In Australia in 2008, Yasus met with the Australian Friends of the Earth to negotiate use of his poem "The Earth is our Friend" which he uses to exceptional effect in his shows to raise awareness of our responsibilities to the earth. The media took an active interest in his visit and he was interviewed on numerous radio stations, as well as the Australian Reggae TV station.  During the tour Yasus was able to record with a leading Australian producer creating a fusion of reggae with indigenous sounds. The memory of HIM Haille Selassie1 visit to Australia is part of local history and Yasus was able to follow in the Emperors footsteps by visiting the Melbourne Park and Gardens.

In Aoetearoa (New Zealand), Yasus was dubbed "The Rasta Ambassador" by the Ngati Dread Maori tribe during his visit to Ruatoria, which has been a stronghold of Rastafarian influence since Bob Marley's tour of New Zealand in the early 80's. Yasus presented copies of his book "Overstanding Rastafari" to the local community, who were delighted and honoured by his visit. In Wellington, Yasus was welcomed by the Maori at the Marae with a Powhiri ceremony and later recorded several tracks bringing a Maori Reggae fusion together.

Yasus was greeted by Rastafarian MP, Nandor Tanczos, who hosted Yasus for a presentation of "Overstanding Rastafari" to the Hon. Margaret Wilson, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Parliament. Yasus' visit was recognized by the Members of Parliament and recorded in the Parliament's Hansard records. Yasus support for the Green Party was further evident in his presentation of his poem "The Earth is our Friend" as he headlined the Green Party fundraising event.

Yasus Afari's best selling poetry book "Eye Pen" was also relaunched in October 08 during his UK tour.