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Jamaican Singer, Songwriter, Producer and Creative Artist Blvk H3ro sits down with us to talk about his art. Leave a comment or Share! Also check out our introductory post on the artiste, Introducing Blvk H3ro the Herb Connoisseur.
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Watch this interview with Leno Banton Jamaican artiste and member of the REM collective. For more about Leno and the REM Collective see my previous post Rapid Eye Movement Season with Leno Banton. Enjoy! Princess Erykah sits down to reason with Roots Lyricist 5 Star from Jamaica about music, life and much more. Check it out! Also watch the videos for his two singles out now: Warn Dem and 3rd Eye Open. Stay tuned for more! BLAK IWA TV shares with you our reasoning with Ilivia Wilmot lead singer for the Earth and the Fullness Band. Check it out and don't forget to share using the FB/ Twitter buttons below. Follow us @blakiwatv on twitter/ FB and Earth and the Fullness on FB. Give Thanks! This introductory interview with Jane Macgizmo, one of the rising unique voices from Jamaica was a pleasure and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did bringing it to you. Do leave a comment below and share, and remember to follow @blakiwatv on twitter and facebook as well as @janemacgizmo on twitter, instagram and facebook. Give thanks! Warrior Sistren reasoning with BLAK IWA TV family Exile di Brave about his Journey since the launch of his album the Journey begins... Follow -Up Interview with KoroFyah post the release of his EP Rough Diamond (click link to listen). Watch as he talks about the creative process and his experiences since the last time we spoke. Click here to see his previous interview. Don't forget to share! We catch up with Amlak Redsquare ahead of his Book of Judges album release. Watch as he talks about his growth since the Ganja Free EP and whats to come! Click here to see previous interviews. Don't forget to share. Greetings in the mighty name of His and Her Majesty and our ancestors! I do give thanks for the opportunity to write this blog and share my experiences with you all. Also giving thanks for everyone who reads it and I hope you fulljoy it. In this blog, I will be discussing my journey in Rastafari and my experiences with Rastafari and the social institutions in society such as my school, family and friends. Before I begin I want to thank all my sistrens and idrens for the strength, teachings and love I have received from them along the way. Mighty thanks to Weedamiah for making me a staff member of BLAK IWA TV, I am truly blessed to be apart of this family. Special thanks to my dad (my favorite Rasta man and my best friend) and my kingman who has been there with me through this rocky journey and has continuously showed me love and appreciation. Finally, thanks to my mother, family members and her friends who have made my journey in Rastafari a difficult one. Rough seas make good and experienced sailors. My lessons and experiences with you all have shaped me into a phenomenal and strong princess and a real dawta of Rastafari. Intinuously giving thanks. #Asé #Selah
The New Journey I was born and raised a Christian and when I found Rastafari, I was actually in the process of getting ready for baptism in a Roman Catholic Church. It all started at age 14 after going to a concert in Trench Town that was held in honor of the great Bob Marley. It was my first time being in the presence of so many Rastas and I was quite attracted by the Rastafari culture. My father is a Rasta, but I never really took the time out before to observe and to try and understand the culture. Instead, I spent my time with him trying to convert him to Christianity. After the concert, I became curious and my hunger for knowledge of Rastafari heightened. I spent my nights doing research about it, asking my father questions and watching YouTube videos. The information I received was so intriguing and refreshing that my questions grew more and I craved more answers. I learnt a lot from a prominent and well-know reggae Artiste, I-Wayne. I learnt a lot through his music and his interviews. I also fell in love with him and I always thought I would find him and he would marry me one day but that was just the typical teenage girl fantasy. With his teachings and his influence, my lifestyle began to change. In March of 2014, I stopped eating pork and beef. I was still eating everything else but I felt as if I was coming closer to Rastafari. It surprised my family because nobody loved pork as much as I did. In June of that same year, I stepped outside the church right before the time I should have been baptized and received my first holy communion. I told myself that I would return soon and that I just need some time for myself outside of Christianity; I never went back. I attend a Roman Catholic high school and there was a chemist who worked on our compound who is a Rasta. One day I began having a discussion with him about Rastafari and from there our bond developed. I was always baffled by the fact that he was a Rasta man who worked on the compounds of my school, for over 20 years, which was inhabited by strict and prejudice Roman Catholic authorities. We became very close and I would abandon my friends at lunchtime to spend time with him and I would also spend time with him after school. He also taught me a lot that I needed to know about Rastafari. I always noticed that the majority of teachers never really conversed with him and he spent his days alone in the labs working and that is when I came to my conclusion that there was still some form of prejudice against people of Rastafari in our jurisdiction. He taught me right from wrong, and how to be a true Rastafari princess. Late 2014, I was told by the guidance counselor that I was banned from going to see him and that no students were permitted in the area. I was really sad