
← Reggae Hour | Reggae Interviews, History & Culture7 jul · 45 min
Iyagrade on Black Identity, Reggae, Healing & Building a Legacy | Reggae Hour Podcast
What does it really mean to be proud to be Black—and what responsibility does reggae have in preserving that identity?
In this special International Reggae Day episode of Reggae Hour, Mr. E sits down with Canadian reggae artist Iyagrade for a thoughtful conversation about culture, consciousness, and the future of reggae music.
Far beyond entertainment, Iyagrade shares why reggae remains a vehicle for education, upliftment, and global unity. The discussion explores the importance of embracing African heritage, supporting emerging artists, and ensuring that reggae continues to inspire future generations without losing its Jamaican roots.
This conversation is part of Reggae Hour's ongoing mission to preserve reggae history through meaningful conversations with the voices shaping the culture today.
In This Episode
• What being "Proud to Be Black" really means.
• Why Africa remains central to reggae consciousness.
• The importance of investing in young talent.
• Keeping reggae authentic while embracing a global audience.
• The responsibility every reggae artist has to leave the culture stronger than they found it.
• Why International Reggae Day should be more than a celebration—it should be a commitment.
Whether you've followed reggae for decades or you're just discovering the music, this episode offers a powerful reminder that reggae is more than a genre—it is a philosophy, a movement, and a living cultural archive.