Not many young musicians carry the mantle of musical Pan-Africanism like Tarrus 'Singy Singy' Riley. The 31-year-old is a Garveyite and laces his lyrics with reflections on the 'motherland' and the greatness possessed by African peoples prior to European chattel slavery. It may come as a surprise to some that Riley hasn't yet had his chance to touch African soil.

Riley revealed that he was yet to go to Africa during a question and answer section of a presentation he made at the University of the West Indies, Mona. It was put on by Michael Barnett of the Department of Sociology and Social Work for black history month recently and was held under the theme 'Shaka Zulu Pickney', also the name of one of Riley's new songs.

plan to visit the motherland

"Spiritually, I feel like I go a Africa every day," the entertainer said. He then told audience members about a plan to visit the motherland that fizzled out recently. "The other day I was supposed to go to Africa with Monty Alexander, I pray, I read bout everything, I don't sleep, mi nervous ... mi pack mi bag all keep a likkle book fi record the journey," he told an amused audience. In the long run the artiste would be put off by a snowstorm. Though crestfallen, he said he has hopes of visiting the motherland soon and will treat Africans when he finally graces the continent.