because I enjoyed his company and he had so much to share with me. Shortly after, he retired from the school for several reasons but we still kept contact after he left. By this time, I knew quite a lot about Rastafari, more than just the basics. I also stopped eating meat during this time but I was still eating fish and dairy. This was also when I began having problems with my mother along with when I started using the sacred herb that I love so much, Marijuana. Transitioning into Rastafari Late 2014 was when I became serious about being a true Rasta and I decided to give up certain things such as going to parties, wearing revealing clothing, drinking, excessive use of expletives, etc. The relationship with my mother was becoming a catastrophe along with the relationship I had with other family members. I was going through a lot during this time because I had previously lost my only grandfather to diabetes in June 2014 and I was on the verge of losing my heartbeat, my grandmother, to stage 4 colon cancer. She was one of my only family members that accepted me becoming a Rasta. She would ask me questions about it and she was happy to see that I was becoming just like my dad, even though he and my mom are separated. The last day we spent together was Christmas Day of 2014 and on that day we discussed Rastafari and I promised her I would do well on my exams. One day in the middle of January of 2015, I got a phone call from nana (my grandmother) and she was on the phone crying and telling me I'm going down the wrong road (meaning Rastafari) and that I need to stop. I knew my mother was behind it and she clearly told her things to turn her mind against me being a Rasta. My nana was very infuriated with me and she was on the phone shouting and crying which made me cry for the entire day. My nana meant a lot to me seeing that she raised me and I spent practically my entire life with her, growing up with her. I decided I would give it a few more days and I would call her and make things right. The phone call too place on the Tuesday and she fell very ill on the Friday. My mom took her to the doctor and they gave her morphine. She got ill again the Sunday and we rushed her to the hospital. She could barely walk and she wasn't talking and her eyes looked yellow. I went outside and I broke into tears because I felt like I was about to lose her. I told myself that when we went to visit her the next day at the hospital, I would make things right re the phone call that we had. My stepdad came for me the next day at school and we went to the hospital because the hospital called my mom. He kept telling me to brace me myself but he is a very pessimistic individual so I ignored him. When we arrived at the hospital, the curtains were drawn and my knees instantly weakened and I broke into tears. I walked towards her bed and I held her hand and I kissed her, still trying to speak to her failing to accept the fact that she will no longer be with me physically. I spent the rest of my nights and days crying. So many thoughts plagued my mind. I kept thinking that maybe I should go back to church, eat meat and everything else she complained about with me on the phone. I knew my mom was behind this because she was the only one that had an issue with these things. After my Nana's funeral, I decided that I wouldn't change and I would continue to trod Rastafari but I wouldn't break the promise I made to her of doing well in my exams. I began meeting more people of Rastafari that I became close to. I attended a Chronixx concert in March 2015, where I met an idren who is now very close to me. After the concert, I lost connection with him and I didn't expect to hear from him again. During this time, I was in the process of preparing for my upcoming exams. This was a very challenging time because of my family members. During this period, I also began getting closer to my father. My mother and her friends were giving me a very difficult time. I wasn't allowed to play any nyabinghi chants or reggae music in the house. She would also say things to me like "Selassie can't do anything for you", "I pray to God and not man" and "Selassie doesn't care about you. He is dead and gone. He's not putting food on your table and he's not putting clothes on your back". She has some Christian friends who have a great influence on her life and they discouraged her from accepting my changes and me being a Rasta. A number of them tried to forced me multiple times to eat meat and go to church but I refused. She dragged me to church twice in the summer of that same year and I would just sit in the church for the whole time and sleep. She was not pleased because I wasn't worshipping with them. She even took me to see a psychologist. She asked multiple Christians and pastors to pray for me. She rubbed olive oil all over my books and other personal items, which annoyed me because I don't like the smell of olive oil. I can also remember at my Nana's funeral, her friend tried forced me to drink manish water (goat soup) and she got upset when I refused to do it. I pretended to drink it but I threw it away and ran off as soon as she turned her back. My mother would often times tell me that if I didn't do well on my exams I should go make brooms with other Rasta men and sell or I go and let the Rasta men up at Bobo hill impregnate me and I stay with them just for the purpose of reproducing. There would be constant arguments in the house about Rastafari. At the same time, my exams were coming up and I was stressed. My hair was falling out, I was losing weight and I wasn't eating. I had a boyfriend at the time that she didn't like and she also gave us a difficult time. She stalked him and threatened to kill him. We eventually separated due to his infidelity and dishonesty. My father was the only person that I could turn to when I to vent about my mother and her ways. He was the only one who seemed to understand