Category Archives: Artwork

JAH IS AN OCEAN

New Album Cover Art: Winter Releases

 

There was an huge release of fantastic music: Here are the covers and the originals for this Winter and new year of 2023-2024. Give thanks to all the production companies and producers that included InI in the works. Glory to Jah, and Bless the publishers of the Word. Special thanks goes out to Go A Chant Productions, Trinity Farms Music, Akashic Records, Dre-Z Melodi, Ras Teo, Joseph General, Toho Sanders, and Neil Mangicaro, Army, Ras Danny I, JahDan Blakkamoore, Yeza and Medisun. Selassie I Salute to the Elder, Akae Beka. Please check their tunes and support their music, all of which is truly a labor of love. Honor and Respect!

Akae Beka's "Living Testament"

Akae Beka’s “Living Testament”

 

"Living Testament" Original Art by Ras Elijah Tafari

“Living Testament” Original Indian ink and Acrylic.

Akae Beka and Joseph General "At Stake"

Akae Beka and Joseph General “At Stake”

" At Stake "

” At Stake ” Acrylic and Indian ink

 

Danny I " Another Day "

 

"Savanah Love"

“Savanah Love” Acrylic

JAH IS AN OCEAN

” Jah is an Ocean ” Indian ink and acrylic.

"Roses of Sharon" Acrylic and Indian ink

“Roses of Sharon” Acrylic and Indian ink

"Watermelon Smile" acrylic and indian ink

“Watermelon Smile” acrylic and indian ink

Akae Beka "Who will go for Us" Single

Akae Beka “Who will go for Us” Single

Isaiah's Coals, "Who will go for us " Single Akae Beka. Living Testament Album.

Isaiah’s Coals, “Who will go for us ” Single Akae Beka. Living Testament Album. Acrylic and Indian ink

 

Victory Front Cover

Victory Piece

Victory Piece

Praises Joseph General

Praises Joseph General

 

Praises Joseph General

Praises Joseph General

 

Need Not Apply Single Art

Need Not Apply Single Art

akaebekareleaseflyer3

Akae Beka’s “Living Testament” the Album, in-depth into the art.

Greeting in the Name of His Imperial Majesty, Qedamawi Haile Selassie, Jah Rastafari! Without whom we wouldn’t be here today and sharing the inspiration given to us as a gift from Jah. Reverence and Veneration to the Most High God, Jah Rastafari.

It is with a great joy to announce the new album while also reminded of the solemn gratitude that we have for the Hon. Vaughn Benjamin. His impact of our lives globally is a re-enforcement in the importance of our duties to trod on in the King’s Mission as Children of Jah.

LIVING TESTAMENT is the final album Vaughn Benjamin recorded before he transitioned in November of 2019. In late October of 2019, he travelled to Grass Valley, California, recording this 11-track album at Ras Biblical’s studio, Trinity Farm Music, over a period of 2 days. The producers gathered 11 masterful musicians on these tracks, including Manuel “Go A Chant” Guerra, Denfield “Ras Pulse” Potter, Walker Pillow, Scott Lynwood Davis, Befekadu Assefa and Tuff Lion. Together, these musicians weaved together a powerful family of songs that tell a timeless and truly unique story, a masterpiece of roots reggae.
LIVING TESTAMENT includes the single ‘Who Will Go For Us’ which was released on January 6th 2024 with a video filmed on location in Ethiopia. In the coming weeks, we’ll be speaking with Go A Chant and Biblical, who were present for the creation of this album. We’ll learn about these recording sessions and what happened behind the scenes.
LIVING TESTAMENT is a monumental album and an important piece of history. It will be available on LP, CD, and high-quality download on February 16th courtesy of Go A Chant, Trinity Farm Music, Before Zero Records, and I-Roots Records.
The music is exquisite and the CD has more music than the LP’s which have a 44 min limit. So it worth picking up both the CD and the LP to be able to get the most from this powerful spiritual roots ensemble. The CD also has a poster on it, featuring the album cover and an image created by artist, Eloy Guerra, which is of Akae Beka as Michael the Arc Angel slewing satan.  We will reason on the art in a little bit… !
Here is how you can support and get the single which just came out and also has its own art made special for the song. The Single, ” Who will go for Us ” was released Jan.5th with an amazing music video. Here is the link to the music video, filmed in Ethiopia : Akae Beka “Who will go for Us” Music Video
You can get the single, “Who will go for Us” here: Akae Beka “Who will go for Us” Single
Into the Art:

Akae Beka "Living Testament" Album Cover

Akae Beka “Living Testament” Album Cover By Ras Elijah Tafari

 

