"Bobo Dreads"



Bobo Dreads are one of the larger 'houses' of Rastafari, and are also known as the 'Ethiopia Africa Black International Congress', or as the 'Bobo Shanti'.

Their founder, leader, President and High Priest is Prince Emmanuel Charles Edwards, usually known simply as Prince Emmanuel, or affectionately as Dada.

The name 'Emmanuel' or 'Immanuel' is derived from the Hebrew scriptures and means literally 'God (El) is with us'. It was also a name or title given to Jesus Christ, with whom Prince Emmanuel of the Bobo Dreads is frequently identified. Alternatively, Prince Emmanuel may be seen as God incarnate, especially since he named his son Jesus.



The Bobo Dreads are usually characterised by having their locks covered by a wrapped head scarf or turban (which serves as an outward mark of their distinction from other dreads, who may or may not be Rastafarians), and long black, white, or colourful robes. Generally, they believe in the Divinity of Haile Selassie and place great emphasis on Old Testament ritual and practice.

Some of the best known Bobo Dreads of the modern Reggae scene iclude the artists Capleton and Sizzla.

Barry Chevannes has written an article about the Bobo Dread, which can be viewed at the following page:
http://www.oneworldmagazine.org/focus/etiopia/rasta.html



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