The African Philosophy

Did you know some lyrics of the "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley were obtained from Marcus Garvey's speech of 1937? Garvey, a Pan-Africanist, states that the “African philosophy” is the only thing that will “save” African people. He adds that this philosophy requires Africans to free their minds from slavery since all people were created equal. In his speech, Garvey insists that Africans should think independently, for if not, “we (Africans) are absolute and positive slaves.” Marley echoes Garvey’s words by saying that, “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds.”  For “Even the worst of your own is better than the best of the other,” Garvey said.

After reading Garvey’s speech and listening to Marley’s song, I came to a conclusion that the "African philosophy" might have influenced Kenyan freedom fighters to request for colonial reparations. These guerrillas are claiming what is rightfully theirs! Do you agree with me? As you think about it, click on the video below, relax, and enjoy!

Redemption Song

   Old pirates, yes, they rob I;

Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit.
But my hand was made strong
By the 'and of the Almighty.
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly.

Won't you help to sing
Another songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look? Ooh!
Some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfill de book.

Won't you help to sing
Another songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

[Guitar break]

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind.
Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fulfill the book.

Won't you help to sing
Another songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever had:
Redemption songs -
All I ever had:
Redemption songs:
Another songs of freedom,
Songs of freedom.