Two of reggae music’s most devout proponents will be lauded by Diaspora African Rastafari Congress (DARC) on Nov. 8 when the inaugural Ethiophile banquet hosts a banquet commemorating the crowning of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I.
David Hinds lead singer of British reggae band Steel Pulse and avowed Mother Culture, Sister Carol are slated to receive Rastafari Meritorious Awards for their dedication to advancing the music, culture and heritage of Black people throughout the world.
“We recognize the works of our peers within the global Pan-African community and congregate in a united and exemplary manner that befits the moral integrity of royal Ethiopian subjects,” a DARC spokesperson said.
The multi-purpose banquet will pay homage to African Zion Divine Negus Nagast on the 85th anniversary of his coronation.
Perhaps, that name does not immediately chime familiarity it is one of many that identifies Ethiopia’s best known emperor.
Born Tafari Makonnen Woldemikaelon July 23, 1892 the son of Ras Makonnen was named ‘might / power of the Trinity’ at his baptism by the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church.
Sources claim that His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I opted to be identified by his baptismal name when he was crowned to occupy the throne on Nov. 2, 1930.
And while numerous associations declare HIM as “Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of Kings and Elect of God,” ultimately “from 1928 to 1930 he held the court rank of Negus or king and at his coronation he earned the supreme court rank Negusa Nagast (king of the kings of Ethiopia).
He became a general in 1905 and so was titled Dejazmach until 1916 when his military title changed to Ras (head of an army).
He was Ras Tafari Makonnen until 1928.
Rastafarians revere him with all the accolades associated with the reign of the Ethiopian monarch who enjoyed ceremonial precedence as one of the most senior heads of state during his reign.
Convinced the African king is the one true God, his reputation is one of respect and pride. Some see him as God incarnate “eschewing the European ideal of Jesus Christ, others as the greatest teacher and reformer with the oldest of bloodlines, Christ in his second coming. “
Most affecting too is the fact he was popularly acknowledged to be heir of an ancient dynasty descended from Solomon and Sheba.
Added to that, his nation was the only African state to have evaded colonization, all, study the political history of HIM Selassie and celebrate his works and writings.
Another highlight of the celebration is the fact Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, grandson of the emperor has confirmed his attendance at the banquet.
According to the DARC mission statement, their aim is “to promote and preserve the advancement of Rastafari through social, cultural, economic, scientific and technological ventures. The purpose is to provide sustainable outlets for the African community globally that will advocate the right to return to our African homeland; to protect the self-determination of the movement; and to engender selfless public service while safeguarding African culture and tradition.”
The Diaspora African Rastafari Congress is an international All African membership organization founded on 12-12-12 by “Ithiopia subjects who are committed to the principles and ideals of Negus Negast Qädamawi Haile Sellassie 1st.”
“The vision is to adhere to His divinity and character, while maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.”
The anniversary event will also celebrate the birth of the Rastafari nation.
It will be held at Golden Terrace, 120-23 Atlantic Ave. in Richmond Hill, Queens, New York from 6 pm to 11.
Guests include The Howell Family (Monty and Billy) Sister Carol, David Hinds, Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie and Ansel Meditations.
For more information, visit www.darcf