what I was going through. I would stay with one of her friends sometimes because her daughter is my best friend. They are Jehovah Witnesses and her mother would force me to go to Kingdom Hall and participate in their worshipping. When I didn't she got upset and told me that I would want others to respect my religion. I strongly disagree that to respect another's religion; there must be participation in their practices. She also made stew peas and tricked me and told me that it was "Ital stew". When I found out that it was stew peas with pork in it, I almost fell. I refused to eat it the second time she made it and she got upset. I decided that I'm going to stop eating from people and stop spending so much time with these people that I was once very close to and that I loved so much. My aunties, cousins and other family members would also discourage me from being a Rasta telling me I'm going in the wrong direction, that I'm destroying my life. I grew frustrated and I started straying from my family. I sat my exams in May/June 2015, around the same time I met my current kingman. He also taught me many things. I was still working on my relationship with my dad and he was also teaching me things about Rastafari and the struggles that people of Rastafari went through for us to be where we are now, for example, the Coral Gardens massacre. He also shared with me his experiences of the difficulties he has faced with Babylon. He gave me two books to read, "The philosophy and opinions of Marcus Garvey" and "The teachings of H.I.M Emperor Haile Selassie I". I can't find the second book and I think my mom threw it away like she did with my two Rasta necklaces. I wasn't allowed to wear Rasta jewelry either. One day during my exam period she took one of the chains I had and threw it away because "it has demons in it". I actually got that necklace from a Rasta patient I took care of while doing voluntary services at the University Hospital of the West Indies in August 2014. The second necklace I got from a Rasta man I became friends with at a summer school I attended in July of the same year. My kingman and I were very close friends at the time and talking to him would help me to relieve some of the stress I was undergoing with my mom. He also helped me with understanding Rastafari and aided me with being a firmer princess in Rastafari. I went to binghi (nyabinghi) with my dad that same summer to celebrate the 123rd earthstrong of His Majesty and he was there and we spent the night chanting together and resting. While awaiting my results for my exams, I was quite nervous every because I thought that I failed and I didn't know what I would do if I did. Many persons around me, including my mother, were of the impression that Rastas are stupid and uneducated and because of that I would fail all of my exams. She would call me the nastiest names and speak many bad things over my life and tell me that bad things were going to happen to me. She forced me to wear mini skirts that were a little below my bottom and if I stooped down the world would be able to see my yoniverse. The week before my results, which was in August 2015, she kept irritating me and I got angry and told her that since she likes to use quotes from the bible the bible states that you should not provoke your children to wrath. She got upset and sent me to spend the day with my brother and she forced me to wear a mini skirt and a top that revealed my bosom. My brother at the time lived in an inner city that wasn't the best of areas. He was also trying to change me and turn me away from Rastafari. Somebody was killed on the avenue the same day and I saw twelve police cars going up the road. I wasn't used to this type of environment so I got a little weary wanting to go home. My brother and his girlfriend live together and we were the only females in the yard. She made me feel a bit better about the situation and we cooked Ital food together even though she is not a Rasta. She understood what I was going through. My mother tricked me and told me I was going to stay for the day at my brother's house and I ended up spending the night. I was terrified and I didn't sleep well. Apparently this was her way of punishing me. She came for me the next night. August 2015, my results came out and I passed every single one. I did pretty well and the night of my results I called her and shared it with her and told her that Rastas can be successful too. I felt proud and I knew the Rastafari community would be proud as well. She was happy, along with everyone else. Her friend that tricked me with the stew peas told me that it's good that a Rasta girl can do well in babylon's exams. I laughed. Life seemed to be getting better with my mom. I was wrong. *laughs hysterically* I was so wrong. Better or Bitter days? Two weeks after my results came out, life went back to its usual state. My mom and I started having problems again. I thought to myself that there was nothing I could do to please her. I continued to ignore her. I tried my best not to allow Rastafari to get tied into my school life because of the contradiction and how the people at school would react to me being a Rasta. I didn't only drop family members, but I also had let go a couple friends a long the way. When I started grade 12, I signed up for Spanish. In my first Spanish class, the teacher told us to stand and say something interesting about ourselves, and why we chose Spanish. Honestly, there isn't anything really that I would say that's interesting about me so I said that and I told her that I chose Spanish because I desire to be fluent in it one day. She asked if there's nothing at all that's interesting about me and I said no. Then there were some girls in my class who mocked me for being a Rasta and they kept shouting to the teacher and telling her that I am a Rasta. I kept telling them to be quiet because I knew what would have happened and how the