3 days ago
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As Reggae Month celebrations gather momentum across the Caribbean, the genre’s enduring role as a voice for justice and resistance is once again taking centre stage.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, recording under his musical moniker Gassy Dread, has teamed up with reggae heavyweight Gramps Morgan for a new single titled “Reparations,” set for release this Friday. The track confronts the lingering social and economic impact of colonialism and slavery in the Caribbean and wider African diaspora.
The release coincides with both Reggae Month and Black History Month, a timing Morgan says is deliberate.
“I believe it (the issue of reparations) is a conversation that must continue to be had. There have been many times people in our society have brought this conversation, and as a musician, I am just doing my part for Africans and the diaspora of the Caribbean in the Americas,” he said. “This message is not new, but I think it is important for us as artistes to bring up this conversation from time to time so that we never forget the spirit of our ancestors and what they’ve been through and the fact that they must be justly compensated.”
Morgan said the single aligns with the 2026 Reggae Month theme, Rhythms of Resilience, which he described as more than a symbolic reflection.
Gramps Morgan – Reggae Artist“I pray that people can be re-awakened to the issue once again, especially in the Caribbean and those in America. This is a call for something long asked for, and I pray that it may gather the attention of the United Nations so we can revisit this conversation, and there’s no better time to do that than in Black History and Reggae Month,” he said.
“Several of our nations have been through trauma, and we were able to heal through the passage of time, but I’m hoping that this message will reach all who had a hand in the transatlantic slave trade, countries like Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, and Portugal, so they can revisit this conversation and let it touch their hearts.”
The collaboration marks a unique pairing of political leadership and reggae artistry. Browne, who has long advocated for reparatory justice at regional and international forums, brings that advocacy into the cultural arena through music.
Reflecting on the partnership, Morgan described the Prime Minister as both visionary and creatively gifted.
“It was very easy working with the Prime Minister of Antigua. I was impressed that he wanted to tackle a project like this. It just shows that everyone in the world wants justice and that there’s still good out there in this world, and there’s nothing wrong with having this conversation or touching on this topic,” he said.
“The Prime Minister of Antigua is a true visionary and great songwriter. It was a pleasure to collaborate with him, and it just shows you how much talent there is in the Caribbean.”
Reparations was co-written by Gaston Browne and Gramps Morgan, with production by Justin “Juss Buss” Nation.
The single adds a contemporary cultural voice to the Caribbean’s longstanding political push for reparatory justice, blending policy advocacy with the enduring rhythms of reggae.
English (US) ·