predominently reggae music and various cultural activities andreggae films. While the event provides needed income for up to twenty owned andoperated formal and informal Ras Tafari micro businesses and gives foreignersand locals alike a three day cultural experience, Dr. Bonaccis good intentionshave been assessed as harmful to Ras Tafari in Ethiopia and beyond in itspresent context. We trusted her intentions of a book launch for the first yearsand now, EXODUS: The History, Culture and Music of Rastafarians in Ethiopia isorganized for us and with disregard to our input and/or consent and oversight. The very name of the event is misleading and the structure and presentationdeflect the serious issues and concerns of both the Ethiopian and Ras TafariPeoples, required to ensure our peaceful and productive future in this country.We descendants of Africa, Elders, Leaders, Representatives, Administrators andadherents of the faith of Ras Tafari residing and working in Ethiopia, returnedhome based on our uncompromised faith and reverence in the divine QadamawiHaile Selassie I and our love and loyalty for Ethiopia. The omission of TheMajesty's name, works and teachings are of the highest insult anddisappointment. That participants have siad they called on His name andpresented materials/books in defiance to this policy is unacceptable as Majestyhas taught us respect for organizations and nations. The Holy Bible says, weshould not light a candle then hide it under a basket. We have a duty and rightto voice our observations and serious concerns in an effort to provide clarityand ensure the festival is put in its proper context and not perpetuate mythsand misunderstanding.We are a spiritual people, and our Exodus represents a reverent biblicalmovement and present day prophesy of the return of the great great grandchildren of survivors of the worst crime against humanity, the Trans AtlanticSlave Trade. Our ancestors suffered and we continue to experience variousmanifestations of discrimination and human rights violations at the hands ofcolonial and neo-colonial powers, which have yet to be recognized much lessreconciled. Hence, our repatriation is not merely a reggae song with a nicebeat, nor Bonacci's academic study to assist the French address africanmigration issues. The lyrics of EXODUS say, ...were leaving Babylon, weregoing to our Fathers land... indicating out intention to leave a place wherediscrimination and oppression have been meted out generously with no hope onthe horizon. Our only salvation and place of safety is Ethiopia/Africa. This isnot a simple migration but a vision of a spiritual movement/repatriation, of apeople home in mass numbers, likened to the 1st Exodus of the Hebrews out ofEgypt into the Promised Land. We handful are simply here to help prepare forthe repatriation which includes Ethiopia's development.We object to and are surprised by Dr. Bonaccis misrepresentation, as aneducated scholar, to declare and promote reggae music as Ras Tafari music.Nyahbingi is the music of Ras Tafari, as mentioned in the promotional flier.The sacred songs and ceremonies are derived from ancient African tradition andpost slavery spiritual expressions which use a special battery of drums playedby selected priests, prophets and drummers for praise unto the Most High or fordestruction of the enemies of Qadamawi Haile Selassie I and Ethiopia/Africa andHer