Mutabaruka, born Allan Hope on December 26, 1952, in Rae Town, Kingston, Jamaica, is a renowned Jamaican dub poet, musician, actor, educator, and talk-show host whose work often deals with themes of black liberation, social injustice, and the human experience. The name 'Mutabaruka' comes from the Rwandan language Kinyarwanda, meaning "one who is always victorious." His distinctive style blends the rhythmic urgency of reggae and dub with the provocative edge of performance poetry, enabling him to become a powerful voice in the fight against oppression both in Jamaica and internationally.

Coming to prominence in the 1970s, Mutabaruka's work is heavily inspired by the teachings of Marcus Garvey and the Rastafari movement. His poems are known for their stark and compelling commentaries on politics, culture, and society. Albums like "Check It!" released in 1983 and "Any Which Way...Freedom" in 1989 are seminal works that established Mutabaruka as a leading figure in dub poetry, a genre that combines the spoken word with reggae rhythms. Throughout his career, he has continued to release music that challenges and inspires, with recent works including "Muta in Dub" and "Dub Poetry from Jamaica 1990," sustaining his reputation as a critical voice in contemporary music and activism.

Genres

Dub Poetry

Reggae

Related Artists

Ras Michael and The Sons Of Negus

Mutabaruka

Andrew Tosh

Apple Gabriel

The Meditations

I-Roy

Ras Michael

Ras Attitude

Michael Prophet

Oku Onuora

Fred Locks

Prince Alla

Latest Release

Life and Debt (Dub)

Mutabaruka

Single - Released July 19, 2024