The Soul Messengers

Members: Guitar: Thomas “Yehudah” Whitfield, Vocals: John “Shevat” Boyd, Bass: Charles “Hezekiah” Blackwell. The Soul Messengers were a group of Black Hebrew expats who crafted a mesmerizing blend of soul, funk, psych, gospel, and Hebrew traditionals. Their music mirrored the intensity of their lives, intertwining the struggle for civil rights with the ancient Israelite exodus. Led by Ben Ammi, the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem found resonance in the 1960s, connecting their fight for liberation with the biblical narrative. In Liberia, the trio of Ben Ammi, Hezekiah (Charles Blackwell), and Yehudah (Thomas Whitfield) formed the core of the Soul Messengers. They captivated audiences in Monrovia, introducing modern soul and funk to West Africa. Facing hardships and dangers, the Soul Messengers persevered. In 1969, they settled in Dimona, Israel, continuing their musical journey. Their album, Soul Messages From Dimona (1972), showcased their technical prowess and missionary zeal, blending Western songs with Black Hebrew reinterpretations. While their recording career ended in 1978, the legacy of the Soul Messengers lives on. Today, Black Hebrews reside in Dimona, their home since 1969. The Soul Messengers' music remains a testament to their enduring message of liberation and fusion of the secular and sacred.