In an era where reggae’s roots sometimes feel overshadowed by commercial trends, Kingston-born, Grammy-winning artist Kabaka Pyramid stands tall, waving the flag for truth, culture, and global consciousness.
His 2023 Grammy win for Best Reggae Album with his sophomore record The Kalling was not only a personal triumph—it was a landmark achievement for the entire roots reggae movement and at the forefront of The Kalling is the single “Red, Gold & Green”, a standout anthem that features none other than reggae royalty Damian “Jr Gong” Marley.
Together, the two deliver a powerful tribute to the foundational colors of Rastafari—red for the blood of martyrs, gold for the wealth of the motherland, and green for the richness of African soil. But more than just symbols, these colors represent a movement, a mindset, and a call for unity and resistance in the face of oppression. In a recent interview with The Pier, Kabaka
shares,
“That one came late in the process of working on The Kalling. Damian Marley produced the whole album, and we were in the studio working together. We felt like we needed a hard-hitting reggae song that could play anywhere—Jamaica, Europe, the U.S.—with a universal sound and message,”
The song’s title, “Red, Gold & Green”, is more than just a nod to Rastafari. It’s a cultural declaration—an assertion that roots reggae still has something important to say in today’s world. Over a thunderous and rhythmically rich reggae riddim, Kabaka Pyramid and Jr Gong Marley trade verses that are sharp, articulate, and unwavering in their message. They address identity, justice, spiritual awareness, and liberation—not from a nostalgic perspective, but as a call to action in the present. Kabaka continues,
“The session started with Julian Marley playing keys—he found the chord progression. Then we added some bass, and Damian programmed the drums on the MPC. I grabbed the demo mic and started messing around with melodies. That’s when “Red, Gold & Green” came. We worked out the chorus in the studio. I took it home, recorded some verses, then went back to the studio. Damian and I tweaked the verses, and he got inspired to drop a verse too. That’s how it came together,”
What makes “Red, Gold & Green” particularly potent is the way it bridges generations and audiences. Kabaka Pyramid, known for his lyrical precision and Pan-African themes, pairs seamlessly with Damian Marley, whose decades of work have cemented his status as a torchbearer for reggae’s global voice. Their collaboration feels less like a feature and more like a fusion—two powerful voices harmonizing with a shared purpose.
The song isn’t just for reggae purists either. With its infectious groove and anthemic chorus, “Red, Gold & Green” has become one of Kabaka’s biggest tracks to date, resonating with both longtime fans and newcomers alike. It stands as a testament to the idea that music with a message can still move the masses.
In an age when genre lines are blurred and image often overshadows message, “Red, Gold & Green” makes a clear and confident statement: this is not about trends—this is about truth. There’s no catering to commercial fads here. Instead, the track revels in the authenticity of roots reggae, reminding listeners of the genre’s revolutionary core.
“The message is simple—red, gold, and green are the colors of the Ethiopian flag, the banner of Rastafari. It’s about the meaning we give the flag, what we carry across the world through reggae music. That’s the mission,” he said.
Both Kabaka and Jr Gong have made it clear that this music is about more than entertainment—it’s about enlightenment. “This song is a celebration of freedom, a connection to Africa, and a call for equality,” Kabaka says. “We need these messages now more than ever.”
What gives “Red, Gold & Green” its timeless quality is how directly it speaks to today’s political and social climate. As global systems grapple with inequality, conflict, and cultural erosion, the song urges listeners—especially those in power—to heed the wisdom of Rastafari. It’s not just a spiritual message—it’s a political one too. The track echoes with the legacy of resistance that reggae has always carried, urging consciousness, compassion, and courage.
Whether played in the streets of Kingston, on festival stages in Europe, or through headphones around the world, “Red, Gold & Green” is a reminder that reggae still matters. It still heals. It still fights.
In “Red, Gold & Green”, Kabaka Pyramid and Damian Marley have crafted more than just a song—they’ve reignited a flame. It’s a vivid, dynamic reminder of reggae’s revolutionary roots and Rastafari’s enduring message of unity, pride, and liberation. As the red, gold, and green banner continues to fly high, so too does the hope that music like this can spark change—one conscious listener at a time.
