As Reggae Month celebrations intensify across the Caribbean, the genre’s legacy of resistance and social commentary is once again taking centre stage with a new collaborative release focused on reparatory justice.
Grammy-winning artist Gramps Morgan has teamed up with Gassy Dread — the recording identity of Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne — for a new single titled Reparations, set for release this Friday. The track addresses the long-term impact of colonialism and slavery across the Caribbean and wider African diaspora.
Morgan said the project goes beyond entertainment, noting that its debut during both Reggae Month and Black History Month highlights reggae’s historic role in liberation movements and social advocacy.
“I believe it is a conversation that must continue to be had,” Morgan said, referring to the issue of reparations. “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 added that while the message is not new, artistes have a responsibility to keep the issue alive in public discourse.
“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.
Morgan noted that aligning the song with the 2026 Reggae Month theme, “Rhythms of Resilience,” was intentional, describing the release as both a tribute and a call for continued advocacy.
“I pray that people can be re-awakened to the issue once again, especially in the Caribbean and those in America,” he said. “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 expressed hope that the song would resonate with countries historically linked to the transatlantic slave trade, including Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Portugal, encouraging renewed dialogue on reparatory justice.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Morgan described working with Browne as seamless and inspiring, praising the Antiguan leader’s artistic ability and vision.
“It was very easy working with the Prime Minister of Antigua. I was impressed that he wanted to tackle a project like this,” Morgan 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 Browne and Morgan, with production by Justin “Juss Buss” Nation.