Akae Beka "Who will go for Us" Single

Akae Beka “Who will go for Us” Single. Art by Ras Elijah Tafari

Akae Beka as Michael the Arc Angel. Art by Eloy Guerra

Akae Beka as Michael the Arc Angel. Art by Eloy Guerra on poster included in CD

Lets get into the Joy-tings, aka paintings! When I was asked to do the art for the album cover this piece by Eloy Guerra was already present as a meditation. I was asked what I thought, and I said it was brilliant and I wanted to make the polar opposite in harmony with this piece for the cover. Akae Beka, is an oath given from Jah to Michael the ArcAngel, no one else, just Michael, which means that Akae Beka is interlinked and connected to, we can say IS the personality of Michael the Arc Angel. The importance of this would reflect the manner of how we approach the project, which wasn’t as a project, but as a Living Testament. The title of album was revealed through the Rastafari Elder Jah Rubal, who was present during the recordings, and said when he heard the tunes, that this is the name of the album. Go A Chant and Trinity Farms Music worked on the album like you raise a child, carefully considering how to the present something that means so much to us all, and relay that in the presentation and final release. The artwork for the album cover InI did is a continuation and expansion of the piece that I was shown done by Eloy. In that I saw and heard what was said and what had already been expressed, in that the art for the cover would present a balance opposite and polar balance expressed through elements and symbols. That can be seen in various ways, First, the number element of the piece is from Eloy Guerra’s piece, Fire, Night and Vaughn, for the InI, the focus was Water, Day, and the King and Queen of Creation. In the piece of Michael the Arc Angel, you can see he is clearly the Arc Angel, while on the cover you will not even know he is, unless you count the number of angels in the clouds and have read the book of Enoch. There are six angels instead of seven, which are the number of Arc Angels, which Michael leads. Akae Beka is discreetly at the bottom with a special three personalities. Expanding on the Melchizadok order, with the Almighty is revealed in Three Trinitys, all which also encompass Akae Beka. The First being, Priest, Prophet, Warrior, with Vaughn representing the all three and the King in the Warrior, the other is Priest, Prophet and King, and Akae Beka being the Bridge of where these Three in One meet. The Last is the The Father of Fathers, The Mother of Mothers and Sons and Daughters of God, which is what we all are and everyone in the piece is. This is all in the Power of the Trinity, Haile Selassie who is Crown of Akae Beka.

"Living Testament" Original Art by Ras Elijah Tafari

“Living Testament” Original Art by Ras Elijah Tafari

The piece of Michael the Arc Angel by Eloy Guerra, we see a Judge, Jury and Executioner, where there are no children of Jah, just the devil and the Arc Angel. In order that we keep it to the Garden, aka Ethiopia, also the Cradle, we express that on both pieces, that Our God, Our Original Ancestors and the devil are all African or Black.  This is why everyone is also in African Attire on both images, with the exception of Akae Beka on the  album cover. On the Cover the clothing is East African, on the piece of Micheal, it is West African, which is another complimentary opposite. Likewise the hands of Akae Beka, on one they are holding scales and a sword, the other a in-scents  filled with smoke and his Left hand on The Rock of Jah, opposite and true. Same one in a different time and space. Same mission for the King and for the man, and for the Angels, prophets, priests and warriors, mothers, and Empresses from then till now.

There is a moon and city on the Michael the Arc Angel Piece, the opposite is happening on the album cover. On the album cover, there is only the Garden, so that we have a Genesis feeling, the Michael the Arc Angel piece feeling like Revelations. Also though it day and night, the light and sun is blocked by HIM, and that He is greater than the sun, in that the sun will not be seen in awareness of not using the Sun above Jah. On the piece of Michael the Arc Angel, Akae Beka has his hair out, on the Cover, Akae Beka is wearing the hat he wore for years, a simple Fishermans cap, complimenting the white skully or turban and garments that we would see as Akae Beka on his last years of witnessing and testimony.       “Living Testament ” from start to finish in and out, reflects a fullness that embraces the polarities and shares the unity like the lightening bolts in both pieces. There is also a Heavenly Trinity of Yashua The Christ, Enoch ascending in the whirl wind and Elijah on the Chariot of Fire.

The ideas in the cover, will be understood more once the album is heard. All of the tunes are reflected in the cover. The depth and vision that are sharpened by Vaughn’s words cannot be really expressed, and artistically, they are more than anyone can ask. There is a reason Akae Beka is in the Shadow of His Majesty.  I will let you figure out some of the other codes in names of the songs… ” S ” on the Chest” in Fire as the flames of the Chariot with The Prophet Elijah  and there is a whole piece just for  ”Who will go for Us” plus the first painting that was too busy that has never been shared.

Akae Beka Living Testament Back Cover

Akae Beka Living Testament Back Cover

Who will go for Us, Here I am, send me.

The Single and the Painting.

