The veneration or worship of the deity or spirit of the woman known as Nyabinghi began in Rwanda, around 1800. She was thought to be a powerful force in everyday life. Religious practice operated through a medium named “Muhumusa” who was in communication with the spirit of Nyabinghi. To appease her spirit, believers brought offerings to the medium who would negotiate with the spirit on the believer's behalf. While there were specific mediums that communicated with Nyabinghi directly, Nyabinghi could also possess ordinary people who were not leaders or official mediums within the religion. Belief in this religion was particularly strong in the southern parts of Uganda and the northern regions of Rwanda, areas which had formerly been part of the precolonial kingdom of Ndorwa.
Muhumusa led a campaign against Yuhi V of Rwanda, claiming to be a mother to the rightful heir to the Rwandan throne. She also led and then inspired further anti-colonial movements in East Africa, rebelling against European colonial authorities. Although she was captured in 1913, alleged possessions by Nyabinghi continued afterwards across East Africa (mostly afflicting women). The bloodline of the true Nyabinghi warriors supposedly settled in the heart of Dzimba dze Mabwe, now known as Zimbabwe
In the 20th century, the Niyabinghi resistance inspired a number of Jamaican Rastafarians, who incorporated what are known as Niyabinghi Chants (also binghi) into their celebrations ("groundations"). The rhythms of these chants were eventually an influence of popular ska, rocksteady and reggae music. It is the traditional music of the Rastafarian practice and it is used during "reasoning" sessions and consists of chanting and drumming to reach states of heightened spirituality. Nyabingi music consists of a blend of 19th century gospel music and African drumming and is common to all Rastafarians. Its rhythms are the basis of Reggae music!
Nyahbinghi Melodica is a very special release, recorded domestically in Japan ina classic Nyabinghi style. Produced by the multitalented Swe Rooting (producer, artist, event organiser, woodcrafter and landscape gardener), it features the melodica player Ras Tamano (also known through his collaboration with Sister Maki on Prayers) and the kette drum player and manufacturer Goja Bongos on the percussion (known for his collaborations with Shanti-K and Aki Mittoo). The artwork was created by Manabu Dub.
The album includes six tracks, reworks of classic tunes and Nyahbinghi chants with the melodica taking over the chanting and the drumming showing the way to righteousness. Let the magic take over!
