LEARNING LINKS INTERNATIONAL
Press Release 18
12 09
Jamaica Making History in
Australia
Jamaican Rastafarian Dub Poet Ambassador Yasus
Afari stunned and inspired international delegates at the Parliament
of the World’s Religions held at the newly constructed Melbourne
Exhibition and Convention Centre in South Australia with his much
anticipated presentation, inspired by his book “Overstanding
Rastafari: Jamaica’s Gift to the World”. Yasus Afari gave gutsy
multi media presentations which challenged the Parliament relating to
it’s responsibilities to the World Communities.
Yasus Afari became the first Rastafarian to be
included at the Parliament of World Religions since it started in
1893. Participants from 80 countries representing over 200 Religious
and Faith based perspectives focused on the twin themes “Hearing One
Another” and “Healing the Earth” see www.parliamentofreligions.org
As one of the Parliaments 100 Ambassadors
Yasus Afari was given the honour and responsibility to lead in
preparations and ongoing discussions about the work of the Parliament.
Yasus Afari was also one of a small group of authors invited to take
part in the Parliament’s Book Launch sessions and was delighted to
find that he was supported by a group of Californian Jamaicans amongst
the diverse range in the audience at the well attended session, which
saw the Parliament’s launch of “Overstanding Rastafari: Jamaica’s
Gift to the World”, along with author Anand Krishna, who
complemented Yasus on his presentation, saying that he was a very hard
act to follow, while supporting and endorsing 110% the message that
Yasus brought, before adding some details about his personal life and
struggles.
On the only day of the Parliament to bring
much needed rain to the parched Melbourne area, Yasus Afari’s “Rastafari:
the Livity of Spirituality” also brought a breath of fresh air to
the deliberations and presentations. There was a hush pregnant with
anticipation as Yasus Afari stepped up to the podium, elegantly
dressed in white, red, green and gold. “Jah RASTAFARI. How Excellent
is Thy Name” resounded from the speakers as Yasus eased into his
hour and a half presentation with Jews, Muslims, Christians and
Indigenous peoples all in attendance. Yasus presentation was
punctuated by carefully selected Reggae tracks including “Truth and
Rights”, “Exodus” and “One Love”.
The Q&A segment brought forward intriguing
and interesting points and this was followed by Book and CD signings.
Yasus Afari then prepared for an “Open Space” session to present
“Revolution Chapter1” with poetry, reasoning and music. All the
religions represented tuned into the revolutionary and uplifting
Rastafari performance presentation. Buddhists, Christians, Jews and
many others joined together to dance to Yasus Afari’s well loved
signature “Essence” – the power of the music drawing peoples
together with music so irresistible that conventions were swept aside
and faiths were bridged together.
Word circulated in the Parliament and the
energy in the air attracted a good gathering for the final evening
event showcasing Yasus Afari “Up Close and Personal”, featuring
fellow poet Carla from US, a gesture much appreciated by the audience
and Aboriginal Didgeridoo player Russell from “Building Bridges”
thrilled the audience with a good set.
Yasus Afari presented the full range of his
work and even included his favourite “Patwah Taakin” which Yasus
explained no one would understand! Vocal signatures as pledges were
added to the poem “The Earth is our Friend” by all delegates after
a moving rendition by Yasus. Again “Essence” climaxed the show
bringing the Youths and elders together to dance in a circle,
repeating by request after a statement of solidarity by Palestinian
and Israeli delegates, as well as a Muslim from Sri Lanka and
representatives of other faiths. This circle was dubbed the “Circle
of Renewal” by Yasus and the Youths left chanting “Jah is the
Essence of my life” fuelling the claim that the Rastafarian
presentations had realised the aim of “Hearing one another”.
On the Parliament’s final day Yasus made a
presentation of his best selling book “Overstanding Rastafari:
Jamaica’s Gift to the World” to the incoming Chairman of the
Council of the World’s Parliament with a pledge to continue
explorations into the potential of hosting the 2014 Parliament in
Kingston, Jamaica, as part of the Parliament’s Partner Cities
Network.
On his stop over in UK Yasus Afari led a post
Parliament event at the University of Birmingham and with film footage
in the can for a documentary about this latest World Tour organised by
“Learning Links International”, Yasus returned to Jamaica on 17th
December to focus on “Poetry in Motion” his Annual Showcase in
February 2010 featuring the best in Spoken Word Poetry.
For more information contact: Edutainment
Promotion edutainmentpromo@yahoo.com
or Learning Links International lizmillman@yahoo.co.uk
and check www.parliamentofreligions.org
on Tuesday photos - for photo of Yasus Afari
Liz Brant Millman
Learning Links International