Akae Beka: Who Will Go For Us Lyrics

Akae Beka: Who Will Go For Us Lyrics

There is a lot to get from this tune, and I thought it was very mystic that it was the single and video to announce the album. It interweaves 3 Bible stories, One of Eli and Samuel, the awakening of Samuel to the lords voice. Next of Jehoash being hidden so that the Queen of the Hebrews who was the daughter of Jezebel could not kill the remnant of the true line of Kings, and the chorus is Isaiah chapter 6:8 speaking about how Isaiah had to be purified in order to offer himself fully to Jah. The Purification is a theme in this tune, which is why it also mentions “bring down the oil to David send the anointed Cherub” A Cherub is an high angel represented in ancient times as a winged lion. The oil is the anointing from Jah, with man bowing to Jah’s elect high priest. Samuel did not know it was David he was to anoint, nor did Samuel know it would be Saul before him. He did as the Lord commanded, and likewise in the purification process, to reach the throne, our Kings have been children who had to be hidden, in battle and also chosen. What it means to be chosen is a long reasoning, however in short, it is to navigate thru in the Grace of Jah, the problems and crisis that arise. Always against massive odds, the overcoming can only be seen as a miracle, and an act of Jah. Glory to Jah and Blessed are those surrender to His Will in the face of persecution.

Here is the original Joy-ting piece for the song, ” Who Will Go For Us “, inside of it you can see each story and how it interplays visually.

Who Will Go For Us rough draft

Who Will Go For Us rough draft

After completing the piece I could feel Jah telling I that it wasn’t it. That I put in too much and missed the point that Akae Beka was clearly singing, which was the hook. Once I went and looked up the history of art and paintings that reference Isaiah 6:8 I was amazed how many pieces have been made over hundreds of years about this chapter and verse. After seeing all the ideas, I wanted to create a piece that had never been done, or anything like it. All the other pieces where dark and the Isaiah portrayed as light skinned, which I immediately said isn’t right. Isaiah spend 3 years naked in Ethiopia, he definitely wasn’t light skinned.

One of the emotions I wanted to capture on Isaiah’s face was fear, which is where he was before and during the encounter with the angels who were singing to Jah. In chapter 5 “ Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”

The terror of seeing Jah, and the angels made him say Woe is me!.. realize the humility of this one, Isaiah is incredible. While most think they are pure and ready, this holy prophet admits quickly that his lips are unclean! That he and his people are dirty, and that he doesn’t feel worthy to see Jah. This inner standing, that he had, was seen by Jah, and in so many ways in reassurance that Jah see’s our hearts and that those who repent and surrender can be absolved and purified. The extreme purification of fire, and coals, are also very important in understanding that this isn’t some easy thing, and that Akae Beka was clear about that. That it is also ok to fear Jah, and do not let the fear hold you back. The chapter speaks that if you want to be all you can be, then you need to know that acknowledging where you are wrong is where you start to go right… you may need to read that again.. That by confronting our evils and faults, we give room for the Most High to heal us and correct us. This book is also here for us so it is known, even a man as great as the Prophet Isaiah had unclean lips and “his” people where also rudeboys, that redemption is still there through purification, those who are  asked, who will go for us?.. who like these men would say, ” Here am I, send me.” ?

Isaiah's Coals, "Who will go for us " Single Akae Beka. Living Testament Album.

Isaiah’s Coals, “Who will go for us ” Single Akae Beka. Living Testament Album.

In closing, this album is an act of love in the spirit of unity that allowed us to listen. Listen to Jah first, and remember what Jah has said and done through out mankind’s existence. To listen to Akae Beka, conscious and mindful this is his finale album recorded. Listen to the all the band members who poured their essence into each rift to make the instrumentation of the album compliment the complexity of the topics covered by Akae Beka. I personally would like to thank the distributors and companies that personally took time to make this album glow with love. They include, Mike with I-Roots Records, James Lord with Zojak Worldwide , and Jamie with Before Zero Records.  Every one in the production team in Ethiopia, especially the youth, thank you for bringing Zion closer to us all. Go A Chant Productions and Trinity Farms, this album will enrich humanity for as long as we live, give thanks for the hard work and diligence. Rastafari.

The Album is now out and you can get it here: I-Roots Records or I-Roots Records Bandcamp  Prints of the cover and original for ” Who Will Go For Us”, “Isaiah’s Coals” are available here:http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/who-will-go-for-us-akae-beka-living-testament-art-prints/

Thank you everyone who came out to the LP and CD release gatherings in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Miami, Florida. We will have some footage of that soon.

