Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze (Onowu Abagana), and his team continued their reconnection tour in Jamaica, fostering cultural exchange and spiritual unity with the Rastafarian community. The delegation participated in a holy service and kola-nut ceremony, sharing Igbo traditions and practices with their Jamaican counterparts. Dr. Anakwenze explained the significance of ose-oji (alligator pepper), highlighting its spiritual cleansing properties. Dr. Anakwenze invited the Rastafarians to partake in the ose-oji and receive holy communion, symbolizing unity and shared spiritual values.
“Our ancestors prayed to Chukwu Abiama (God of Abraham) using natural items, including oji (kola-nut), ose-oji and nzu (white clay). The ose-oji spiritually purifies by burning away evil and darkness, while the nzu serves as a cleansing agent. These elements, derived from trees, are divinely provided for our purification. Just as the Christian Church utilizes holy water, we employ these natural items for cleansing. Following prayers, we participate in our own sacred communion, free from voodoo or artificial practices,” he said.
Dr. Anakwenze highlighted the significance of responding with “iseee” (meaning “amen”) during kola-nut prayers, stressing its importance in Igbo spirituality. However, Priest Norman offered an alternative perspective, suggesting that the original response is actually “Aman,” which was later adapted to “Amen” by European influences.
Dr. Sidney Davies, a member of the delegation, elaborated on the kola-nut prayers, stressing their role in fostering honesty, bonding, and oneness within the Igbo tradition. He said: “In the Igbo tradition, the prayers of kola-nut foster unity and honesty among us. By sharing in this sacred ritual, we establish a bond that promotes truthfulness and sincerity. Through this communal prayer, we connect not only with our Creator but also with one another, cultivating oneness and strengthening our relationships.”
Before commencing their holy service, Priest Norman announced the incorporation of the kola-nut ceremony into their ritual, blending Igbo traditions with Rastafarian practices. He said: “Today’s ceremony will commence with an opening hymn, followed by the integration of the kola-nut prayers within our ceremony. As priests, we will officiate this service in our traditional manner, while incorporating your reconnection ceremony into our own, creating a unified and meaningful experience.”
The joint ceremony demonstrated a profound sense of cultural exchange and spiritual connection between the Igbo delegation and the Jamaican Rastafarian community. This reconnection tour marks a significant step towards bridging cultural divides and promoting cross-cultural understanding between Igbos and Jamaica, highlighting the shared African heritage and spiritual values that unite these communities.