By Mohamed Farah Kargbo, Monuments and Relics Commission
Sierra Leone is a country that is renowned for its religious tolerance posture as no reference could be made to any form of religious suppression or persecution as a result of a citizen’s faith.
Rastafarianism has been practised or a long time in this country but over the years its membership base has been increasing and their modus operandi has been changing.
Recently, a visit was paid to their structured base or sanctuary , Negus Nagas Complex at Grafton in the outskirt of Freetown and what transpired was very interesting and worth sharing:
Bellowed the High Priest of the Rastafari Movement in Sierra Leone as worshippers converged at Negus Nagas Complex at Grafton where they held their service.
Tamba Fabanda Senessie Fabundeh had just completed the ablution process which was meant to cleanse himself, dressed in his alternating red, green and black gown, tied his head neatly with a white band in readiness for the day’s supplications. He needs no introduction as the figure head of that gathering.
Each worshipper removes his/her foot wear before entering the place of worship. They stood in a round circle with a burning candle in front of the High Priest.
A drummer beats the drum as the congregation chants choruses and dance.
It was a gathering of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, the Nyahbinghi and Bobo Ashanti were probably represented. Except for the few everyone had dreadlocks.
The Monuments and Relics Commission’s Salon Kontri Pot TV Show had gone there to cover the story to show the level of cultural diversity and religious tolerance that Sierra Leone enjoys.
Their holy Sacrament, the Cannabis Sativa has a very important role at the end of the exercise. It keeps them meditating and reflecting on the wonders of Jah Rastafari.
The Rastas love nature such that at a higher level they prefer to eat natural food principally fruits and vegetables.
In an interview with Ras Ola, it was learnt, many new words like ‘Wa gwan’…which means hello. “Lickle bit or me a go” which means good bye and Jah bless or Give thanks meaning thank you.
