With the 138th anniversary of Marcus Garvey’s birth less than one month away, singer Don G is using a line from one of the Pan African icon’s greatest speeches, to empower fans.

That line inspired ‘Free’, his latest song, which is produced by Natty Megs.

“Free is a heartfelt plea for people to free their minds from hate, greed and mental slavery and live in love in these times,” said the artiste, who lives in Luxembourg.

The roots-reggae single is one of several songs Don G has recorded in the past year. Others include Internal Fire, produced by Love Star Music, and Real Warrior, produced by Jeffafah Sound.

Garvey’s famous quote that, “We are going to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind,” has been used by many notable figures. Bob Marley cited it for Redemption Song, the acoustic classic from Uprising, his 1980 album.

Born on August 17, 1887 in St Ann, Garvey founded the Pan African movement during the early 1900s and encouraged black pride through his United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

Jamaica’s first National Hero, he died in London in 1940 at age 52.

The St Catherine-born Don G recently completed a round of promotional appearances in the United Kingdom. He performed at City Splash Festival on May 26 in Brixton, south London, alongside Tarrus Riley and Popcaan.

“It’s another milestone for me in life and music, that’s City Splash, a renowned reggae festival with a lot of major acts. It’s really a great look for my career,” said Don G.

—Howard Campbell