Nyahbinghi; Black Victory. A style of Jamaican ritual music characterised by African hand drum patterns and spiritual English or Pidgin chanting, usually Rastafarian-adopted bible passages or themes of Black redemption. The style developed from the traditional "drum-circle" music passed down through the generations by the African slaves brought to Jamaica by the British, and was an extremely important tool for the newly uprooted slaves to try and maintain their identities in the face of a forced Christianisation brought onto them by their oppressors. As time progressed and Christianity became the most common religion among the blacks in the Caribbean, Nyahbinghi rituals lost their place in society. However, as Jamaica became more and more industrialised in the 19th century and slavery was banned in the British empire, the downtrodden former-slaves began seeking a voice of their own, Rastafarianism grew as a religion, and Nyahbinghi drumming and chanting became an extremely important political vehicle for Jamaican musicians. The music's African heritage meant that the British colonial powers distrusted anyone who played the drums, and being caught leading a Nyahbinghi chant was often met with brutal punishment. As the push for Jamaican independence really grew in the 50's, many musicians began recording Nyahbinghi as a way to further spread the Black Power message throughout the Island, and now legendary drummers like Count Ossie, Ras Michael and Bongo Herman were able to carve illustrious careers out of their once subversive passion. To this day, Nyahbinghi stands as a symbol against colonial oppression and violent imperialist tendencies. 

I made this mix ages ago. It's about 2/3 vinyl, 1/3 digital. There's even a few skips in there if you don't believe me! It's by no means flawless (as you'll hear with some of the dodgier mixing) but the tracks are still enough to make me stop dead every time I hear them, which is why I decided to upload it. Enjoy :~)

Appeal To A Higher Power

2 Hours of sweet gospel music, from spiritual delta blues right through to divine funk & disco

Lost Teachings of the Rev. Hercules J. Makeup Artist

yes i am a genuine dj and makeup artist, pm for bookings x

dj makeup artist

Popular tracks