August 17, 2008, 10:34 am
Reggae music gave many an introduction to brother Marcus Garvey. The colors of red, black and green collectively bringing about meaning, The Black Starline Shipping Company, Repatriation to Africa, Love of self etc etc etc. Marcus Garvey left us many idea's to navigate our situation.
Recently I was reminded of something else that our brother left for us. Marcus Garvey left us lots of lyrics. Now you may find some of them listed as poems but we all know, If Garvey could record those lyrics today he would certainly use a reggae influenced beat. He would probably seek out the best riddims and producers to do his work. He would do so for various reasons. One, to support the art form born of the same soil as himself. Secondly, he would understand the influence reggae music would have on the minds of the youth, and the last reason is well, Reggae Music is GREAT MUSIC, and a great man would recognize that! YES, I know that you agree!
Anyway what reminded of Marcus Garvey's lyrics was a song by reggae artist Sista Kat. The song is called "Keep Cool"(You can hear the song on the Mix of the same name click here). The song maintains the original name and lyrics as written by Marcus Garvey. Sista Kats beautiful voice transforms Garvey's words of encouragement just as majestically as Bob Marley had done to H.I.M Haile Selassie's words in the song "War". Marcus Garvey's ideas gave life to Reggae music and as we celebrate his one hundred and twenty first year of his life, I hope that Reggae music will continue to introduce others to our beloved brother, Marcus Garvey!