OLDIES SUNDAY: Mutabaruka – Garvey (1994)

Today, August 17, marks the 138th birthday of National Hero, Leader, Teacher, Activist Marcus Mosiah Garvey. It was only right that we paid tribute to him on “Oldies Sunday“. Today we go back in time to check out Dub Poet/Media Personality Mutabaruka’s “Garvey“.

Produced by Philip “Fatis” Burrell and Augustus “Gussie” Clarke and released through the Shanachie label in 1994, Mutabaruka paid tribute to Marcus Garvey, and called for Black Pride in, “Garvey”. In a time where many forgot about the teachings of Garvey, it was Poets like Muta who helped to bring back the consciousness to the forefront. Muta calls for the help of Garvey during the times that were filled with negativity, corruption, and ideologies that will bring down the moral fabric of the world. With the help of Ishama Hope, Princess Addisa, and Princess Tsobbe, we hear the words “I’m black and i’m proud!” as a part of the hook throughout. Marcus Garvey’s teachings called for the uprising of the Black people, an appreciation for the Melanin skin, and an outlook where the Black Man should be in positions of power, overcoming all the trials and tribulations that they have experienced, and what may come. “Garvey” was featured on Mutabaruka’s 1994 album, “Melanin Man“.

Mutabaruka continues to share the teachings of Marcus Garvey through a number of releases, and through his Radio programme, “The Cutting Edge” on Jamaica’s Irie FM.