conversation would turn out. She looked at me and asked, "are you a Rasta?" And I said yes I am. She asked me for how long and I said for two years now. She began shouting at me and saying "SO YOU REALLY THINK THAT SELASSIE IS GOD? IS THAT WHAT YOU REALLY BELIEVE?" I felt quite attacked and I simply replied and said, "I am here to do Spanish not to discuss my beliefs". She said "I hope you change your religion one day. You may sit". I was so surprised that I would be hearing that from a teacher. I had a friend in that same class; she was my best friend. She called on her to stand and she said "I like Rastas but not as much as Krista" (Krista is my first name). While she said this she looked at me and smiled and everybody looked at her in bewilderment wondering why she would say that after the tension that was built up in the class. That same day I went home and I went to talk about the situation on my snapchat. My snapchat is like my diary where all my close friends can see and that same friend I mentioned earlier is on my snapchat. That day on my snapchat I spoke about the incident and I said that if I wanted my teacher to know that I'm a Rasta I could have told her. I then proceeded to address the matter of the struggles that Rastas have faced over the years and Rastafari is not a joke. I went on to explain also that Rastafari is not about just having locks and smoking marijuana and listening to reggae, there is way more to it. I also went on to say that doing the things that were mentioned above do not make you a Rasta. My friend from the class took offense to what I said and she decided to cut me off. I did other snapchat videos addressing the situation because we have been friends from before high school. In the second set of snap chat videos I mentioned that she is one of my best friends and I also said that she took offense to what I said. I apologized for her feeling that way but I said I wasn't sorry about what I said and for to take offense to that says a lot about her. I'm a very open person and I express myself freely. She went and showed the story to her mom and her mom and my mom are also very close so her mother called my mother complaining and saying that I'm bullying her child. My mom called me that same night swearing like a sailor and told me to pack my things and come out of her house because she's tired of me and my Rasta foolishness and I'm allowing it to come between myself and my friends. I am very firm in my beliefs and I always stand up for what is right and what I believe in. I knew my dad wasn't able to take me in due to financial circumstances. I called my stepdad and I asked him to come for me and I explained the situation. I stayed with him for almost two weeks and I did everything to help myself. I looked at myself in the mirror the same night I left my mother's house and I said "well this is where life starts for me. It's time to be a woman." The next day I went to school and there is a teacher that I am very close to that I went to share the problem with. She is the only teacher at school that I have a close relationship with. She told me she would try to get through to Rita Marley and another Rasta lady because it would be best for me to live with a Rasta family. On the other hand, my stepfather would tell me every day on my way to school that he is giving me up until the weekend to leave his house. I was barely focusing on school because I was busy finding somewhere to live. He didn't agree with me being a Rasta either and not eating meat but that was because of my mother because at first, like everyone else, he didn't have a problem with it. On day he dragged me to the doctor to do a blood test even though I told him I'm fine I'm just having cramps. The doctor told me that I'm crazy for believing in Rastafari and depriving myself of meat and that I would get sick. My stepfather took me to the lab and they had to tie me down to take the blood because I have a terrible phobia of needles. I cried and I screamed for help as if someone was about to murder me. A few weeks after the blood test, the doctor revealed to me that my blood count is low and that I need to go back on meat. He also diagnosed me with anemia. I always knew that I was anemic even before I stopped eating meat and I would complain to my mom but she didn't really listen to my complaints. Unfortunately, I had to start taking pills for my b12 but I stopped after a while. I notified my stepfather and told him that my teacher is trying to sort out something for me to stay with a rasta family because every single morning he kept telling me I need to leave soon. One day after I came home from school, he told me that he called the Child Development Agency and told them that I'm planning to run away with a Rasta family. This infuriated me very much. I knew this was my testing and that there is a whole lot more for me to endure. I began locking my hair since I wasn't going to be living with my mom anymore. The first weekend while staying there, he told me my mom wants me to come and do my hair (she owns a salon). I went there and she saw the lock at the back of my hair and she used a comb and tore it out. I had a headache for the rest of that day. My stepfather told me that she said that if I wanted to go back home I had to change and go back to being a Christian and eating meat. I told myself that if that is what it took to go back home then I’d never be living with her again. I decided that this is where life starts for me so I was doing everything on my own which includes preparing my own meals, washing and ironing my clothes and making medicine for myself when I wasn't feeling so well. Two weeks later, my mom called me and told me that I should pack my things because she is coming for me to take me home. At first I must admit I was hesitant to go with her but I was doing some deep meditation and I realized that she is the one who decided to take me