Meaning
The central affirmation and praise of Rastafari — declaring God (Jah) as revealed in Rastafari (Haile Selassie I). Chanted in worship, thrown out in reasoning, and voiced in reggae, 'Jah Rastafari!' (often followed by 'selassie I' or 'rastafari live!') is at once a prayer, a battle cry against Babylon, and an assertion of faith and identity. 'Jah' comes from Jehovah/Yahweh.
Examples
-
Jah Rastafari! Selassie I!
Jah Rastafari! Selassie I!
-
Give thanks an praise, Jah Rastafari.
Give thanks and praise, Jah Rastafari.
-
Di crowd chant Jah Rastafari.
The crowd chants 'Jah Rastafari'.
Origin
'Jah' (from Jehovah/Yahweh) + 'Rastafari'; the central Rasta praise. See [[jah-know]], [[selassie-i]].
How it’s used
The central Rasta affirmation/praise of God as Rastafari. See [[jah-know]], [[selassie-i]].