OLDIES SUNDAY: The In-Crowd – Marcus Garvey’s Back In Town (1979)

Today (January 19) is a historic day. While many are experiencing the on and off in terms of Social Media platform TikTok, this morning it was revealed that Jamaica’s first National Hero, Marcus Garvey, was posthumously pardoned by the Biden Administration in the United States. This comes after more than 101 years after he was convicted of Mail Fraud in 1923. The case was accused of having racial and political overtones, and many advocates rallied for a pardon over the decades, but to no avail. In US President Joe Biden’s final day, he made the pardon possible, and on “Oldies Sunday“, we celebrate. Today’s selection comes from The In-Crowd with the track, “Marcus Garvey’s Back In Town“.

Produced by Phil Mathias, written by Fil Callender, and released through Weed Beat in 1979, “Marcus Garvey’s Back In Town” was The In-Crowd’s way of bringing the late National Hero to the public again, and pay tribute to him. They speak about his influence, his works and contributions to advancing Black People, and encouraging the people to fight for their rights, and demand reparations. The upbeat production carries the solid lyrics throughout, persuading the public to take an ear, and be inspired to do the right thing. “Marcus Garvey’s Back In Town” gained popularity when it was released, and was featured on the group’s 1978 album, “His Majesty Is Coming“.

Today’s a big day in Jamaican and Black History, and let’s see what other possibilities are there in the coming future.