A Visit to Ethiopia's Rastafarian Diaspora

Overview

• This segment explores a group of Rastafarians from Jamaica and the United States living in a rural community in Ethiopia.
• They honor the late Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie as a black messiah.
• The community is located nearly 200 miles south of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Key Personalities and Beliefs

• Empress Baby Eye:

  • 67 years old, originally from Jamaica.
  • Emigrated to Ethiopia around seven years ago with her husband.
  • Caretaker of the Nyahbinghi church in Shashemene.
  • Considers Haile Selassie as a god and personal savior.
  • Believes that Ethiopia is the true home for black people.

• Ras Jabulani:

  • Reggae singer from Jamaica, currently in Shashemene passing through.
  • Discusses the historical context of land dedication to Africans in diaspora post-war.

• Gladstone Robinson:

  • Rastafarian from Brooklyn.
  • Discusses Marcus Garvey's prophecy about Haile Selassie saving the black race.
  • Believes Haile Selassie's coronation as Emperor fulfills Biblical prophecy.

Historical Context

• Marcus Garvey's Prophecy:

  • Predicted a king would rise from the east to save the black race.
  • Haile Selassie's 1930 coronation seen as fulfillment of this prophecy.

• Back to Africa Movement:

  • Led by Marcus Garvey, influencing Rastafarians' migration to Ethiopia.
  • Without Garvey, the Rastafarian presence in Ethiopia might not exist.

Cultural Impact

• Repatriation to Africa:
  • Seen as a way to escape materialism and lack of spirituality in other parts of the world.
  • Represents a return to roots for African descendants.

Conclusion

• The community in Shashemene reflects the enduring influence of Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey on Rastafarian beliefs.
• The movement highlights a spiritual and cultural journey back to Africa for many in the diaspora.