This song is an inspirational classic roots reggae tune with powerful drumming featuring an original rhythm (“riddim”) which floats above the beat. Lyrically, the song speaks about reimagining Babylon while calling for justice and peace.
This track has an intriguing Goan (Konkani) connection. According to legend, Marley became friendly with a Goan man who sang an infectious Konkani tune that sounds similar to what would become his song title.
Love For Humanity
Love for humanity refers to the belief that all humans are interdependent and cannot truly find fulfillment without loving others as well. It forms the cornerstone of all spiritual traditions – particularly Rastafarianism – as well as Jamaican culture which reflects reverence for the Creator and his works; inspiring many Jamaican artists to create music with positive messages in it.
Reggae music originated in Jamaica and has spread globally, often using local instruments and blending with different styles of music. Reggae is distinguished from other musical genres by its slower tempo than ska and rocksteady and use of guitar and piano offbeats; as well as syncopated bass lines with quarter note/eighth note rhythm.
Zion is used in Judaism and Israel as an allegory for Jerusalem and Israel; within Rastafarianism it serves more as an abstraction representing utopianism and peace between all humanity. Haile Selassie of Ethiopia famously defied colonial European control through his rule as Ethiopian leader – Haile Selassie was another personification of Zion who was often associated with Haile Selassie et al.
Zion is an internationally-acclaimed singer/songwriter who has shared the stage with artists such as Ziggy Marley, Joseph Israel and Pato Banton. In 2017 alone he performed over 20 countries – his latest single Love For Humanity released via Lion Roots Studio and Treble Makers Studio recordings was an international hit!
Zion’s music is an eclectic fusion of roots reggae, ska and rocksteady styles with Jamaican dancehall music as an influence, as well as African traditional sounds. Their lyrics speak of love for humanity while calling for social justice and unity – they’re also staunch environmental activists, performing at numerous environmental events!
Reggae music has long been popular across California and Hawaii, where bands such as Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure have established an extensive presence. Their performances can also be found elsewhere such as New York City or Washington D.C. The genre also enjoys considerable renown abroad: bands such as UB40 have grown immensely popular there.
World Revolution
Reggae has become Jamaica’s primary popular music style since the late 1960s, stemming from cultural hybridity of Caribbean cultures such as rural mento and urban Jamaican rhythm and beat styles like ska and rocksteady. Recently, UNESCO recognized reggae as part of their Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
Reggae music emerged early on as an avenue of political protest against social injustice, speaking for people’s struggles against colonialism, racism and oppression of any kind. Reggae became part of Michael Manley’s Democratic Socialism during the 1970s as well as providing moral support to armed liberation movements across Africa during that decade. Reggae also fostered an identity among Black people both globally and locally embodied by Bob Marley’s band The Wailers with their “Africans Unite” mantra as they united against injustice – something reggae helped sparking in other musical forms like jazz.
Reggae was an invaluable unifier during South Africa’s apartheid era, serving to bring different cultural groups and demographics together through music. Lucky Dube released over 25 albums which blended reggae with Mbaqanga (traditional tribal dance and drumming). Reggae later made an impactful statement in post-Yugoslav music scenes with Haustor, Sarlo Akrobata, Laboratorija Zvuka bands using reggae music fused with other genres blending reggae alongside traditional genres.
Reggae music in England underwent a dramatic evolution during the 1980s, reflecting its multiracial population and drawing influence from Jamaican artists like Smiley Culture and Carroll Thompson. A subgenre called lovers rock emerged that blended Jamaican patois with Cockney slang. At this same time, American reggae music made its debut, with bands like Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid and Stick Figure creating their unique blend of reggae with other genres such as ska, rock and punk – commonly referred to as Cali reggae. Other international artists have mixed their own culture with reggae music, such as Ugandan musician Papa Cidy who uses gospel-influenced reggae beats and bass guitar for his message of hope. Dub Colossus and Invisible System from Ethiopia fuse reggae with traditional Malian music while beats, drums, and bass guitar from reggae are integrated into local Sudanese tunes.
Upright
Reggae songs can provide an uplifting boost of positive energy to anyone’s day, making this track by Jamaican singer Desta Zion an excellent addition to any playlist and sure to uplift and brighten any day! This song by Jamaican singer Desta Zion features drums and bass to provide even more energy-filled beats that’ll brighten your day!
Zion takes musical inspiration from Bob Marley and his music’s emphasis on positivity and lifting people’s spirits. It has touched many lives around the globe and spread positivity everywhere it goes.
Reggae music hailing from Jamaica combines elements from various genres, such as rhythm and blues, jazz, mento (a celebratory rural folk form used as dance music in rural communities), calypso and traditional African folk rhythms. Reggae typically utilizes slower tempos than its Jamaican counterparts ska and rocksteady while emphasizing offbeat rhythms that emphasize beats within a measure.
Reggae music is most renowned for its call and response technique. This technique involves vocalists singing out lyrics in an inflection style before instrumentalists respond with musical notes reminiscent of reggae music’s unique sound. Furthermore, bass guitars add their distinct sound.
“Positive Vibration” became a top ten hit in the UK and an international reggae standard during a time of great upheaval in Jamaica due to misinformation claiming Haile Selassie had died in Ethiopia; thus turning “Positive Vibration” from an upbeat tune into an emotive plea for peace.
Reggae fans love this song by The Wailers from 1972 and first released on Songs of Freedom box set. It tells a powerful tale about Jamaica’s struggle for independence; even today it can still be heard at reggae concerts!
Poor Man Crying
Zion, the reggae artist behind Poor Man Crying is one of his latest offerings to society and highlights sociopolitical issues within society, while calling upon individuals to display more tolerance and understanding towards others as well as economic stability and spiritual development. Zion has worked hard at spreading positive messages with his music over time.
Zion was born and raised in rural Dominica West Indies and is known for combining social commentary and spiritual revelation into driving drum rifts that resonate powerfully. This unique talent has allowed him to engage audiences from the Caribbean region on multiple occasions, even being invited by dancehall legend Bounty Killer to perform at New York’s premier outdoor Reggae festival Irie Jamboree festival between 2005 and 2006. He even brought down the house when performing at this iconic outdoor festival!
Zion has cultivated a hardworking spirit that has enabled him to master all aspects of music creation – writing, singing, recording and engineering. As a result, his fan base has expanded while some top producers in Jamaica have recognized him. Zion released his sixth album World Revolution in 2017!