"Grounation"



A 'Grounation' is a Rastafarian gathering, and may be a combination of many elements: a celebration of roots and culture, a ritualised worship of Jah Rastafari, and an opportunity for reasoning and smoking ganja together. Throughout the festival, the driving lifeforce is provided by the drum's irresistible heartbeat. Nyabinghi drumming rhythms are accompanied by chants and singing, often strongly inspired by the Psalms. These rhythms could be said to be the true roots of Rasta reggae, having originated from African burru drummings.

The atmosphere of the Grounation is very special. Traditionally, the gathering is held in the open-air on the hills of Jamaica, and is celebrated annually around the 21st April, in commemoration of the visit of Haile Selassie to the island in 1966. Rastas, old and young, congregate and may camp around a fire for the duration of the festival, which may last several days.

Nyabinghi music first began to be recorded for posterity during the 1970's. Among its foremost exponents have been groups such as Count Ossie & The Mystical Revelation Of Rastafari, and Ras Michael & The Sons Of Negus.



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