“The blood of African kings runs in my veins/ Here in Jamaica, rebellious offspring… And this warrior spirit inside come [to] break every shackle and chain” is the empowering opening statement by prolific reggae singer Tarrus Riley lifted from his new single ‘Shaka Zulu Pickney’ (“Pickney” is Jamaican patois for child/children).
Tarrus pays homage to Jamaican roots and African ancestry over a simplistic yet powerful instrumental driven by Nyabinghi (Rastafarian) drums accompanied by minimal strings. The Storm Saulter (‘Better Mus’ Come’) directed video features African tribal dress, Emancipation Park in Kingston, Jamaica, and look-a-likes of black heroes including Martin Luther, Malcom X, Nanny of the Maroons and Marcus Garvey.
Perfect timing of release during Black History Month in USA, plus rife debates about skin bleaching (“Them never tell we say black is beauty/ Me nah go bleach, me say me nah dilute it”).
