MIGHTY CULTURE TRIBUTE: The Beliefs Behind Rastafarians Regard of Haile Selassie as God of the Black Race
Hill who is also identified as 'Mighty Culture', a name derived from the roots reggae band (Culture) that he led from its founding in 1976 until his death, was a devote member of the Rastafari movement.
He was such a devote worshipper of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia that he would be nicknamed as 'Keeper of Zion Gate' to reflect his position as one of reggae's and Rastafari's greatest voices that ever lived in the history of the movement.
But as we continue to commemorate the death of the 'Keeper of Zion Gate', it is only wise that we try and understand why Rastafarians like Hill worship Emperor Selassie and the beliefs behind it.
Haile Selassie - God of the Black Race
First, Rastafarians regard Haile Selassie as God because of Marcus Garvey's prophecy - "Look to Africa where a black king shall be crowned, he shall be the Redeemer" - that was swiftly followed by the ascension of Haile Selassie as Emperor of Ethiopia.
Haile Selassie is regarded by Rastafarians as the God of the Black race even though the emperor never regarded himself as God, nor did he adhere to Rastafari.
This is supported by the Rastafarian idea that God himself is black, a claim backed by this Biblical text:
"For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; as astonishment hath taken hold of me." - Jeremiah 8:21
Justifications for the Divinity of Haile Selassie
Rastafarians use Biblical names such as Lord of Lords, King of Kings and Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah for Haile Selassie. These terms had been used throughout history to describe Ethiopian Emperors, but with the crowning of Haile Selassie I they were seen as evidence that supported his divine status.
Many Rastafarians trace Haile Selassie's lineage back to King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. They believe that the Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon found in the Book of Kings (1 Kings 10:1-13) provides further proof of the divinity of Haile Selassie I.
Rastafarians believe that King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba had sex during the visit, which led to the conception of a child who was in the same line of descendents as Haile Selassie I.
To many Rastafarians this shows the divine nature of Haile Selassie, as Haile Selassie is therefore related to Solomon's father King David and therefore to Jesus.
Deference
When Haile Selassie I was crowned Emperor, the King of England, who at that time was regarded by many as the most powerful man in the world because of the size of the British Empire, was unable to attend. However, he sent the Duke of Gloucester to represent him.
The Duke of Gloucester bowed to Haile Selassie on meeting him. Many Rastafarians believe that this revealed that the new Ethiopian Emperor was more important than the most important man in the world.
Jamaica is hell; Ethiopia is heaven
Rastafarians regard 'Ethiopia' as their homeland and believe they will eventually return.
During periods of colonisation Africans were divided up and sent to destinations throughout the world, in most cases as slaves to whites. This is why many Africans found themselves in Jamaica and why it is regarded by many Rastafarians as hell.
'Ethiopia', the homeland, was seen as a place of fond memories of freedom and life prior to oppression. This meant it eventually became regarded as heaven. To develop this belief Rastafarians refer to Psalm 137 v. 1:
"By the Rivers of Babylon we sat down; there we wept when we remembered Zion." - Psalm 137: 1.
The Invincible Emperor of Ethiopia arranging for expatriation of persons of African origin to return to Ethiopia
Blacks believe that they will be repatriated to Ethiopia, where they will no longer be suppressed, and will live in freedom.
According to most Rastafarians this repatriation will be led by Haile Selassie. They believe their God will take charge and this will result in a joyous re-acquaintance with their homeland (Africa) which they hold in great admiration.
Additional text on Emperor Selassie as God of the Black Race was first reported by the BBC in 2009.