1948 – Birth of Jamaican Poet Mutabaruka

Jamaican poet, musician, and cultural critic Mutabaruka was born on May 29, 1948. Renowned for his fiery spoken word and Rastafarian philosophy, Mutabaruka used dub poetry to confront colonial legacies, systemic oppression, and spiritual liberation. His work blends traditional Jamaican oral forms with global revolutionary themes, making him a key figure in Pan-African cultural expression. Through radio, literature, and international performances, Mutabaruka has championed Black pride, decolonization, and African heritage. His birth date marks the emergence of one of the Caribbean’s most uncompromising cultural voices. Celebrated for pushing boundaries and speaking truth to power, he remains a symbol of intellectual independence and cultural resistance. May 29 honors his contributions to Jamaican and global Black thought, inspiring new generations to reclaim their histories, identities, and voices through art and activism.