back into her home which means she has made up her mind that she is willing to accept my decisions. Again, I was wrong. Living with My Mother Again When my mom took me back in, the atmosphere was tense and us living together was more like two strangers living together who are merely trying to co-exist with each other. A few weeks later, she found out about my kingman and she wasn't very pleased. She spoke to him a couple times and she threatened to burn down his house in my presence. She wasn't very friendly to him and ever since she found out about him things spiraled out of control. I don't wish to share details about what happened between him and my mom but I can simply say that things didn't turn out as expected. She still threatens to put me out. Nothing really has changed. She has adjusted somewhat to my lifestyle but not completely. There are many issues that have been arising in the house but I continue to deal with every thing as best as I can because every one has to face their testing. Things seem to be getting worst and the tension in the house fluctuates. However this does not change my decision and it won't. Once again I'd like to thank everyone who read this blog. For all the young Rastas who are facing difficulty with gaining acceptance from friends, family members and etc, I want to encourage you all and I advise you to be strong. Elders always told me that I would experience difficulties in society and within my family but for some strange reason I didn't really take them that seriously. I have learnt a lot and experienced a lot more than I wrote about in this blog and I would love to share but most of the information is personal. However, despite the difficulties we as young sons and dawtas of Rastafari are experiencing, I bid you all strength and guidance during your journey and don't ever give up. Learn from your experiences and use them to guide you in making decisions in the future and handling situations. You will lose many along the way but you will also gain many who will love and accept you as you are. May Haile bless and itect you all! #Rastafari - Princess Erykah The finals of the 2016 Jamaica's Best School Band Competition (JBSB) featured the high school contestants as well as the launch of the Primary School competition launch. First performers Calabar Primary School "Muss Buss" Band opened the occasion with renditions of the " First Cut is the Deepest" in addition to Raging Fyah 's Judgement Day and Jah 9's "New Name". They were pleasantly received by the audience consisting of the smiling faces of youth, teachers and supporters. Next up was the St Richard's Primary "Early Break" Band. During the band change, Rayven Amani, creator of the competition, provided a brief overview of the journey of the bands to the finals and the prizes to be won. She lauded the music teachers for their dedication and recognized the judges and the sponsors who gave support to the initiative. The "Early Break Band" delivered their medley featuring Ed Sheeran's "Thinking out Loud" and Bob Marley's "Is This Love" as well Dennis Brown "Here I Come", and Everton Blender's "Lift Up Your Head", with Barrington Levy's "Here I Come (Broader than Broadway)". The St. Patrick's Primary School delivered an entirely instrumental piece which consisted of some hymns as they closed with Nesbeth's "My Dream" Presentation of certificates of participation were then handed to Mr. Andrew Ogilvie for the Calabar Infant and Primary School also Mr. Richard Dunn from the St Richard's Primary, also Mr Riley and Stephenson from the St. Patrick's. The Alpha Primary School was the guest band and they performed powerfully Ikaya's "Fly Away". In the end the St. Richards Primary School were crowned champions. Next was the High School competition beginning with the Cross Keys High School "G-Sharp Major" Band. They gave the audience, Bruno Mars "Liquor Store Blues" and Rihanna's "Man Down". Next was the Herbert Morrison Technical who delivered Bruno Mar's "It Will Rain", Bruno Mars "Liquor Store Blues" and No Doubt's "Underneath It All" to display the theme of "Reggae influencing the world". The Alpha Institute gave an all instrumental performance which featured Bruno Mars "Liquor Store Blues" band All and Musical Youth "Pass the Dutchie". The Alpha Institute did leave it all on the stage letting their instruments speak for them. They were very very impressive according to one patron in the audience " hope the nex band mek mi feel irie like dis". The Belair High School "Legato" Band performed Bruno Mar's "Liquor Store Blues" and Magic's "Rude". The St. Andrew Technical School performed Rihanna's "Man Down" and "Let Your Hair Down" and R.City ft Chloe "Make Up". Tony Rebel's son Abatau and his band Tribe Azizi closed the proceedings. The winner announced for the high school was the Alpha Institute. The win was well deserved. We hope to be back with JBSB in 2017 and invite you to stay tuned to their FB page for updates. Warrior Sistren for BLAK IWA TV (footage and words) Her Imperial Majesty Empress Woizero Menen Asfaw - A woman of kindness and Humanitarian Outreach4/3/2016  Her imperial Majesty Empress Woizero Menen Asfaw - A woman of kindness and Humanitarian Outreach Today, April 3, I n I reflect on the life and works of the mother of all mothers, the queen of all queens and the empress of all empresses, Queen Omega, Her Imperial Majesty Empress Woizero Menen Asfaw. She was born on April 3, 1891 and March 25, 1883 on the Ethiopian Calendar. Empress Menen was the daughter of Asfaw, Jantirar of Ambassel. The title of Jantirar traditionally belonged to the head of the family holding the mountain fortress of Ambassel, Jantirar Asfaw was one of them. She was a direct descendant of Emperor Lebna Dengel, through Emperor Gelawdewos and his daughter Princess Enkulal Gelawdewos, this genealogy was deleted from the official history of Etege Menen. Her mother was Woizero Sehin