In Reverence, Give thanks for the Life Giver, Most High Egziabeher, The Almighty King of Creation, Father of All, the Power of the Trinity, Qedamawi Haile Selassie. Give Thanks for the Life Carriers and the Powers of Regeneration, the Gestator Manifestor, Queen of Kings, The team everlasting, Empress Menen as the Head Lioness. Give thanks for the blessing of a prophet, teacher, Idren, that stood in righteousness and spread the Word of Jah to all corners of the Earth, Hon Vaughn Benjamin, who reminded us through the Oath of Akae Beka, that Your Love is Eternal, and Our being is to be given in full to Jah that we may be guided by His Will alone. That This Ultimate Truth that Jah is the Keeper, suspends the heavens and earth, and quakes the wicked, for no one can remove or change the omipresent Jah who’s handiwork is marvelous. That no one can escape the judgement, and all will have to climb and meet their Creator. We pray for the World and those who no longer walk on it, that Iternally we find the joy and peace, that the Most High Intended Us to be. For Jah is Salvation, as above so below. Give thanks for Jah allowing us to complete this mission that this music may help bring forth attention to Jah work and orders.  Give thanks for the Most High who dwells in the Heart of All Flesh, that We may know and dwell with Jah all Our Days. Thru the Name  and Power of the Trinity,  Of Jah the Father Abba, Of Jah the Son, Yahoshua, and Jah the Holy Spirit, Menfes Kedus. One Jah, Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Elephant crying

Feeling Elephant Art.

Remembering Solidarity

Remembering Solidarity.  Indian ink and Acrylic.

Wanted to share some Elephant art with everyone, all the these have been sold as far as originals, however prints are available. I love elephants, and there are more than this that InI have completed, however these are some I wanted to share for now together. Hope you enjoy. Jah Bless.

 

Elephant crying

“Elephant Crying” Indian ink, and Acrylic. 16″x20″.

" Mighty Elephant " Acrylic and Indian ink, 24"x24" Original $500 plus shipping.

” Mighty Elephant ” Acrylic and Indian ink, 24″x24″

Elephant Hard Times

” Elephant Hard Times” Acrylic and Indian ink, 16×20″

ELEPHANT BOXING

ELEPHANT BOXING

Kool Elephant

Out of the Water; description: Give thanks For Jah who is the Iternal Water of Life. For Water is Life and Life is Jah. Out of the Darkness Jah First brought the Water, for in the Water is the Spirit of the Living Jah. Remember Jah, Remember Water, that a person without it, is dehydrated and missing the spirit, drink your water, and wash up. Cleanse and renew, for Jah has given us the water so we are filled his His Essence. Holy Emmanuel I, Selassie I, Jah, Rastafari is the Water that is forever a Spring. Their rests the balance of Man and Woman, Lions and Elephants, of all.

“Together” Acrylic and Indian ink.

elephantwashing2

“Washing” Acrylic and Indian ink 16″x22″

Be Strong 2018

” Be Strong.”

Mystery River

“Mystery River”

Bobby Hustle ” Proof of Concept ” About the music, man and art.

Bobby Hustle " Proof of Concept " Album now out!

Bobby Hustle ” Proof of Concept ” Album now out!

Bobby Hustle album ” Proof of Concept ” is out and worth supporting. He is someone who sings what he lives and lives what he sings. I’ll be real with ya, I only heard his music last year, and as usual seemed late to the game, none the less, after seeing him live, and meeting him, I realized that he wasn’t a typical Cali-roots reggae sound.. far from it. His approach to the music is unique, and he shares the journey in way that embraces others while respecting each ones unique shared vision of Right. Brother is deep, and the tunes catchy. In keeping with the Lion Order, he celebrates positivity in a manner that embraces Rastafari Livity. Rather than being cliche he shares with you his challenges and overcomings. Bobby Hustle includes a host of guest artists which sheds light on who he is inspired by, while proudly exclaiming Jah Love is Taller than a mountain in harmony with Mikey General.

When planning out the cover for the album, it was important to really get to know Bobby, and make something that would speak to his voyage. The theme of water and boats are regular on this album, and Biblical references to boats felt like a good place to start.  As someone on a ship, having his friends present was important in reality and in the painting, so we wanted to have a diversity of people, with a highlight on the guest artists and the sound system. Lutan Fyah, Mikey General, Koro Fyah, and Perfect Giddamani are all in the background, with a general feeling of ” Free Up” like the tune. From linking with Bobby Hustle, I noticed he seems to be introverted, though he is out going.. and this is why he is sitting alone, with a serious look. Much of Bobby’s voyage in life has been spent, thinking, waiting and being separated, for many reasons, including awaiting a verdict on a case which left him in limbo for years in Costa Rico. This stage of life, sequences of waiting for justice is in the water under Bobby in the painting. ” I had to hold my head up above the water, Won’t a lamb to slaughter, gotta keep that Lion Order always ”  from the tune ” Rock my Boat”

The Purple Lion shirt, reflects how reggae and hip hop have covered Bobby since his youth and the “S” on his hat symbolizes Seattle, his home town. His appreciation and love for those who helped him on his journey is regularly expressed, ” Love me like you do ” directed to a woman, isn’t a sappy tune, it lends a hand to a love tune that is simply appreciative. There are tunes that party feeling, just like the painting, and the humor and clever lines that have countless Jamaican references give a smile that any Reggae lover can relate to. Enjoy your Soursop juice and your spliff, Bobby is.. “Right Now” and on his “Day Off”.

