A proud graduate of Wolmer’s Boys’ High School, Garfield “Sampalue” Phillips credits his years at that institution for developing an appreciation of education.

The importance of learning is the theme for The Educator (Take Them Back to School), his latest song. It is scheduled for release on November 13.

Sampalue was inspired to write and record The Educator after watching a TikTok video of a girl calling for Jamaican artistes to record more songs with educational value.

“I want to reach the masses, given the fact that in my early childhood it wasn’t a good feeling to be called a dunce bat, but now it has become fashionable,” he said. “It makes no sense being an onlooker when you can contribute something positive to change the trajectory.”

The Educator’s message is complemented by a video filmed at Chetolah Park and St Anne’s primary schools in west Kingston, where Sampalue was raised.

“Attending Wolmer’s was, and is still the best part of my life. I have forged positive friendships that remain today,” said Sampalue. “High school prepares you for the journey ahead. It also instils discipline and respect for the views of others.”

The Educator is driven by a mento beat, a contrast to the hard-core dancehall songs he produced for Lady Saw in the early 1990s. Sampalue also produced songs by Dennis Brown for his Diamond Rush label.

Eight years ago, he launched his career as a vocalist and has released several singles and two albums. Unmistakable, his second album, was released in 2025.