Mutabaruka

Allan Hope CD, known as Mutabaruka (born 26 December 1952), is a Jamaican Rastafari dub poet, musician, actor, educator, and radio talk-show host. Born in Rae Town, Kingston, Jamaica, he became drawn to the Rastafari movement in his youth, adopting dreadlocks, an ital diet, and the name Mutabaruka, meaning “one who is always victorious” in Kinyarwanda. Early exposure to progressive literature, including works by Eldridge Cleaver and Malcolm X, shaped his focus on politics, culture, Black liberation, social oppression, discrimination, poverty, racism, sexism, and religion. Mutabaruka’s artistic career began in the early 1970s, publishing poetry in magazines such as Swing and performing live with his band, Truth. He gained popularity with recordings like Outcry and Every Time a Ear Di Sound, and performed at major reggae events, including Reggae Sunsplash. Over the years, he collaborated with artists such as Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown, released influential albums including The Mystery Unfolds, and curated compilations like Word Sound ‘ave Power. His work expanded internationally in the 1980s and 1990s, influencing both reggae and broader musical genres, including house music through samples of his poetry. From the 2000s onward, Mutabaruka has combined performance, teaching, and activism. He lectured at Stanford University, taught African-American studies at Merritt College, narrated the documentary Life and Debt, and appeared on television programs such as Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Known for his outspoken views on religion, politics, and social justice, he has also advocated for cannabis decriminalization. His cultural contributions were recognized by the Jamaican government in 2016 with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class, one of the country’s highest honors.