“A reading man and woman is a ready man and woman, but a writing man and woman is exact,” the words of a true revolutionary who not only inspired his people to break through barriers, but a genre to serve as a conduit for said people seeking hope and success within an increasingly complicated system.

125 years ago today, Marcus Mosiah Garvey was born, signifying the beginning of an existence that contributed greatly in Jamaica’s fight for an identity. Garvey’s undeniable influence not only motivated a then colonized society to battle again oppression but also igniting the Rastafari Movement as his words, “Look to Africa for the crowning of a black King” would reign true given the rise of Emperor Haile Selassie I.

As a result, Garvey’s words soon translated to lyrics as Reggae music took hold over a developing Jamaican culture, most notably in Redemption Song by the iconic Bob Marley as he quoted from a speech created by the legendary Jamaican orator. From Burning Spear to Peter Tosh, Marcus Garvey has been prevalent throughout Reggae music, creating waves for a new generation of artistes to speak out against society’s ills.

However, given the perceived decline of Reggae music’s status locally as well as the many negative connotations associated with Dancehall’s perception in recent years, it might be conceivable to think that even though Marcus Garvey’s messages continue to resonate well in some circles, they have become somewhat distorted as both genres took shape.