After going their separate ways, and each converting to the Rastafari movement, they reunited in Kingston and formed a vocal group. Funding for their first album came in the form of a grant from the Twelve Tribes of Israel branch of Rastafari after Hugh Booth, a member of the Twelve Tribes, had overheard the three men singing in a wooded area outside Kingston. Apple and Wiss were living in the area, which they had converted into a home.
Israel Vibration recorded three albums; "The Same Song", "Unconquered People", and "Why You So Craven" before temporarily disbanding in 1981 after recording sessions for the latter were left incomplete. The three men moved to the United States to seek professional health care and escape the growing Dancehall movement in Jamaica. In 1988, Gary "Dr. Dread" Himmelfarb, founder of RAS Records, urged the trio to reunite and record an album. Skelly, Apple, and Wiss were flown to Washington, D.C. to record a new album at Lion and Fox Recording Studios. "Strength of my Life", the group's fourth album and first of 18 CD releases on the RAS label, was met with great praise and is considered one of the few post-golden era touchstones of the roots reggae genre.
In 1997, Apple Gabriel left the group to pursue a solo career. Skelly and Wiss continue to record albums and tour the world as Israel Vibration, backed by longtime associates Roots Radics.
African Unification
Israel Vibration Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fi I old man, rideth inna Zion, Jah Rastafari is His name.
Thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion.
Thanking the I for this day, for giving I and I our daily bread.
And thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion.
Mama, Oh Mama Africa how long you been crying?
Oh Mama Africa you say your children been a dying.
If all my wishes and dreams could come true, here is one wish I so like would do:
I'd love to see the Unification of African Nations.
I'd love to see a United States that we call Africa.
From Addis Ababa to Zimbabwe, From Angola down to South Africa.
Into the heart of the African Congo, Nyabinghi chant and drink and the drums.
I'd love to see the Unification of African Nations.
I'd love to see a United States that we call Africa.
Fi I old man, rideth inna Zion, Jah Rastafari is His name.
Thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion.
The song “African Unification” by Israel Vibration is a heartfelt and poignant cry against the wars, tribal segregation, and disunity that plagues the continent of Africa. Throughout the song, the singer addresses the suffering of Mama Africa, who is crying blood through the years, mourning the loss of her children who have died in conflicts and wars. The singer then turns to Jah Rastafari, who represents the hope and salvation of the people, and pleads for unity and an end to the divisions between the tribes and nations of Africa.
The chorus of the song, “Thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion”, reinforces the idea that the unification and peace of Africa can only be achieved with the help of divine intervention. The singer also expresses his personal wish for the unification of African nations, which he believes will bring an end to the wars and tribal conflicts that have ravaged the continent.
The song’s powerful message has resonated with audiences worldwide, and it has become a beloved anthem for the struggle for African unity and peace. Through its moving lyrics and soulful rhythms, “African Unification” encourages listeners to join the fight for a better future for Africa.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama Africa, crying blood through these years...
African countries have been suffering for a long time due to various issues.
Fi I old man, rideth inna Zion, Jah Rastafari is His name.
The singer believes in Jah Rastafari and wants to go to Zion.
Thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion.
The singer believes that Jah Rastafari's kingdom is coming to Earth.
Thanking the I for this day, for giving I and I our daily bread.
The artist is grateful to Jah Rastafari for providing them with their daily needs.
And thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion.
The artist reiterates their belief that Jah Rastafari's kingdom is coming to Earth.
Mama, Oh Mama Africa how long you been crying?
The singer is expressing sadness and empathy toward the struggles faced by African countries.
Oh Mama Africa you say your children been a dying.
The singer acknowledges the issue of death and conflict in African countries.
If all my wishes and dreams could come true, here is one wish I so like would do:
The artist is about to describe their wish for African unification.
The Unification of African Nation, no ore of this here war on tribal segregation.
The artist wishes for the end of war caused by tribal segregation through the unification of African countries.
I'd love to see the Unification of African Nations.
The artist has a strong desire to see African countries become united.
I'd love to see a United States that we call Africa.
The singer envisions a unified Africa resembling the structure of the United States.
From Addis Ababa to Zimbabwe, From Angola down to South Africa.
The artist lists various African countries while reinforcing the idea of unification.
Into the heart of the African Congo, Nyabinghi chant and drink and the drums.
The singer is highlighting African culture and traditions in the Congo.
I'd love to see the Unification of African Nations.
The singer is reiterating their desire for African unification.
I'd love to see a United States that we call Africa.
The singer is still envisioning a unified Africa resembling the structure of the United States.
Fi I old man, rideth inna Zion, Jah Rastafari is His name.
The artist brings up their belief in Jah Rastafari and their desire to go to Zion again.
Thy Kingdom come, on Earth will be done as there is a Mountain Zion.
The artist repeats their belief that Jah Rastafari's kingdom is coming to Earth.
Contributed by Charlie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@42751917
Tuve la suerte de ver a Israel Vibration en Argentina en 1996 en el Ras Festival, es una banda muy buena, tal vez junto a Peter Tosh y Bob Marley lo mejor del Reggae
@MrKikisaber
Asi es Skelly! Tu voz seguira por siempre en mi corazon.
African Unification! Escuchar este tema con mis ojos cerrados me hace llegar a lo mas profundo de tu mensaje.
Gracias hermano por difundir estos mensajes de paz durante tantos años y con tu hermosa musica y ritmo.
Siempre estas presente a mi par bailando en cada show de Reggae en el que estoy con ese baile que te caracterizaba. Jamas olvidare tantos momentos magicos vividos en cada Recital de Israel. Con los 3 en los inicios y los 2 al final pero sin parar hasta el final.
Israel Vibrations for ever! Peace love & Unification!
Rest in Peace brother🙏
@lcolares
Um dos melhores shows que já fui, este foi no Bar Opinião em Porto Alegre - Brasil... Muito bom!!!!
@rastaiker
yo estube en ese recital ! fue en argentinaaaaaaaaaa !! :) lo mejor de mi vida
@eduardo92719
israel vibration un ejemplo de q no importan las discapacidades cuando tienes el talento en la voz y en la mentalidad y ese es un gran talento q tienen estoa hombres orgulloso de este buen reggae saludo jah bless
@murcianity
When yu listen to the music yu feel it in ur bone! Treu reggea music...Greetings from Surinam!!
@nathimthembu7231
Reggae music makes me believe that Jah is The Lord and he is present among us
@denisehunt1977
Great song!!! Love Israel Vibration!!!
@yvesdaems519
Flabba Holt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the hardest bass player inna reggae history
@lysamba63
Sacré Mr Flabba Holt avec cette basse envoûtante...malgré l'âge....très joli morceau q tt africain doit écouter...