Honoring the Ancestors of Reggae—A Reflection on International Reggae Day
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Every July 1st, the pulse of the Caribbean beats a little stronger, the sound systems play a little louder, and hearts across the world unite in rhythm and remembrance. International Reggae Day is not just a celebration—it is a sacred moment to honor the music, the culture, and the voices that have shaped reggae’s global impact. This year, more than ever, it’s also a time to pause and remember the legends we’ve lost—giants whose artistry and messages continue to echo through the hills of Jamaica and beyond.
Among the most recent and heartfelt losses is Peter “Peetah” Morgan, the passionate voice of Morgan Heritage, one of reggae’s most beloved family bands. Peetah brought fire, soul, and unity to the genre. His passing has left a deep void not only in the Jamaican music scene but in the global reggae community.
We also mourn the death of Cocoa Tea, the smooth-voiced singer known for classics like "Rikers Island” and “Good Life.” A beloved figure in both reggae and dancehall, Cocoa Tea’s untimely passing due to cardiac arrest was a shock to many. His legacy, however, remains etched in sound systems and hearts across generations.
Determine, known for the heartfelt track "Kette Drum", fought a private battle with stomach cancer. A voice of spiritual conviction and street wisdom, his lyrics were laced with messages of hope and resilience. His death is another reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of musical truth.
Max Romeo, a voice of resistance and roots, gave us revolutionary anthems like "War Ina Babylon” and “One Step Forward.” He left the stage of life recently, but not before leaving us a soundtrack for struggle and liberation. His music remains an essential chapter in reggae’s political and spiritual songbook.
No remembrance of reggae legends would be complete without mentioning Lee “Scratch” Perry, the eccentric genius who redefined the boundaries of sound. Known for his groundbreaking production techniques and collaborations with Bob Marley and The Wailers, Perry was reggae’s mad scientist—a visionary who built dub music from spiritual sparks and studio smoke.
And then there are the icons whose names are now immortal:
Peter Tosh, revolutionary and righteous, who was taken from us too soon in 1987.
Dennis Brown, the “Crown Prince of Reggae,” whose lovers rock ballads still melt hearts.
Bob Marley, the messenger and prophet, whose influence transcends music.
Jo Mersa Marley, a rising star from reggae’s royal lineage, gone far too young.
Their stories remind us that reggae is not just about rhythm—it's about resistance, redemption, and remembrance.
This International Reggae Day, let us also light a metaphorical candle for the many other greats whose contributions shaped reggae’s evolution:
Earl ‘Bagga’ Walker, Delroy Williams, Errol Mais aka Jah Bible, Lynford Manning,
Benjamin Zephaniah, the dub poet who gave voice to the voiceless,
General Echo, Hugh Mundell, Nereus Joseph, Soljie Hamilton,
Drummie Zeb, Cecil 'Skelly' Spence, Fil Callender, Mikey 'Mao' Chung,
Garth Dennis, Naggo Morris, Bob Andy, Delroy Washington,
Apple Gabriel, Norris Reid, and Derrick Lara.
Each of them contributed uniquely to the reggae legacy. They were the griots, the drummers, the chanters, and the producers—the soul of a genre that has always been about more than just music.
As we vibe to roots riddims and raise the red, gold, and green, let us honor their legacy by playing their songs, sharing their stories, and passing their messages on to the next generation. Because to remember them is to keep reggae alive—not just as a genre, but as a movement.
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