Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi Explains Why He Identifies as a Nazarite and Rastafari

Ras Caleb Appiah-Levi of PanAfrica-Ghana (PAG) has explained that his identity as a Nazarite and Rastafari is rooted in a spiritual vow and covenant with Jah rather than fashion, trends or the appearance of dreadlocks.

In a personal reflection titled I Am a Nazarite; A Rastafari, he described his locks as a symbol of devotion, prayer and spiritual commitment, stressing that his decision to grow his hair is connected to his understanding of biblical teachings and the Rastafari way of life.

Appiah-Levi cited Numbers 6:5, which states that during the period of a Nazarite vow, no razor should touch the person’s head, allowing the hair to grow as a sign of separation and consecration to the Lord.

“The Bible says in Numbers 6:5,” he wrote before quoting the scripture, which instructs that no razor should come upon the head of a person observing the vow until the period of separation is fulfilled.

According to him, his locks are not merely a hairstyle but a spiritual expression, with each lock representing a testimony, years of waiting on Jah and a connection to his ancestors.

He also referenced biblical figures such as Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist, whom he described as Nazarites who were set apart and consecrated for specific missions.

Drawing a connection between the biblical tradition and Rastafari, Appiah-Levi argued that Rastafari goes beyond religion to encompass Livity, a way of life guided by spiritual consciousness, discipline and African identity.

He described the movement as the rebirth of the Nazarite in modern times, explaining that his beliefs have influenced his decisions about his appearance, diet, spirituality and relationship with Africa.

Appiah-Levi said he chose to remain spiritually distinct despite societal expectations to cut his hair, conform to accepted standards and live according to mainstream practices.

He also highlighted the importance of ital, a Rastafari dietary principle associated with natural, pure and wholesome living. According to him, while the system encourages people to consume everything, he has chosen to maintain a clean lifestyle, summarising his conviction with the expression, “ital is vital.”

On African identity, he said his Rastafari beliefs have strengthened his connection to the continent and his spiritual understanding of Zion, which holds significance within Rastafari tradition.

He further declared his devotion to Haile Selassie I, whom he regards as divine, describing him as the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Elect of Himself and the Light of the World.

“My locks are my crown, not my shame. My livity is my worship, not my performance,” Appiah-Levi stated.

He added that his dreadlocks represent more than physical appearance, explaining that his understanding of the term dread is connected to the fear of the Almighty and opposition to what he calls a wicked system.

Appiah-Levi also explained that his spiritual practice is not confined to conventional religious buildings. Instead, he finds meaning in meditation within his heart, in the hills, under trees and through the Nyabinghi drum, an important element of Rastafari spiritual gatherings and ceremonies.

Acknowledging that his lifestyle may be misunderstood, he said some people might describe him as mad, dirty, excessively Black, too African or overly conscious because of his appearance and beliefs.

However, he maintained that such criticism would not persuade him to abandon his convictions, drawing a comparison with the way prophets of old were treated.

He further described his spiritual journey as a calling that began before his birth, stating that Jah knew him from his mother’s womb and guided him from his youth, when he was known as Emmauel-I, to Caleb.

As a result, Appiah-Levi pledged to remain committed to his spiritual vow, maintain his locks, preserve his faith, practise Ital livity, uphold his love for Africa and keep his eyes fixed on Mount Zion.

He emphasised that his identity as a Rastafari is not driven by a desire to look like one but by a deep conviction that the way of life is inseparable from who he is.

“I am a Nazarite; a Rastafari,” he reiterated, vowing that until the days of his vow are fulfilled, no razor would touch his head and no Babylon would take his soul.

He concluded his reflection with the declarations, “Selassie I Live!” and “Jah Rastafari! Blessed Times.”