August 17, 2026
Queen Ifrica & Tarrus Riley Honor Marcus Garvey
Written byK'Shema Francis-Pitt
Reggae singers Queen Ifrica and Tarrus Riley are among the entertainers paying tribute to Jamaica’s first National Hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, on the 139th anniversary of his birth.
Garvey was born on August 17, 1887, and is remembered as a visionary leader, publisher, and Pan-Africanist who championed the empowerment and advancement of people of African descent. He was also the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).
Queen Ifrica used social media to reflect on Garvey’s teachings, describing him as her “Elder” and suggesting that many people have yet to fully embrace his warnings and words.
“We will never forget you my Elder, you did try to warn us of these very days and guess what a Great many of us have still not even looked at your words,” she wrote.
Tarrus Riley also honored Garvey, sharing a tribute that read, “Forever in Our Hearts and Thoughts! Rt. Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey.”
The tributes from the two reggae entertainers come as Jamaica marks Marcus Garvey’s 139th birthday, with his influence continuing to resonate across music, culture, and conversations surrounding Black identity and empowerment.
