Today, August 17 is the birthday of Marcus Garvey, the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). The son of a stonemason founded the UNIA in 1914 and his teachings continue to have a mark on young people and popular music cultures all over the world.
Garvey’s advocacy for black pride, black liberation, self-respect and self determination inspired the Nation of Islam, The Black Power Movement and Rastafarian movement. Reggae grew out of the Rastafarian movement and with Bob Marley as the most notable voice in Reggae music, the genre was the tenth most listened to genre around the world according to IFPI’s Engaging With Music Report 2022.
The music report from the globally respected music measurement organization is based on a survey of more than 33 thousand respondents from several countries. Garvey and Reggae have become synonymous and even young dancehall deejays like St. Thomas native Popcaan cosplayed Garvey on the cover of his latest album “Great Is He.”
World Music Views celebrates the life and legacy of Marcus Mosiah Garvey with list of 10 songs inspired
- Redemption Song” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
This iconic song by Marley interpolates Garvey’s words and ideals from a speech he gave in 1937 Sydney Nova Scotia emphasizing self-liberation and self empowerment. Redemption Song, produced by Chris Blackwell has surpassed 300 million streams on Spotify and was originally released as the last song on Marley’s “Uprising” Album (1980), the final release in his lifetime. It is Marley’s 7th song to reach the milestone on the platform.
2. “Marcus Garvey” by Burning Spear
Burning Spear paid tribute to Garvey with this song, celebrating his contributions to the empowerment of Black people. It is the first track from his 1975 album “Marcus Garvey”.
3. “Black Man” by Stevie Wonder
This song written by Stevie Wonder and New York radio host Gary Byrd, touches on themes of unity and pride among Black people, echoing Garvey’s call for racial solidarity as the United States was going into 200 years independence in the 1970s.
4. “By the Rivers of Babylon” by The Melodians
Although the song is based on Psalm 137, the reference to Babylon can be seen as a nod to Garvey’s idea of Babylon representing oppression and injustice. The song appeared on the soundtrack of the 1972 Jamaican film “The Harder They Come.” German group Boney M.’s release a cover of the song which went to no. 1 on the the UK chart and remained there for five weeks. It has since been certified Platinum.
5. “Garvey’s Ghost” by Max Romeo & The Upsetters
This song is a tribute to Marcus Garvey’s legacy and his influence on Rastafarian beliefs from the 1976 album “War Ina Babylon” (Island Records).
6. “Marcus Garvey Riddim” by Various Artists
This is not a single song but a 9 track collection of songs using the same instrumental rhythm, paying homage to Garvey’s influence on reggae music released in 2022 by Bryce Hill Records. It featured songs from Sizzla (Set the Black Man Free), Anthony B (Right Road), Turbulence (What an Acknowledgment), Jah Mason (Take Me), Norris Man (Rumors), Leroy Smart ( Ease It Up), Perfect Giddimani (Put a Little Love in Your Heart), Lutan Fyah (Rough Journey) and Chrisinti (Give Them the News).
7. “Stand Up for Your Rights” by Sizzla
Sizzla’s lyrics often touch on themes of Black pride and social justice, echoing the sentiments of Marcus Garvey.”Stand Up for Your Rights” was released on the Metadata Riddim produced by Skitta.
8. “Old Marcus Garvey”- Burning Spear
Old Marcus Garvey is track six from Burning Spear’s “Marcus Garvey” album.
9. “Garvey” by Mutabaruka
Renowned Jamaican dub poet Mutabaruka often incorporates Garvey’s ideas into his spoken word pieces.
10. “The Mission”- Damian and Stephen Marley
Heavily influenced by the teachings and philosophy of Marcus Garvey, the lyrics of “The Mission” touches on themes of empowerment, knowledge, unity, and social justice, all of which are closely aligned with Garvey’s ideas. Damian Marley’s lyrics emphasize the importance of education, tradition, African unity, and the struggle against social injustices. The reference to “Jah” and the connection to Rastafarian beliefs also resonate with the spiritual aspects often associated with Garvey’s legacy.
A youth and youth fi have a plan and have some ambition And make sure unnu firm ina di Armageddon So when you son become a man, him know just where you stand Him know him poopa set it so him follow tradition If Marcus Garvey say fi read then why some man ah pree Cause knowledge ah the key and it wll set the people free And Haile I philosophy is African unity Unno watch dey segregation and social impurity The race is not just for the swift but those who can endure Make sure you have a steady footing in ah zion door And keep dem thoughts dem pure, Jah love is for the poor But some likkkle bwoy ah burst some gun dem mooma can’t afford If Jah say blood fi run let Jah will be done