Mikael, half-sister of Lij Iyasu (Iyasu V), and daughter of Negus (King) Mikael of Wollo. Woizero Sehin's mother, Woizero Fantaye Gebru, was a direct descendant of Emperor Susenyos I in the "Seyfe Melekot" line. Her majesty is a direct descendant of the holy prophet of Islam, Mohammad. Her Majesty in Her Childhood Empress Menen's native language was Amharic and she was particularly very skillful in writing having gained various academic qualifications including home economics and spinning - an Ethiopian tradition. Woizero Menen Asfaw was given in marriage by her family, to Dejazmach Ali of Cherecha, a prominent Wollo nobleman, and bore him a daughter, Woizero Belaynesh Ali and a son, Jantirar Asfaw Ali. This marriage ended in divorce and Woizero Menen then married Dejazmach Amede Ali Aba-Deyas, another prominent nobleman of Wollo. She had two children with him, a daughter Woizero Desta Amede and a son Jantirar Gebregziabiher Amede. Unfortunately Empress Menen's second husband died suddenly. After this Woizero Menen's grandfather, Negus Mikael arranged her marriage to Ras Leul Seged Atnaf Seged, a prominent Shewan nobleman, who was considerably older than Woizero Menen, sometime in late 1909 or early 1910. Her Matrimonial Union with His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie Her Majesty probably met Dejazmach Tafari Makonnen (later Emperor Haile Selassie) at the home of her uncle, Lij Iyasu. This may have inspired Lij Iyasu to attempt to bind Dejazmach Tafari to him more firmly through marriage ties. He therefore arranged the separation of Woizero Menen from Ras Leul Seged, and sent her to Harar to marry Dejazmach Tafari Makonnen. They were married in July 1911. Ras Leul Seged apparently did not hold a grudge against Dejazmach Tafari for this circumstance, blaming it entirely on Lij Iyasu who had ordered it. He was among the leaders who fought on the side of Dejazmach Tafari Makonnen in the Battle of Segale, and died in that battle. The Princes and Princesses (Children of His and Her Majesty)Their sacred and happy union lasted forty-seven years during which time they had six children - three daughters and three sons and many grandchildren. Listed below are details of their children: 1. Their first daughter: Princess Tenagne Worq was born in January 1913, being christened Fikirte Mariam. She married Ras Desta and then Ras Andargatchew, having six children and many grandchildren. 2. First son: Prince Asfa Wossen, heir Prince born in July 1916. He was christened Amha Selassie. He married first Princess Walata Israel and then Princess Medferiach. He had five children including Prince Yacob. 3. Second daughter: Princess Zenabe Worq, born in July 1918 and christened Hirute Selassie. She married Haile Selassie Gugsa but she passed way in March 1933 having had no children. 4. Third daughter: Princess Tsehay, born in October 1920 and christened Wolete Birhan. She married Galabiye Abebe and passed away in August 1942 without having any children. 5. Second son: Prince Makonnen, later Duke of Harar was born inOctober 1923 and christened Araya Johannes. He married Princess Sarah Gizau and passed away in May 1957, having had five sons. 6. Third son: Prince Sahile Selassie, born in February 1931. He was christened Aba Dina and was baptised at Mekane Selassie Church in Addis Ababa. Of these children only three, Princess Tenagne Warq, Crown Prince Asfa Wossen Haile Selassie and Prince Sahla Selassie survived her. The Coronation of Queen Omega and King Alpha For the first time in Ethiopian history, Empress Menen was crowned Queen of Queens, alongside Emperor Haile Selassie I, King of Kings on 2 November 1930 at St Giorgis Church in Addis Ababa. On Coronation day, H.I.M Itegue Menen was given a gold and ivory sceptre. On the entablature at the foot of the sceptre is engraved the ineffable name of God and the Pentacle King of Solomon. She was crowned Itegue Menen, Itegue being the title of an Empress. It is to be noted that H.I.M Emperor Haile Selassie I, set a new precedent for how women were viewed, by changing the course of Ethiopian history insisting that the Empress be Coronated on the same day as the Emperor and not three days later as was the custom. Both from the Solomon and Sheba lineage. "Prophecy has revealed that the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready" - King Alpha and Queen Omega. Empress Menen - A Charismatic Individual With ten children, she balanced a stable family life with her benevolent King and husband, Ras Tafari, crowned Emperor Haile Selassie, she became his most trusted advisor in national and international affairs, and built up the confidence of millions of women by educating them and giving them opportunities to shine. Her garments were always royal, elegant, extremely appropriate by all international standards, and indeed, they show her royalty with the finest of silks, cottons, and other fine materials often woven with gold, silver, and velvet. Empress Menen performed perfectly in the role of Empress-consort. In her public role she combined religious piety, concern for social causes, and support for development schemes with the majesty of her Imperial status. Outwardly she was the dutiful wife, visiting schools, churches, exhibitions and model farms, attending public and state events at her husband's side or by herself. She took no public stand on political or policy issues. Behind the scenes however, she was the Emperor's most trusted advisor, quietly offering advice on a whole range of issues. She avoided the publicly political role that her predecessor as Empress-consort, Empress Taitu Bitul, had taken, which had caused deep resentment in government circles during the reign of Menelik II. She was also known for being a courageous woman. Early in Haile Selassie reign an army revolt broke out and he was taken hostage. She commandeered a tank and drove it herself through the garrison’s gate to free her