OLDIES SUNDAY: Tappa Zukie – Freedom (1976)

Break the chains and kick down the gates, it’s Emancipation Sunday on Oldies Sunday! Parts of the Caribbean recognize August 1 (and August 2 on weekdays if the 1st is on a weekend) as Emancipation Day. It’s a day that commemorates the abolition of slavery, but we’re still fighting against many other forms of depression around the world. Today’s Oldies Sunday selection comes from the great Tappa Zukie with his track, “Freedom“.

Produced by Tappa Zukie and released through the KLIK Label in 1976. “Freedom” finds Tappa Zukie calling for the liberation of black people who have been held captive for centuries. He flexes a mix of singing and toasting inna dub style on the track, and he can be heard saying “freedom a wha di natty dread want…” throughout. The song came around the time when black consciousness was at an all time high, and it makes its mark an important song of the times, with messages that are still relevant today. “Freedom” was included on Zukie’s 1976 album, “MPLA“. As we recognize an important day, may we still fight to break the new chains of oppression.