Thank you for more than the inclusion, thank you for the heartfelt communications that help everyone. Respect. Jah Bless.

Big Up Loud City for a great production and more, Big Up Steve Topple from Reggaeville, who has a superb review of the music, check it out. Here are the links to where you can get the PROOF OF CONCEPT album:  https://hustle.smmlinkup.com/proofofconcept?fbclid=IwAR0NvKYGTG7zqjhOebWoimeGpXXpkRBhctdCWEUV_-tPObf-rv6kwLpIirI

Official Bobby Hustle website: BobbyHustle.com

Bobby Hustle and Ras Elijah Tafari at the Oregon Reggae Fest.

Bobby Hustle and Ras Elijah Tafari at the Oregon Reggae Fest.

Tunes on the album:

1. Rock My Boat
2. Reggae Days
3. Mountain (with Mikey General)
4. Right Now (with Loud City)
5. Loyal To The Soil (with Lutan Fyah & Loud City)
6. Lifeline
7. Love Me Like You Do
8. Mash Up (with Loud City)
9. Day Off
10. Stay Ready
11. Lightning Strike (with Loud City)
12. City Lights (with Koro Fyah)
13. Free Up (with Loud City)
14. Stay High (with Perfect Giddimani) (ft. Loud City)
15. As Good As It Seems
Bobby with Original Piece.

Bobby with Original Piece.

" Mighty Elephant " Acrylic and Indian ink, 24"x24" Original $500 plus shipping.

Recent Works. 7 Art Meditations.

Being an artist is like being in a storm all the time, there is non stop brain activity that the non verbal manners of communication are trying to find a still visualization. In the subtle is the profound and in the loud there is an eire lack of anything worth hearing. Navigating through the highways of creation creator experience is the world of recording, writing and doing the stuff to get the art out. It is a joy to share this rush of emotions and thoughts as paintings, and drawings. Here are some of the new works, not all, because many of the pieces are awaiting release on albums. It is important to write, that I am now including a time limit, which was always in my discretion of when I will show InI art. We have to figure out as artists how to not hold ourselves and others waiting to release works, while being mindful that it takes time to put out an album or song. Doing art isn’t something artists really choose all way, it takes them over, and it is a way of breathing that is inseparable from life. This is why it needs to be shared and out in the world, because like air, and the living breath of life, we are here to share it.  Here are some new works, with much more to come. I hope you enjoy, and if there are any questions, feel free to message InI. Jah Be with you all, and Give thanks to be able to share this precious experience together in any capacity. In the Mercy and Grace of the Most High Jah! Rastafari! Haile Selassie I First.

" Like a Tree Planted.."

” Like a Tree Planted..”

" The Black Emperor "

” The Black Emperor ” Original $400.

" Love Shared " Original $300

” Love Shared ” Original $300

" Mighty Elephant " Acrylic and Indian ink, 24"x24" Original $500 plus shipping.

” Mighty Elephant ” Acrylic and Indian ink, 24″x24″ Original $500 plus shipping.

" Selassie in the Rose Garden "

” Selassie in the Rose Garden “

" Purple Lion of Judah "

” Purple Lion of Judah “

" Together "

” Together “

Give thanks for the Love Shared, and to be able to express to the love of Togetherness! Give thanks for the Powers of Jah that are reflecting at us everyday. One Perfect Love. More art to come. Jah Bless. Rastafari.

 

 

 

 

Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley

New Piece, Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, Berhane Selassie

Brand new piece just completed. Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley, Berhane Selassie, The Light of Selassie. 16″x20″ Acrylic on Canvas. $250 for the original and easy to ship, and prints are available. $25 for 8×11 or $50 for 11×17″ in a top self plastic case signed. Inbox if interested. Give thanks and praise every time. Rastafari.

Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley

Rt. Hon. Robert Nesta Marley

Subcommandante Marcos painting

Painting of painting a painting of Sub-Commandante Marcos.