husband. During the invasion of italy in Nov. 18 1928 His Imperial Majesty King of Kings Haile Sellassie I went to the north battle field, Empress Menen stayed in Addis Ababa and prepared logistics and sent to the battle field. When the enemy’s planes bombed civilians she advised the people to take care. During the bombing she travelled by car in the city to advice and encouraged the people with courage. In addition to this she has been praying waging a spiritual war against the enemy.The Holy Empress made her royal proclamation that she had faith in Almighty YAH that her husband, King David, would defeat the Italian Goliath and YAH's words would remain true: that David's throne would remain the seat of Earth's Rightful Ruler forever and ever. She was so confident in this fact, that she was willing to give up her most prized material possession: her Crown of Makeda the Queen of Sheba. She made a pledge to the Virgin Mary at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, promising to give her crown to the church if Ethiopia were liberated from occupation. Following the return of Emperor Haile Selassie to Ethiopia in 1941, a replica of the crown was made for future Empresses, but the original crown that Empress Menen was crowned with at her husband's side in 1930 was sent to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Empress Menen, although often seen wearing a tiara at public events that called for it, would never again wear a full crown. Empress Menen is known to have been devoted to the traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, including honouring of holy feasts such as Easter and Sabbath Days. These traditions include much fasting and prayer, and strict observance of church rules and regulations. This made her a model queen for all women in Ethiopia, by remaining involved in the current affairs and progression of her country while remaining steadfast to the holy traditions of the Ethiopian Empire. As she is God fearing Empress, she always prays to YAH. She went to St. Mark church everyday and stayed up to 9 A.M. praying to YAH and received monks and nuns that came from different churches and monasteries. Every Friday She went to St. Mark Church for special praying since Friday is the day which Jesus Christ was crucified. When the Empress went from the palace to the church, she received women who lost their husbands in the war front and tried to fulfil whatever they demanded. The Empress never alienated other churches, she always read their books and liked to give attention for the interpreted views of the church. This shows how she is far sighted and had bright mind. She is a Queen to rise up and fulfil every standard as a woman, wife, a monarch, a Christian, a mother, and a benefactor to all who needed her most in her country, Empress Menen Asfaw has become the perfect role model for a woman. The Empress supported numerous charitable causes for the poor, the infirm and the handicapped. Empress Menen let Orphans to learn who lived in areas outside the capital city. Empress Menen shared problems of the poor and always visit patients in hospitals. Empress Menen took an active interest in all that went on, frequently visiting schools, looking in on classes and presiding at awards and graduation ceremonies. Empress Menen's contributions to churches, schools, hospitals are widely recognised as unparallel by any other woman in Ethiopian history. H.I.M Itegue Menen sought to serve the people instead of demanding services from them. Empress Menen believed man is mortal so that is why she always shared problems of the people and tried to solve them. Empress Menen herself had been in a deep sorrow because the passing of her beloved children. As she is strong spiritually, the Almighty YAH gave her strength. She passed each problem patiently. Even though she lost her children she never neglect the country's problem this is well known by Ethiopian people. All Ethiopian people shared her grief and sympathized her. Therefore, Ethiopian people love Empress Menen from the bottom of their heart and share the happiness and sadness of her. The Achievements of The Divine Empress
 Photos provided by Di Ahtikal @teonol email: diahtikal@gmail.comThe Vegan Livity and I n I temple Are you a vegan? Have you ever contemplated becoming one? Have you ever tried vegan food? If yes, then you're trodding on the right path and I urge you to continue. One may ask, who is a vegan? A vegan is a person who consumes only food that Mother Earth provides for us, meaning any food items from plants, and they avoid all animal-based products and food items. Many people around the world are becoming vegans for several reasons. Some reasons may include: wanting to lose weight, and/or for health or spiritual purposes and so on. I became vegan for spiritual purposes. However it has been a challenge because I live with my mother and she doesn't agree with my diet and my new way of life. The vegan Livity makes me feel more alive, happier and more energetic. My mother tries to accommodate me in some ways and I also get help from an idren of mine. Being a vegan also connects you to nature and the universe. When I just became vegan, I had difficulties and I became sick because I wasn't eating properly. My doctor told me I had to eat meat in order to get better but I sat and did some deep meditation on it and to me that didn't make any sense. Consuming meat and animal-based products is like basically using your temple as a cemetery. Think about it, you are consuming dead animals. We dispose of dead beings in graveyards and family plots, not in our stomachs; why eat dead chickens, dead pigs, dead goats and etc.? As human beings, we tend to forget that we are also animals because we are the higher species of animals. However, that doesn't mean we should not treat them equally and with love and care. Imagine if we as humans were lower than them and they raised us, hunted us, killed us and ate us? Just imagine how terrifying our lives would be. They may not possess the same intelligence and abilities as I n I but they too have families and feelings. Put yourself in their position and meditate on the fact that there would be a higher being who raises you just to kill and eat you and your family or hunts you for food. Please do some reflection on this. People will find all sorts of excuses to eat meat. Some say they need protein and it can't be replaced with anything else but meat. Some say that "God" put the animals on the earth for us to consume. My mother would often times tell me she's not a rabbit so she refuses to feed on earthly foods only. Everyone has their own reason. If you consume meat because protein is your concern then please take a look at this picture. Observe it meticulously and make notes where necessary.  