Yasus Afari: A Grammy Journey Three Decades in the Making

More than three decades after lending his voice and lyrical prowess to a Grammy-nominated project, dub poet Yasus Afari has finally received official Grammy certification—proof that sometimes justice, though delayed, can still be rewarding.

Back in 1993, Duckie Simpson of the iconic reggae group Black Uhuru invited Afari to collaborate on recordings and global tours. What followed was a fruitful partnership that saw the poet and the band gracing television screens, recording studios, and international stages—from Brazil to Europe (12 countries), the Caribbean, and 32 U.S. states. Their synergy produced several memorable recordings, including a remake of Peter Gabriel’s “Mercy Street,” a refreshed take on Black Uhuru’s own classic “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” and the standout original track “Brand New World.” Written by Yasus Afari and Duckie Simpson, “Brand New World” was featured on Black Uhuru’s 1994 Grammy-nominated album, Black Uhuru ‘Strongg,’ released through Warner-affiliated Mesa Blue Moon. The song’s impact was so powerful that Afari earned the nickname “Brown Uhuru.”

A Grammy Nod—30 Years in the Making

Thanks to ongoing advocacy from music industry veterans, the Recording Academy and RIAA have been working to ensure all key contributors to Grammy-nominated and winning albums are properly recognized. This year, that recognition finally came full circle for Yasus Afari.

“It came many, many years after we recorded the project, but it feels great,” Afari told Caribbean National Weekly in an exclusive interview. “Glad the Grammy did the right thing—as my contribution was vital to the album’s success.”

Poetry Meets Reggae: A Grammy Twist

In an interesting twist, Afari’s own 2023 album Golden Spoon Maroon, released via VP Records, was initially intended for the Poetry/Spoken Word category—now formally recognized by the Grammys. However, the Academy opted instead to place the album in the reggae category, where it secured official Grammy consideration.

“Many people believe it would have gotten a Grammy Award if it were accepted as a Poetry/Spoken Word album. So, the writing is on the wall,” Afari noted. Despite the category shift, Golden Spoon Maroon earned critical acclaim and was ranked among the Top 5 Reggae Albums in Australia in 2023.

Not Resting on His Laurels

Now with Grammy credentials finally in hand, Yasus Afari is looking ahead. He’s deep in preparations for the 15th Annual Jamaica Poetry Festival (JPF) 2025, taking place at the University of Technology on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The festival features a powerful lineup including: Mutabaruka, Professor Mervyn Morris, singer Tony Gregory, festival Founder/Director Yasus Afari, Vivian Crawford, Coleen Douglas, Hugo Barrington, Mik (Afari’s daughter), Calvin Mitchell, All-Star Drummers, and more.

Afari will also represent Jamaica as part of a 10-member delegation at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from which he will return just in time for the festival. The Expo is expected to host 160 countries and attract over 28 million visitors.

With an event-packed calendar and a renewed sense of purpose, Yasus continues to amplify Jamaican culture on the global stage—one rhyme, rhythm, and revolutionary word at a time. What will he achieve next? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the world is watching.