Although he is known for easy-listening songs like ‘Envious’ and ‘Same Thing For Breakfast’, Keith Poppin has always written and recorded on serious topics. On ‘Speak Out’, his latest song, the veteran singer reaches out to Africa.

Poppin, who is based in North Carolina, bemoans the lack of unity in the Motherland. He has particular interest in the West African countries of Ghana and Nigeria.

“I always look at those countries ‘cause dat’s where I think most Jamaicans are descended from. Reggae also get a lotta respect in those places,” he said.

Produced by Poppin, ‘Speak Out’ is the follow-up to ‘Africa Calling’, which was also inspired by developments on the continent. Veteran musicians Grub Cooper (drums), Dwight Pinkney (guitar) and Keith Francis on bass played on ‘Speak Out’.

Like most reggae artists who came of age during the Black Power era of the 1970s, Poppin admired freedom fighters such as Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania and Samora Machel of Mozambique.

One of his great ambitions is to perform in Africa.

“It doesn’t matter which country, it’s all about spreading the message,” said Poppin.

 WRITTEN BY HOWARD CAMPBELL