Last month I had the opportunity of attending a very conspicuous and extraordinary ceremony of all my times since I came to Ireland- Africa Day.May 25 is Africa Day, the official day of the African Union. It was an opportunity to celebrate African diversity and success. Especially to Africans in Ireland who have very limited or  nil access and places to sit back and enjoy. The day has been marked since some years ago in Ireland.

This year the Irish people joined with Africans and celebrated the day with various ceremonies. The event was funded by the Irish Aid. The cultural, social and political life of Africans was exhibited and people of various culture and color felt the same and made it a successful event.  ‘Ireland has historically strong connections to Africa, not least through the work of Irish missionaries and NGOs and more recently through increased immigration and exchanges at business, community and school levels’  - states a poster produced for the celebration of the Day and continues – ‘it is important that we promote an appreciation for the diversity and potential of Africa in Ireland; and a sense of common purpose in fighting poverty and exclusion; and in building a better future for all of our children.’

Cork had attracted one of the highest audiences and events of the month on Saturday 24th of May at the Crane Lane Theatre Phoenix Street. OLEKU AFROBEAT from Nigeria were the shining stars of the day and stage. Foods from various African countries and traditional dresses were in public as well.

I needed a moment to go out and take a break outside where I was astounded to see an Irish Rastafarian wearing an Ethiopian made scarf. His dreadlocks and style made him look very different  from all the crowd . I asked myself are there Irish Rastafarians as well?

Although it is impossible to count  how many Irish Rastafarians there are  in Ireland, it is easy to prove that they are gradually increasing.
He gave a very respectful greeting to everyone and stood near to the person I was with. I went closer to him and asked ‘Are you a Rastafarian?’ he replied ‘Yes’. I, for one felt very proud as Ethiopian and African because I have seen an Irishman who has given himself to the spiritual and philosophical thoughts of Africans.

Edward T. Pettiford in his writing of Rastafarianism states that Rastafarianism is a religion that was created in the early 1900s due to the social and poor economic conditions of the Black people in Jamaica. The Rastafarian religious and political movement has come under great scrutiny by society because of its beliefs and traditions. They have been referred to as a violent cult not only in Jamaica, but also in America and Canada, where many of the members and affiliates have migrated. In my opinion these myths are not accurate, and I believe this religion is no different than any other religion of today. He adds ‘The followers of Rastafarianism believe that Haile Selassie the former Emperor of Ethiopia, is the Black Messiah who appeared in the flesh for the redemption of all Blacks exiled in the world of white oppressors. The movement views Ethiopia as the Promised Land. The group has no individual leadership. The Rastafarians have their roots in the teachings of Jamaican Black nationalist Marcus Garvey, who in the 1930’s preached a message of Black self-empowerment and initiated the "Back to Africa" movement. This movement called for all Blacks to return to their ancestral home, specifically Ethiopia. Marcus Garvey taught self-reliance in Jamaica where he was born, as well as abroad and preached a "back to Africa movement" consciousness. Marcus Garvey in 1920 said "look to Africa, when a Black king shall be crowned, for the day of deliverance is at hand". Dreadlocks are a common characteristic among

Rastas, symbolizing deep devotion to the Holy God.