His Imperial Majesty, the conquering lion of the tribe of Judah, elect of God, King of Kings of Ethiopia and Emperor Hahyle Sihlasay (ኃይለ ሥላሴ) (power of the Holy Trinity) the first is how Ethiopians, most likely your parents and your parents’ parents, were accustomed to hearing the man who was born Teferee Mekonen (ተፈሪ መኮነን) (he whom is feared, leader) addressed. Some people made a religion based on H.I.M. (Rastafarianism). Others respected his kingship, but left it at that. Others read Karl Marx and started a revolution to overthrow his ancien regime absolute monarchy. Stateside, black people vibe with H.I.M. for being a black king who resisted the colonialism of the fascist Benito Mussolini, and live to tell the tale. You can hear his name shouted out in Roots, Common and even Rick Ross… err… Ricky Rozay tracks.
Leave a comment and tell us if you’ve heard the emperor’s name elsewhere in popular culture. We love learning.
Without further ado…