Nyahbinghi Drummers performing at the celebration of the 121st anniversary of the birth of National Hero Marcus Garvey at Irie FM in Ocho Rios.

Is Burning Spear's vintage lamentation, No One Remembers Old Marcus Garvey, still relevant? For sure, back in the day when that anthem bemoaning the lack of interest in and knowledge of the country's first national hero, and above all, prophet, was released, it hit not only the record charts, but the nerves and conscience of a conventional value system.

That hit song, in the classic sense of the word, is more than a work of artistic expression. It is a call for action from Burning Spear, who, like Bob Marley and Justin Hinds, hails from St Ann, the parish in which his most famous ancestor to whom he often pays homage in music, was born.

It is therefore, no coincidence, that what was perhaps the biggest Marcus Mosiah Garvey birthday celebration ever was put on by the St Ann-based Irie FM radio station. The celebration of the 121st anniversary of the birth of this philosopher, held on the Irie FM grounds, despite the stormy weather, had in attendance the widest cross-section of society anyone could think of. The atmosphere was one of a Irie vibration.

There was a cluster of vehicles parked outside along the roadway. There were colourful banners fluttering in the wind in front of the gate where numerous vendors doing brisk business providing refreshment and competition to their counterparts inside.

Despite the fact that this was a free event, the attendance, in light of the prevailing weather condition, was unbelievable to say the least.

The premises was transformed into a bustling marketplace with a lecturer theatre and an exciting showground with tents all around displaying merchandise such as books, authentic African clothing, art and craft, as well as healthy natural cuisine. Some people even camped on the ground overnight, despite a tropical storm warning.

Nevertheless, come Sunday, with early morning showers and overcast skies for the better part of the day, it was something to behold. Marcus Garvey would have been impressed. For him, it was a birthday anniversary like no other. It was a family affair - regular folk, popular entertainers, broadcasters, members of the security forces and top ranking politicians without any visible sign of a bodyguard, all mingled together.

Within the lexicon of the Rastafari culture, the word "Irie" means "glory", and that's what the celebration was. The day was marked by some glorious presentations in the spoken word, music, songs and dances.

The morning segment, which was carried live on Irie FM's weekly Running African Sunday programme from 6:00 to 11:00 am, hosted by Andrea Williams and guest host Cecil Gutzmore, featured interviews and speeches by members of parliament from St Ann, Shahine Robinson and Othneil Lawrence; displays by Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, Nyahbinghi Drummers, Dinki Mini, Kencot Steel Band, performance by the spoken word trio Royal African Soldiers and the relaunch of the Pan-African Reporter publication.

In the afternoon the action moved to the centre stage for the main address from noted Pan Africanist, Garvey Scholar and Egyptologist, Dr Leonard Jeffries. Mayor of St Ann Bay, Councillor Ivan Anderson also brought greetings.

This segment also delivered an exciting entertainment package featuring the Carifolk Singers; Irie FM Big Break winner, Prophecy; Dean Fraser; Cherry Natural; Queen Ifrika; Etana; Tony Rebel and Tarrus Riley. Part of this segment, which began with Mutabaruka's musical selections, was also broadcast live on Irie FM.

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