OLDIES SUNDAY: Little Roy – Columbus Ship (1981)

Every year around this time for the past few years, we aim to put down the name of the once-famed Italian Explorer, Christopher Columbus. Whether through playing music that spoke against him, renaming locations that once shared his name, and getting rid of statues made in his likeness, people are doing more to put down a wicked Man who has been celebrated for so long. Tomorrow (Oct. 13) is celebrated as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” in North America, which was originally “Columbus Day“, and we salute the original natives. Today’s “Oldies Sunday” selection comes from Little Roy, and we check out, “Columbus Ship“.

Released through Tafari/Copasetic in 1981, Little Roy sheds light on the experience of the Black Man during Slavery in, “Columbus Ship”. The song speaks on his experience from being held in captivity against his will, taken to new lands on a Ship belonging to Christopher Columbus, and being forced to slave on Plantations, and suffer through it all. The song is just one of many that pulled the wool from over the vision of the people who idolized figures who exploited nations, oppressed people of colour, and committed various crimes of Humanity. “Columbus Ship” was featured on Little Roy’s 1981 album of the same name, and was well-received by listeners over the years.

Since the release of “Columbus Ship”, Little Roy continued to have a successful music career, releasing more music, and performing on stages around the world. He is still active in some parts of the World, where tracks like “Columbus Ship” is still played to this day. Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day when it comes.