Bob Marley's spirituality revolved around
the doctrine of Rastafari, a movement that embraces a belief in
the biblical lineage and inherent strength of the black race.
Rastafari belief follows that the last emperor of Ethiopia, Haile
Selassie I (know as Ras Tafari) is the living black messiah on
Earth.
(from Wikipedia,
the free encyclopedia:)
Selassie was born in the town-village of Ejersa Goro, Ethiopia,
as Tafari Makonnen to father Ras Makonnen, the governor of Harar
and to mother Wezero (lady) Yeshimebet Ali. He didn't remember
his mother, who died on March 14, 1894. He came about his Imperial
blood through his paternal grandmother, Tenagnework Sahle Selassie,
who was an aunt of Emperor Menelik II and a claimed direct decendant
of Makeda, Queen of Sheba and King Solomon of ancient Israel.
In September 1916, an assembly of nobles with the agreement of
the Ethiopian Orthodox Church deposed Emperor Lij Iyasu (Iyasu
V), the grandson and heir of Emperor Menelik II, for suspected
conversion to Islam. In his place they crowned Menelik's daughter
Zauditu as Empress of Ethiopia and her cousin Ras (Duke) Tafari
as Crown Prince and Regent. As Ras Tafari (Amharic Fearsome),
he ruled Ethiopia as regent and crown prince (1916 - 1928) for
his cousin the empress Zauditu, and as king (negus) (1928 - 1930),
assuming the title of Emperor upon Zauditu's death (April 2, 1930).
He was crowned emperor November 2, 1930. He was fully titled,
His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion
of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God, King of Kings of Ethiopia.
(More
on His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I at Wikipedia)
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