Julian Asher sings “Elohim” as an invocation of divine power reclaiming a throne, both a “He” and a “She” arriving “in full power” to “take His place upon the ancient seat” among “those who lead astray and cheat.” The song draws its title from the Hebrew name for God and threads it through Rastafari language, addressing Abba and Selassie I directly across the verses.

Asher is a South African singer rooted in Rastafari belief, splitting his time between South Africa and Berlin, where he currently lives. He has spent years working with Downtown Steppas, the Berlin-based reggae backing band and riddim makers, built out of the same rehearsal-room and live sessions that shaped this song.

“Elohim” comes from Just Cause, the pair’s debut album, recorded last winter and drawn from material the two had been playing together for years.

Stream “Elohim” via Downtown Steppas’ Bandcamp