A painting of painting a painting of Sub-Commandante Marcos. The piece has a lot meaning to I, including how even someone wearing a mask wants to be seen, and that his wearing a mask isn’t hiding himself, its pronouncing himself as being the collective identity of being the people themselves. The Zapatistas in Mexico are one of the few indigenousness lead revolutionary struggles the modern age that was successful. Worth learning about and researching.
If your interested in the original let me know, prints are also available from 25- 50 dollars. Inbox if you have questions. Give thanks.
Subcommandante Marcos painting

Subcommandante Marcos painting

RASTAFARI PIONEERS

NEW PIECE “Rastafari Pioneers”

In the last few Strongs, many of us prepare for the new year, and the celebrations for His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie First. It is a time of inner and outer travel often. In the last few Strongs, InI have reflecting on the Pioneers of Rastafari, those who led the way, and the impact they had and have. I feel that our collective experience cannot be fully drawn or painted, nor all the people represented, this is a part of a collective story and records of those who we know, there are those many of us don’t or will learn about more. The piece is to encourage ones to know more, to learn about the foundations of the Rastafari Movement. Some of these men we met, some taught us or our elders, and they are family to many as well. In full respect and reverence, this piece salutes the Fathers who gave their lives so we can know Rastafari as King, and Ourselves as a movement. Many of these men met the King of Kings, some sent by H.I.M., all of them emanated His Love.
In a time where many talk about disunity, let us project our unity and love for the many Houses of Rastafari, the growth and changes, the natural progressions that make up our Fathers Mansion. In a ministry of Reconciliation, May we reconcile with the most important of topics, including Love amongst bredren and sistren, where we come from, and where are we going.
This piece is livicated to all the Rastamen and Rastawomen that came so we can be here this day, the ones that have moved forward yet Itinue to nurture the Souls of Men and Women today.
Jah Willing, I will make a piece to show some of the Mighty Empresses that have given their lives to the people and movement, as well as those who were closest around the Emperor, such as Ras Kassa, and the Pankhurst family.
These are Names of those in the Joyting, ” Rastafari Pioneers”, Emperor Haile Selassie First, Hon. Vaughn Benjamin, Rt. Hon. Bob Nesta Marley, Sam Brown, Sir William Arthur Lewis, Ras Daniel Heartman, Mortimo Planno, Pa Shanti, Rt. Hon. Prince Charles Edwards Emmanuel the 7th, Bongo Rocky, Douglas R.A. Mack, Abuna Yesehaq, Prophet Gad, Shepard Robert Athlyi Rogers, Rt Hon. Marcus Mossiah Garvey, Father Joseph Hibbert, Dr. Malaku E. Bayen, Hon. Leonard The Gong Howell.
Give thanks and praise for the bringers, the ones that stood up and spoke out for the benefit of all InI’s. Special thanks to Ras Flako. To all those who stood for decolonization, freedom, redemption, repatriation, liberation and reparations, salvation, Africa, Ancientcy and self determination, and most of all for Our God and King, The Conquering Lion of Judah. Jah Rastafari. Itinual Praise, for the mercies and powers given to the Saints, Warriors and Priests, and the Loving Kindness shown by the Most High Egziabeher to and thru us all. In the Name of the Trinity, Jah Father, Jah the Son, Jah the Holy Spirit, One Jah. Amen.
This piece is 40″x28″, done with Acrylic and Indian Ink. Prints are 50 dollars for 11×17″ signed print in a hard plastic case, 8×11.5″ prints are 25 dollars, signed, bagged and backed. Whole sale options are available. The Original is for sale.  Get prints Here: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/rastafari-pioneers/ Give thanks again. One Jah.
RASTAFARI PIONEERS

RASTAFARI PIONEERS

The Emperor in the Garden

Rastafari Summer Art Avalanche 2023

JAH BLESS! Lots of new works and projects, thank you for checking out the artworks. The art started to pile up, so I am releasing a lot together. Some have explanations and some don’t,  full joy the explosion of work with just enough context… If you have any questions, or are interested in a print please send a message since many of these aren’t yet on the print section. Give thanks to the Most High, The King Creator and Master Builder. Rastafari. Power of the Trinity. Emperor Haile Selassie First.

Real Man Real Honor Album

New Album just released!

You can hear a tune here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85QE-CGNZsg or hear samples of the whole album hear for purchase: https://www.reggaespace.com/fikir-amlak-dre-z-real-man…/ . Give thanks for the pleasure of Ilastrating the music. Rastafari Lead. Right over All.

New Single Out

New Single Now Out!

Young Shanty Album Art

Young Shanty Album Art: Acrylic and Indian ink

New Piece for Young Shanty, for his next album NOW OUT! ” All Natural.” I wanted to try a capture the feeling of Jamaica, and honor the balance same way. I-Man-go sey, bless up all the Rastafari ambassadors, sharing His Imperial Majesty in our own unique ways. Keep it old school like the Schwinn bike.

Emperor Haile Selassie I leaning on tree on wood.

