Reggae would not exist, were it not for the influence of Rastafarianism, which is rooted in the Nyabinghi tradition. Nyabinghi is the oldest of the Mansions of Rastafari. Their pledge is to “love to all human beings”, and do no violence, because Jah alone has the right to destroy.
Nyabinghi was a legendary Ugandan/Rwandan tribe queen, who was said to have possessed a Ugandan woman named Muhumusa in the 19th century. Muhumusa inspired a movement, rebelling against African colonial authorities.
Livity refers to the Rastafarian idea of righteous living forever. Its essence is the concept that an energy or life-force, bestowed by Almighty Jah, is within, and flows through, all people and all living things. This energy is the presence of Jah living within us. Recognition of this is often expressed in the Rastafarian vocabulary as “I and I” – the first “I” refers to the Almighty and the second “I” for oneself. A primary goal in Rastafarian meditation is maintaining awareness of I and I.
A primary goal in a Rastafarian’s life is to expand his or her Livity which can be enhanced by intense prayer and meditation (often enhanced by sacramental cannabis use), adherence to an Ital diet, and perhaps most importantly, loving behavior toward others. Livity has a strong focus on living a natural lifestyle which includes the consumption of natural foods and growth of natural hair. This expression of love for others is done in recognition of a central love energy within all people, a concept often referred to as “One Love”.
Video by Jah D
