Release Info/credits
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Jamaican Singer-Songwriter Minna LaFortune Releases Powerful Reggae Anthem “The Black Star Liner”**
**Celebrating Unity, African Diaspora, and the Vision of Marcus Garvey**
Brooklyn, NY – APRIL 17, 2024- Minna LaFortune, a rising star in the reggae world, has released a stirring new single titled “The Black Star Liner.” The uplifting anthem pays homage to Jamaican national hero Marcus Garvey and his teachings of African liberation, self-reliance, and Pan-Africanism.
“The Black Star Liner” is a reggae song with a driving rhythm that invites the listener to join the symbolic Black Star Liner, a shipping company founded by Garvey in 1919, and journey to Africa on a “mission of love and togetherness”. The lyrics express the pride, hope, and love that the Jamaican people have for Africa and the African diaspora, as well as the determination and courage to overcome challenges and create a more prosperous future with other Africans.
The song is inspired by the philosophy of Marcus Garvey and the music of Bob Marley and Burning Spear, two of the most influential reggae artists who embraced Garvey’s teachings and spread them to the world. The song also predicts changes that were going to happen in the Jamaican-African Bond and in Africa that were in keeping with the vision of Marcus Garvey.
With its dynamic reggae rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, “The Black Star Liner” takes listeners on a metaphorical journey from Jamaica to the African continent. “The Black Star Liner” metaphor is so powerful because it represents the dream vehicle that will carry African peoples back to their ancestral homeland,” said LaFortune. “Just as Marcus Garvey founded the actual shipping company in 1919 to facilitate the return to Africa, my song envisions a symbolic journey where we’re all aboard that ‘liner’ headed to the continent with pride, unity and determination. The Black Star Liner embodies the hopes of the pan-African movement.”
The song’s powerful chorus declares:
“On the Black Star Liner, we coming from Jamaica
On the Black Star Liner, we going to Africa
With the words of Marcus
And the strength we possess
We’re on a mission of love and togetherness”
Throughout the verses, Minna draws inspiration from the words and wisdom of revered figures like Garvey, Bob Marley, and Burning Spear. The lyrics beckon people of the African diaspora to unite, stand tall with courage, resilience, and love for one another.
**Verse 2:**
Long is the journey but we’re holding strong!
We will never give up, cause we are champions
In our hearts we know! Jah will lead the way
And inspire us to build a much brighter day!
“‘The Black Star Liner’ is my humble contribution to keeping Marcus Garvey’s dream alive – that one day, African peoples across the world will come together in the spirit of pride, self-determination, and unity,” said LaFortune. “It’s a reminder that despite our struggles, we have an unbreakable strength that will ultimately lead us to a brighter future.”
The song also honors the Jamaican-African bond through reggae music and the legendary reggae icons namely Bob Marley and Burning Spear and their message of peace , love and African Unity.
**Bridge:**
We standing proud with our flags held high
Black, Green and Gold flying in sky
Bringing music for your meditation
Music for your salvation
Chanting chanting like Burning Spear!
The Black Star Liner is coming! Change is in the air!
**Verse 4:**
The Black Star Liner ….. Takes us to a brighter day
Where the power of love, will light our way
With the words of Garvey, Marley and Spear
The Black Star Liner is coming!!…Love is in the air
Minna says that the song is a tribute to the legacy of Marcus Garvey and the influence of reggae music on her life and career. “I grew up listening to Bob Marley and Burning Spear, and I learned a lot from their messages of peace, justice, and liberation. I also admire Marcus Garvey for his vision and courage, and I wanted to honor him and his followers who dreamed of a better future for Africa and the African diaspora.”
With its powerful message and infectious grooves, “The Black Star Liner” is sure to become an anthem among reggae fans and all those seeking empowerment, inspiration, and hope. The single is available now on all major streaming platforms.
ABOUT MINNA LAFORTUNE
Minna LaFortune is a Jamaican-born singer/songwriter who infuses her music with the essence of reggae, Soca, ska, dancehall, and hip-hop to create a captivating, inspiring sound. Her songs are narratives of joy, love, and empowerment, rooted in her Jamaican heritage and life journey.
Minna LaFortune’s musical voyage began in Jamaica, where she was immersed in the melodies of her homeland. Relocating to the U.S. at 30, she continued nurturing her passion while contributing to the Caribbean diaspora’s cultural fabric.
Her debut EP “Dance with Me” Volume 1, released in June 2023, showcases her originality and song writing skills, her artistic range on themes from romance to social commentary. The festive “Caribbean Christmas” album followed in December 2023, fusing vibrant Caribbean styles. LaFortune is currently working on “Dance with Me” Volume 2, set for a 2024 release and continuing her powerful musical legacy. Included in “Dance with Me” Volume 2, will be her recent releases “Reggae Music is Love to me” , “Don’t Drink your Sorrows” , The Black Star Liner and many more original songs.
Minna LaFortune is a voice of joy, love, and empowerment – her music celebrates her Jamaican heritage while calling the African Diaspora to action. With her songs, she aims to connect cultures and support meaningful causes.
For more on this inspiring artist, visit www.minnalafortune.com and follow her on social media. Support Minna’s musical journey as she continues inspiring and uniting through the power of reggae and other genres.
**Contact:**
Minna LaFortune
info@minnalafortune.com
917-771-7935
Song/album purchase link
https://open.spotify.com/album/6ek6E7cVO8MnlzXrF1eI5F