Emperor Haile Selassie I and the Tree on Wood  : Acrylic and Indian ink

EmpressMenen23

Empress Menen Asfaw  : Acrylic and Indian ink

Ethiopian Evening Small

Ethiopian Eve. Small. Acrylic

This is a piece that I have enjoyed making before, and making small updates or changes. This is the mini version of Ethiopian Evening. Acrylic 20×16″. The piece highlights that even in total unity we still are one of kind. This is highlighted by the man in the center, wearing jeans and blue shirt with a red gold and green beanie.

Emperor Haile Selassie I and President Nassar

Emperor Haile Selassie I and President Nassar in Egypt.  : Acrylic and Indian ink

The Emperor in the Garden

The Emperor in The Garden.  : Acrylic and Indian ink

How good it is to start the day with a mediation of simple goodness. Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justly,
To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God.”

Brand New piece of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of Judah. This is based on the last known photo of HIM and invoked lots of emotions. One is that the sun isn’t setting, neither does His Reign End. That this Garden was more of a place of peace and family, not a place of recluse or arrest. His Majesty is the brightness and solemness of the Garden and it is an expression of His Life. The feeling was more important than detail, and movement was focused on through using impressionism.
The King of Kings lives up to His Title, by being humble in times of adversity, one who taught to us to love mercy and fought for Justice for all Mankind. Glorify and Praise that which is Good. Rastafari. Prints are available, inbox if interested.
Thank You Justyn for commissioning the piece and having a great moment and glimpse worthy of remembering. Egziabeher Yemasagan

The Soul of the Church

The Soul of the Church : Acrylic and Indian ink

The Living Church is the Living Body, The Temple of the Most High. The Cross is the world, the world that we are in but not of. We have risen from worldly ways of control and power, we are a walking resurrection. Like the Church in background, there is space that goes through, like how everyone will carry their own cross whether they asked for it or not.The King and the Tree.

King Selassie I and the Tree.   : Acrylic and Indian ink

Ethiopian Presence

Ethiopian Presence : Acrylic

Kool Elephant

Kool Elephant  : Acrylic and Indian ink

girl walking down stairs” Girl Walking Down Stairs.”  : Acrylic and Indian ink

The Law Giver

The Law Giver : Acrylic and Indian ink

CreekPriest

CreekPriest : Acrylic and Indian ink

The Kings Plateau

The Kings Plateau : Acrylic and Indian ink

To BeeThankful

To BeeThankful : Acrylic and Indian ink

 

Lion and cub

Lion and cub : Acrylic and Indian ink

 

Shadow Priest

Shadow Priest : Acrylic and Indian ink

12×18″ ” Shadow Priest” acrylic. A piece about Ethiopian Priests in quiet meditations. Wanted to capture the feeling of sunlight and contrast, with a simple sky. All of which allows the stillness and contemplation of the priest reading to be felt.

Remembering Solidarity

Remembering Solidarity : Acrylic and Indian ink

This piece is symbolic of the way elephants protect family and the adaptation of new situations. Liken to how a blind man will describe an elephant differently based on where he is standing, so we must realize there can be many truths that exist at once. This will allow us to end tribalistic thinking that declares one version of history the only history accepted.

 

ELEPHANT BOXING

ELEPHANT BOXING Acrylic and Indian Ink

JEMEZBOUND

JEMEZ BOUND Acrylic and Indian ink

 

Ethiopian Girl in Purple

Ethiopian Girl in Purple

Still Creating

Still Creating Acrylic and Indian ink

 

Selassie I Rising

Selassie I Rising

Once Again, Give thanks for the Mighty Life Giver, Who Rules in the Heart of All Flesh. In this time, to be able to express through art and life, the Ivine King within ALL that is evident in the personage of The King of Kings is the Highest Honor a person can share. We do know that the Word in the Scriptures has been upheld in that His Face does Shine upon Us, All the Days of Our Lives. To be a witness is to behold, The Conquering Lion of Judah has Prevailed. Forever we do give thanks and praise. Qedamawi Atse Haile Selassie First. Jah Rastafari.

" SonLight Living Room "

Sizzla Kalonji / Ras Elijah Tafari Art Series. First Five!

First and foremost InI Give thanks that the Most High has given us the blessing to link and complete these works. InI give thanks for the love shown and the kindness and teachings of the entire Island of Jamaica. Most High Jah Rastafari be Praised in a Mighty Sound!

