>>>>When I grew up from childhood to know physically and spirituality, I've seen the physical grow and develop and stop developing and die. The spiritual growth in my life experience got thinner and thinner, the opposite of our physical growth, so in order to have the spiritual oneness with our body we have to make peace within ourselves, "unite" with ourselves and we can "unite" others for our spiritual growth. We have to love one another regardless and come together, not to see something wrong with each other, but if we see what we can do to help one another without human flesh or material superiorority.

*Which song do you feel has the most lasting message and why?

>>>>First, I'd like to know which song you like and what message it brings to you, if you don't mind me asking you.. For me, I really can't say which one I choose or which one I like most. All these songs and more have been given to me from God to share with you. I love God. I try my best to follow His way. I try to follow the Ten Commandments and I choose His way than the way of the world. I like to pray through music. I love all of them. I can't compare one gift to another no matter how big or little it may be. It all is a gift of God.

*What do you mean by "Careless Ethiopians" -- one of your title songs.

>>>>When I wrote this song, it's like when I studied Ethiopian history right here in America. I realized what mighty warriors, how kind and generous, how God fearing people we used to be and where we used to get our knowledge to strengthen our hope and future. We used to be for each other, but as years go by that sweetness for each other and our protection for our history and culture, our fear of God, our respect and everything has just been broken piece by piece. There is nothing we did to maintain and put back the pieces. Some say you can't cry for spilled milk. I say the bottle still has a drop in it. Even though our power and strength weakened, we still have a chance to be like our great-grandparents. You see the knowledge that they used to teach us. The thing that we used to learn from our grandparents, now we can't find from anybody, who cares for you, who advises you to be clean physically and spiritually and show you the direction how to be clean and free at the same time--you know we've been careless. I love my people so much I'm willing to share knowledge through music with them and the rest of Africa and the world. It's nothing but love.

*How do you think your song/messages contribute to awareness of Ethiopia?

>>>>You see, I come from an open heart to all Ethiopians and sing to them what I feel about everything, and I have been blessed to receive a warm and great response. I give thanks. I want to tell you something. You see, I did not become Rasta or messenger to God through my music and my life overnight--this is what I have been doing for the last 17 years. You see, it's a way of life to give a dollar for a poor man who begs. I just let my goodness show. I try not to show my bad vibes to others. I keep it to myself and pray and get rid of it. So, I love God and I want every human being to try to get to know each other with respect and once we realize ourselves as a human, then the rest is history. Love has been given to us from God. Let's love one another. If I'm wrong, correct me, don't point your finger at me. We live in a society where everyone is pointing their finger at each other to feel better about their weakness--it's a mess. I give thanks for the interview--I hope you like what you read. God bless.

Isaac Haile Selassie

Interview by Alexandra Sellassie-Antohin