Royal Family Holds Court
June 13^th, 2002
Text and Pictures By Issa Kelly 

Chicago - “We must become members of a new race, overcoming petty prejudices, owing allegiance not to nations, but to our fellow men within the human race.”   H.I.M Haile Selassie I

June 13^th marks a point in the year that African Americans and other conscientious Americans celebrate the emancipation proclamation that freed all slaves in the United States.  The traditional celebration is called Juneteenth (the actual day is June 19^th www.juneteenth.com).  This night we celebrated our emancipation from mental slavery and saw His Majesty’s vision in action when the royal family of reggae, Morgan Heritage, held court at The Wild Hare.

Over a reverberating Nyabingi drumbeat Denroy Morgan proudly introduced his children.  With Peter on lead vocals they had us quickly Trodding Jah Road.  Then they smoothly transitioned to a song with the line ‘rockers in your bones’ followed by Set Yourself Free and called on Jah to Send Us Your Love that segued into Garnett Silk’s Splashing Dashing and then back. 

Happily singing along, the crowd followed Peter and Gramps through many of the songs off the More Teachings release.  Children of Tomorrow – Rastafari Children gave us a moment to catch our breath.  The next song put us on the trail to righteousness and rallied with Trodding onto Zion.  A beautiful tribute to Jacob Miller, and one of my favorite songs, “I am a Rastaman, not a dreadlocks.”  Mr. Mojo came out from behind his percussion set up for What We Need Is Love.  Then it was Una’s turn to be front and center. She performed a duet with Peter called Helping Hand.  Una is one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen.  She radiates this incredible energy and has a soothing voice. 

New Time, New Sign ended in a call and response of “Reggae, I love reggae.”  Mr. Mojo was out front, again, this time demonstrating his DJ skills on More Teachings.  Yes Idren, we do want the youth to get some more of His Majesty’s teachings. (I encourage those who are seeking Rastafari to go out and get this CD.  It is a wonderful guide and will have you moving in the right direction).  Meskal Square continued us in our educational quest when Peter took a few moments to share his views on Rastafari, the meaning behind the song and reminded us “All nations come from one blood.” 

Shashamanie City featured LMS (One Love, One Message, One Salvation – Laza, Miriam and Shyppoo) front and, well, All OVER.   The energy of the young trio was sending shockwaves through the crowd.  Zion Gates, from LMS’ release by the same name, had the joint rocking.  Then both groups swooped into Mt. Zion Medley and all HEAVEN broke loose.  Laza was jumping so high his feet were coming to people’s waists. 

LMS left the stage for a short time while Morgan Heritage did a song I was unfamiliar with (imagine that - with 4 of their CDs).  Then re-joined their brothers and sister to cool us off Down by the River and then Reggae Bring Back Love.

Morgan Heritage, LMS and Papa Denroy closed with Don’t Haffi Dread.  As I stood there reveling in this wonderful feeling I reflected on the mysteries of genetics and Jah’s creations.  The stage was full of Denroy Morgan’s children.  They varied in features, size, height and coloring.  As I turned around to look at the crowd my eyes feasted on the beauty and diversity of humanity.  We became – One Nation, Under Jah, Through H.I.M. and reggae music, Indivisible with Love and Respect for All.

Denroy Morgan and The Ethiopian World Federation are collaborating to raise funds for a model city in Shashamane which is a city in Ethiopia.  Part of the profits from Shashamanie City goes to that project.  More information on both groups can be found at www.morganheritagefamily.com and information on the Ethiopian World Federation can be found at www.ethiopianworldfed.org and an article about this project can be found at http://allafrica.com/stories/200206210393.html

Big up yourself Slacky J for bringing Morgan Heritage and LMS here.  Microphone Bill did an excellent job warming up our dancing shoes and cooling us down as we worked our way towards the door.  Thanks, again, to my mentor Sister Irie of Austin, Texas’ Conscience Party for your guidance on the collaboration of Denroy Morgan and The Ethiopian World Federation.  Here is her article about the charitable work reggae artists do:  http://www.reggaefestivalguide.com/articles2002/arti_heartbeatofreggae02.html

It is good to know “that, even in the 21^st century, with faith, courage and a just cause David can still beat Goliath”  - H.I.M. at His palace gardens at Addis Ababa found at the beginning of More Teachings CD. 

Reggae was David and Goliath is the hatred that is prevalent in today’s society.

For one night His Majesty’s vision came to fruition…….it can happen again.

~Selah~