" A shared Vision "

” A Shared Vision “

The Journey and getting to know Miguel Collins started creatively, through art. When one looks at his eyes, you can almost hear the multiple ideas and thoughts, streaming through as he listens and observes silently. Sizzla pulsates creativity, and vision. The Vision is Collective Praise, Honor and Respect to All Nations in abidance of The Word of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie First.
 This piece was created in 2022 before we went to Jamaica at Mr. Miguel Collin’s Invitation. Little did I know all the other nations we were to meet in 3 Tabernacles. Ironically I didn’t put the Mexican Flag in this piece which was and is part of the manifestation with the crew. In this piece all nations are being called to Jamaica, to the Tabernacles, for healing, grounding and education. All of which we found  and more when we arrived. The True Tabernacle, The Holy of Holies is in Jah, Haile Selassie the First is the Tabernacle, the Temple and the Chapel. To go into HIM is to go into Jah…, what was, is and forever will be. There are 13 Ark’s or vessels in the piece, plus HIM.
This was the beginning, and there are many joy-tings ( paintings) that the Rt. Hon Miguel Collins has encouraged, come up with and put ideas into. We look forward to sharing this series starting with five, plus the new album cover ” Rise Up” and a collective vision of Unity and Rastafari in this time. Jamaica is a Holy Place, chosen by Jah. Blessed are those who are able to see this powerful island and people. Big Up Judgement Yard!

 

"MIGUEL N CHAZ"

“MIGUEL N CHAZ”

It was evening, and there was a diversity of people in Judgement yard. I was taken back by a child that was watching Miguel and Chaz together drumming and on the guitar, with Dre-Z Melodi peering in back. All those around can see when music is a central point of being, a perfect place. Everyone seemed to be in a perfect place, and so it seemed perfect to do some sketches and take some photos and be able to reflect and meditate on it. I like the sketch with a little ink, it seemed to capture the ease and casualness of being in harmony.  Click here for a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/miguel-and-chaz/

 

"RT. HON. MIGUEL COLLINS "

“RT. HON. MIGUEL COLLINS “

As InI got to know Miguel and not just go by the music, thru livity and experience, I also began to try and figure out how to paint him in a way that would look like him. Everyone has a particular energy, and as an artist you want to find that flow, and aura. No face is the same, and it takes time to be able to encapsulate a feeling or image of a person. What an artist doesn’t want to do is make the image upsetting or inaccurate, so this was a study of his face. It seemed important in this piece to have his turban because of the importance of faith and order that is a militant part of the Rt. Hon. Miguel Collin’s personality.  click here for a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/rt-hon-miguel-collins/
" SonLight Living Room "

” SonLight Living Room “

One of the joys was to do a mural in Sizzla’s Living Room at his compound in Judgement Yard. Lots of experiences on the stairs and with his nephew who helped do some of the painting too. It was a piece of Africa with a tear where the Nile River is on the face of a lion. The energy of the living room and the patio had a certain radiance when the sun hit. The color and hours spent watching the gradual changes made it worthy to try and recreate. I can feel the morning, and the excitement of the day, amongst the children of Jah.  Click here to get a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/sonlight-in-the-living-room/

" Miguel's guitar "

” Miguel’s guitar “

Using a different palette and technique to try and add a uniqueness to Jamaica air, trees and earth, this piece is a tribute to Miguel’s love of things to come and traditions of old. From the Tabernacle, which is not heavily decorated to the contrast of the torn jeans and perfect tie and shirt, told a story of a work and person in progress. A place where the spirit and Foundation can sing itself into any place Jah sees fit. A place where the man is there for the world to see rather than hidden in the Tabernacle.  click to get a print: http://blog.raselijah.com/shop/products/miguels-guitar/

SIZZLA'S "RISE UP!"

SIZZLA’S “RISE UP!”

Album cover of the Grammy nominated reggae artist Sizzla Kalonji. In this piece Sizzla described exactly what he wanted in detail. The appearance to make it look like it was done quickly was  part of the intention. In true art, the flow and vibe is more important than making it photographic. The raw and aggressive lines, and the clear message carries an impact the sublime does not. It is meant to hit the viewer. This included the letters, which are all hand done. He wanted it to feel Rastafari, and also show real street letters that ones could read and are true to form. Something we could see on a wall and smile. I was very pleased listening to the album and that the art and the album also flowed, it was a work of art in perfect balance, clear and upfull. Raspect.

This is the first look at an ongoing series of creative ideas from a musical legend and genius, Rt. Hon. Miguel Collins, aka Sizzla Kalonji, one that will take the viewer into different visions and prayers, as well as human emotions that we all can relate too. I cannot not thank him enough for the warm invitation that touched the hearts of InI, Priest Abba, Dre-Z Melodi and Ras Gilbert profoundly. It is a joy to share the experience artistically at this time. Many wonderful and powerful ideas were and are being shared. More to come. Give thanks for viewing and supporting Rastafari Culture.
In His Mercy and Truth,
Most High Almighty God, Holy Emmauel I, King Selassie I, Jah Rastafari.
One Perfect Love.
Ras Elijah Tafari