What does it mean to be Proud To Be Black in today's world?

In this special Reggae Hour Podcast conversation recorded during International Reggae Day, Mr. E sits down with Jamaican-born, Toronto-based reggae artist Iyagrade for a wide-ranging discussion about identity, conscious music, reggae culture, the African diaspora, resilience, and why artists have a responsibility to leave a legacy.

Iyagrade shares the deeper meaning behind his name, explaining that it represents Higher Upliftment and reflects his mission to create music that is positive, healing, educational, and rooted in purpose. Rather than chasing trends, he discusses blending reggae with hip hop while remaining true to his Jamaican identity and cultural foundation.

The conversation explores:

• The message behind Proud To Be Black
• Why reggae is a vehicle for healing and resilience
• Building on the legacy left by previous generations
• The importance of knowing your roots
• Jamaica's influence on Canada's reggae community
• Black identity across the global diaspora
• Why unity is stronger than division
• How every person's talent contributes to preserving culture
• Creating music that motivates people instead of simply entertaining them
• Why conscious reggae still matters in today's world

One of the most memorable moments comes when Iyagrade reflects on the importance of using individual talents to serve others. Inspired by a speech from Lauryn Hill, he argues that broadcasters, artists, photographers, and creators each have a role in preserving culture and making history together rather than competing against one another.

He also discusses why his music focuses on uplifting listeners, carrying messages of resilience, and encouraging people to know their history while continuing to build upon the foundation laid by previous generations.

This episode is part of Reggae Hour's ongoing mission to preserve reggae history through conversations with today's artists while documenting tomorrow's cultural archive.

• Iyagrade Interview
• Proud To Be Black
• Conscious Reggae
• International Reggae Day
• Black Identity
• Jamaican Culture
• Canadian Reggae
• Reggae Music
• African Diaspora
• Legacy Building
• Healing Through Music
• Roots Reggae
• Conscious Music
• Independent Reggae Artists
• Reggae Hour Podcast

If you believe reggae is more than entertainment and serves as history, healing, education, and resistance, subscribe to Reggae Hour and join us as we preserve the voices shaping reggae culture for future generations.

Every interview is another chapter in the living archive.

One Love. One Voice. One Culture. One Legacy.