Haile Selassie I in Jamaica: The Arrival of the King of Kings

April 21, 1966 — A Day That Changed Spiritual History

A Divine Welcome

On April 21, 1966, Emperor Haile Selassie I touched down at Norman Manley Airport in Kingston, Jamaica — a moment that would be remembered forever in Rastafarian, Jamaican, and African diaspora history.

More than 100,000 people gathered in the rain and heat to witness the long-awaited arrival of the man they called “Jah,” “The Conquering Lion of Judah,” “King of Kings,” and “God incarnate.”

The airport grounds were flooded with people from every part of the island, many of whom had never before left their towns. They lit fires of holy herbs, blew horns, beat drums, and waved Ethiopian flags. The scent of frankincense and ganja filled the air. It was not a political welcome — it was a spiritual coronation in exile.

The Ras Meets the King

Among the crowd were the Elders of the Rastafari movement, including Mortimer Planno, who became a key figure that day. When the Emperor’s plane landed, the crowd surged onto the tarmac. The Jamaican government was overwhelmed and hesitant — but Haile Selassie refused to stay on board.

At the Emperor’s request, Mortimer Planno was escorted to the steps of the plane, where he raised his hands and calmed the roaring crowd with the words, “The Emperor has come for all of us.” Only then did His Majesty descend.

This act solidified Planno’s place in history and validated Rastafari in the eyes of millions worldwide.

Key Events During the Visit

State reception by Prime Minister Hugh Shearer and Governor-General Sir Clifford Campbell.
A grand parade through Kingston — crowds lined the roads to get a glimpse of the Emperor.
Visit to Jamaica House, where he met political and cultural leaders.
Meeting with Rastafari elders and representatives.
Address to the Jamaican Parliament where he spoke of unity, African heritage, and the importance of self-realization.
Visit to the University of the West Indies.
Prayer and meditation at the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Kingston.

The Spiritual Awakening

Haile Selassie’s presence was seen by Rastafarians as the fulfillment of prophecy. For decades, they had believed in his divinity based on biblical and Ethiopian sources. Some thought he would never appear physically — so his arrival was seen as a manifestation of the Most High.

Many Jamaican newspapers at the time could not grasp the depth of the Rastafari movement. But His Majesty never rebuked or rejected them. Instead, he honored their peace, discipline, and respect.

Upon returning to Ethiopia, he sent Ethiopian Orthodox missionaries to Jamaica, establishing the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church there officially in 1970.

Global Impact

April 21st became a sacred holy day for Rastas, now known as Grounation Day.
The visit caused a global media storm, introducing the Rastafari movement to the world.
It also sparked an awakening in the African diaspora, connecting identity, spirituality, and resistance.
Bob Marley, then a young singer, would later rise to global fame carrying the same message that the Emperor had validated.

Words of His Majesty in Jamaica

“Today, Ethiopia and Jamaica are as one. May this union grow in strength and in spirit. The destiny of Africa is not to be left in the hands of others.”

Eternal Significance

The Emperor’s visit to Jamaica was not simply diplomatic. It was prophetic. It merged the African and Caribbean soul, uplifted a people long demonized, and brought the ancient Solomonic Crown into the hearts of everyday Rastafari. His physical presence confirmed the spiritual truths Rastafarians had long professed.

It remains one of the most spiritually charged visits of his life — and a foundational moment in Jamaican history.