Rastafari is an Abrahamic religion developed in Jamaica during the 1930’s. Central is a monotheistic belief in a single God, referred to as Jah, who partially resides within each individual.

The former emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie, is given central importance. Many Rastas regard him as an incarnation of Jah on Earth and as the Second Coming of Christ.

Others regard him as a Human prophet who fully recognised the inner divinity within every individual.

On being crowned, Haile Selassie was given the title of ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.’

Haile Selassie visited Jamaica on 21 April 1966, and approximately one hundred thousand Rastafari from all over Jamaica descended on Palisadoes Airport in Kingston, having heard that the man whom they considered to be their messiah was coming to visit them.

The last months of the emperor’s life, after the Coup D’etat, were spent in imprisonment, in the Grand Palace.

Reportedly, his mental condition was such that he believed he was still Emperor of Ethiopia. Haile Selassie died on 27 August 1975.

The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
The Lion of Judah shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Give us Jah victory again and again.

The Conquering Lion shall break every chain,
The Conquering Lion shall break every chain,
The Conquering Lion shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Give us Jah victory again and again.

The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
The Lion of Judah shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
Give us Jah victory again and again.

In Mount Zion.
With King Alpha and Queen Omega.
Father and Mother of Creation.
Alleluia!