Nyabinghi, also spelled Nyahbinghi, Niyabinghi, or Niyahbinghi, is a gathering of Rastafari people to celebrate and remember important dates in their tradition throughout the year. It is a time for Rastafari to come together and participate in praise and worship. For example, on July 23 each year, a Nyabinghi is held to honor the birth of Emperor Haile Selassie I.

During a Nyabinghi celebration, men and women have different roles. Men are expected to remove their hair coverings, while women must keep their hair covered. A group of men usually arrange themselves in a line or semi-circle and are assigned to beat the drums. The rest of the group sings well-known songs or "chants," some of which include verses from the Hebrew Bible that highlight the divinity of Haile Selassie I. Examples of these chants include "I have a little light in I and I'm going to make it shine, Rastafarii, shine" and "Holy Mount Zion is a holy place and no sinners can enter there, so let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, of Rastafari."

Nyabinghi is a Rastafari tradition that encourages unity among members, strengthens their spiritual connection through fellowship, and increases awareness of Rastafari beliefs among those present. At certain times during the event, passages from the Bible are read. Rastafari believe Jesus Christ is significant because Haile Selassie I followed the teachings and prophecies found in the Bible.

Nyabinghi music

The Niyabinghi resistance inspired many Jamaican Rastafarians, who used what are called niyabinghi chants (also called binghi) in their celebrations, known as "groundations." The rhythms of these chants influenced popular music styles like ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Niyabinghi music is traditional to Rastafarian practice and is used during "reasoning" sessions, where people chant and drum to reach spiritual states. This music blends 19th-century gospel music with African drumming.

Niyabinghi drumming is not only used by the Niyabinghi order but is also common among all Rastafarians. Its rhythms form the basis of reggae music, especially through the influential ska band, the Skatalites. It is said that the band's drummer changed Jamaican music by combining parts of Niyabinghi rhythms into a complete "drum kit," which was mixed with jazz to create ska. Niyabinghi rhythms were largely created by Count Ossie, who combined influences from traditional Jamaican Kumina drumming with songs and rhythms from recordings by Nigerian musician Babatunde Olatunji.

Though Niyabinghi music is a form of Rasta religious music separate from reggae, some musicians like Bob Marley, Prince Buster, and Jimmy Cliff used it in their songs. Recently, artists like Sizzla, Groundation, and Jah Levi, as well as hip-hop music, have used Niyabinghi drums in their recordings. While some say Niyabinghi drumming continues an African cultural tradition, it is better seen as a way for people to rediscover their African roots.

Count Ossie and others combined Jamaican traditions with newly learned African influences, such as those from Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji. Comparing Count Ossie's "Tales of Mozambique" and Olatunji's "Drums of Passion" shows how these traditions were blended. This mix of old traditions and new rediscoveries makes Niyabinghi drumming—and Rasta culture—important and meaningful.

Niyabinghi music comes from the Asante people of modern-day Ghana (the same name as the dance it is used for), brought to Jamaica through the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It later became part of Burru music, which was played in Jamaica as early as the 20th century. These drums became popular in Kingston's ghettos in the mid-20th century after being introduced by people moving from rural areas.

Three drums are used in Niyabinghi: a large bass drum (called "baandu" or "thunder"), a middle drum called "funde," and a high-pitched repeater or "kete." The funde and repeater are similar in size, but the funde has a looser drum head, while the repeater has a tighter one, creating a higher sound. All drums have two stretched membranes made of goat skin.

The akete (also called the "repeater") plays improvised rhythms, the funde keeps a steady one-two beat, and the bass drum hits loudly on the first beat and softly on the third beat (of four). When groups play together, only one akete player can play at a time while others keep regular rhythms. Only Rastafarians are allowed to play drums during Niyabinghi ceremonies.

In Rastafarian "groundation" ceremonies, instruments called membranophones (which use stretched membranes) are played. Niyabinghi music uses three drums in a 4-beat rhythm:

• Thunder: A double-headed bass drum played with a mallet. It is struck on the first beat with an open tone and on the third beat with a softer sound. Sometimes, the rhythm is played offbeat. It is held in the lap and struck with a padded stick, often a tennis ball.
• Funde: The middle drum, played with the palms. It keeps the rhythm on the second and fourth beats. It is held between the knees on the floor.
• Repeater (kete): The smallest and highest-pitched drum, shaped like a long bongo. It plays around the second and fourth beats with an offbeat rhythm. It is held between the knees and played with the fingertips.

The shekere or shaka, a gourd instrument with beads, is also used in Niyabinghi. The shekere player can play on different beats, such as "1," "1&," "3," or "3&."

Niyabinghi chanting often includes reciting the Psalms or parts of well-known Christian hymns adopted by Rastafarians. These chants express ideas about black people's freedom and return to Africa. They help people feel connected to the Rastafarian community.