“A seh these are some serious times, all I can see around us is just violence and crime. Full time for us to centralize, socialize and realize, let the sun shine throughout everyday”. – Serious Times by Gyptian was released in 2006. It is one of the most popular Nyabinghi songs known today by people of all ages. It is said that Nyabinghi’s rhythmic melody soothes one’s emotions, thus allowing them to fall into deep meditation. Nyabinghi songs are often times a reflection or tribute to society or a higher being “Selassie/The king”

“It Na take nothing at all fi hail the king, him bless me in a what me doing, it na take nothing at all fi hail the king, Selassie the king of all king” – Fantan Mojah

Nyabinghi is a significant Rastafarian practice which shares factors relating to matters of the heart; this may include purity, love and wholesomeness. Nyabinghi is derived from a religious and political movement led by spiritual women in East Africa. “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”- Marcus Garvey, JR.

The word Nyabinghi was formerly linked to the African warrior Queen Muhumuza (also spelled Muhumusa) and the fight against European colonialism in East Africa. It was a fight to regain independence. The Nyabinghi religion, however, was in existence long before the birth of Muhumuza. In the 1700’s a Queen named Nyabinghi was killed by her husband in hopes of attaining her kingdom. Queen Nyabinghi spirit tormented the kingdom years after her death. This resulted to villagers establishing a Nyabinghi cult in order to remain in existence, especially through the lives of women. One of these women was Muhumuza; through her the practice became more prevalent and gained popularity. Nyabinghi is the powerful force in humanity that brings together peace, love, justice, compassion and respect.

As shown in history and present times, love and true justice will always come at a true and painful cost. This expression of love and respect is exhibited throughout Rastafarian lives and ceremonies. Nyabinghi music is played at Rastafarian grounations; these usually include the playing of drums, dancing, chanting, praising and smoking of the spiritual herb, ganja.

The oxford university press states that Nyabinghi means “She who possesses many things” however, it is said that Jamaican refers to Nyabinghi as “death to the black and white oppressors”. During the dreadlock supression Rastafarians would dance Nyabinghi to summon death to oppressors. Nowadays, Nyabinghi is used for celebratory purposes and special occasions. The first Rastafarian Nyabinghi ritual took place in Jamaica in March of 1958. Rastafarians are truly a unique religion by itself; Rasta’s refer to themselves as “I and I” because they believe God is living inside them and that the sounds they create from drums are the voices of God. Nyabinghi is seen as an influential practice as Rasta’s believe in peace and unity. This practice will continue to spread from generations to generations.

Sang by our late Bob Marley “Jump, Jump, Jump, Nyabinghi”

“Jump, Jump, Jump, Nyabinghi”

“Jump, Jump, Jump, Nyabinghi” *2

“We’ve got the herb (got it) *2

“So hand I the surf board because most of all we have not got nothing to lose”

 

Image courtesy Mary Ann Kennedy BBC Radio World on 3.