After reviewing this chart, what excuses do you have to continue your practice of meat consumption? Also, excess protein in the diet converts to fat which many persons today are trying to avoid. Take the time to reflect on this as well. The matter of "God putting everything on the earth for a reason" to justify why persons eat meat is also, in my opinion, not a valid reason. The Most High placed us all here for a reason. We may not see the need for animals except for sources of food, but they play their part in nature. Every living creature on this earth has its own purpose and it's not for us to decide what their purpose is; we as humans should focus on ourselves and our loved ones and try to eat as heathy and as naturally as possible. When I went to the doctor, they told me I had to do a blood test and the results showed that I was lacking in b12, my haemoglobin level was low, my blood count was low, and I was lacking in iron. This is dangerous because it could cause permanent damages to my nervous system and illnesses. I received support and assistance from my idren, Kimon-I, who gave me ideas and told me what to have to get well again. I refrain from taking pills because I choose to be as natural as possible and I'm very skeptical about what I place in my temple. Inevitably and unfortunately, I had to go on iron pills for a little while but I stopped as soon as I got better. My supply for b12 includes green juice and pak choi; basically lots of greens such as callaloo or "ilalloo" as I'd like to call it, spinach and etc. I feel healthy, energetic and alive. My temple truly feels irie! Now that you have reasons for going vegan, here are some helpful tips: - Try to eat as raw as possible. When one eats raw, you get the fullness of the nutrients and minerals from your food. Add natural spices and make your own sauces to spice up your food. Include pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and other nuts and seeds in your meals for more protein and flavour. - Avoid processed foods such as dairy products, snacks, veggie chunks, tofu and etc. They contribute to your cholesterol and they have many preservatives which can cause cancer and other ailments. - Be creative and make your own juices! Avoid sodas and other "fruit drinks and juices" with artificial sweeteners. When making your juices, remember that fruits are most times sweet so there's no need for sugar either. If the juice is not sweet enough as you desire it to be, then feel feel free to add more fruits. The more fruits the more fun! - Eat lots of veggies. Drink lots of water and if possible, have coconut water at least once a week. - Say No to GMO and MSG foods! These are cancer causing agents. - If you have enough yard space, plant your own foods. Some foods can also be planted in pots such as peppers and tomatoes. Here are some pictures for more information. I believe I've given enough information. It's time for you to do some research on your own. Give thanks for viewing I blog and I trust that you learnt something. If you would like some delicious vegan recipes, you can email me at [email protected] or follow me on Twitter @cooliegyal_KC and send me a message. Let's look to Mother Nature for healing and food. As the famous recording artiste, Chronixx, would say, "mek your food be your medicine, your medicine your food". Give it a try, eat less or no meat! Let's give our temple the treatment it deserves. Let's go vegan!
#Rastafari - Empress Erykah BLAK IWA TV is happy to bring to you Exile di Brave's album launch from Nanook. Exile along with his band the Yard Drive Band gave a spirited performance, thrilling the audience with new music from his brand new offering "The Journey Begins." You can watch below then please support the music by purchasing a copy of the album which is available at all digital music stores. I man had the JOY of visiting Pinnacle, the birthplace of the Rastafari Movement. The energy there is very peaceful and serene and unlike any I have felt before. I am sure I felt I ankhcestors presence as I walked the "ila ground" chosen by the Gong himself Leonard Percival Howell. #HandsOffPinnacle                                                         The sponsors of the Jamaica Music Conference Service Day brought 12 students from Haile Selassie High School to The Source Farm Eco-Village in Johns Town, St. Thomas. It was a very educational and inspiring experience so much so that I forgot most times to even take pics. Check them out at http://thesourcefarm.com (photos by Weedamiah) The first day of the Jamaica Music Conference was the service day. We visit Haile Selassie High School, where we spoke with students and planted about 14 trees with the help of students, sponsors and members of the community. Special thankhs to DARC, H.A.B.E.S.H.A., RASTAFARI TV and Veggie Meals on Wheels who sponsored the service day in conjunction with the Jamaica Music Conference. (photos by Weedamiah) BLAK IWA TV's WarriorSistren interview with The Flash Mob Band at UWI. |
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