile Selassie begun smoking joint in the Guenete Leul Palace. But it was much later. Back then his precedence was prophesized by Marcus Garvey: “Look to Africa for the crowning of a Black King; he shall be the Redeemer.”
His prophecy fell on fertile ground – a dream of the African Messiah’s advent captivated the whole population of Jamaica. Haile Selassie stands for “Power of the Trinity.“ A lot of magical skills were being attributed to Haile Selassie, among which was his alleged ability to talk to ghosts, understanding of animal language and the fact that he was God’s incarnation.
Haile Selassie I, the King of Kings
He was crowned Emperor on November 2, 1930 after the death of Empresses Zewditu. He took the title Haile Selassie I, King of Kings, Conquering Lion of Judea and Elect of God, and immediately moved to establish Ethiopia as a modern state. He abolished slavery, instituted a constitution, and set up an appointed, advisory parliament and a more modern judiciary. During the Italian invasion (1935-36) he personally led his troops against the enemy. He lived in exile in England until 1941, when he returned and claimed the throne. Under Haile Selassie, Ethiopia became one of the charter members of the United Nations, and a leader in the establishments of the Organization of African Unity. When he first came to power, there were fewer than 10 schools throughout the country. Twenty-five years later there were over 10,000. Haile Selassie died in Aug. 1975, almost a year after he was deposed in a military coup. There is no consensus, among historians or among Rastasfari, on whether he died of medical complications while under house arrest in Addis Ababa, or was assassinated.
Written by Emin Bayramov for Jamworld876