Dukes Of Roots and Darius Rucker honor overcoming oppression and injustice in the powerful single, “John Punch”

Photo courtesy of Dukes Of Roots.

Dukes Of Roots and Darius Rucker honor overcoming oppression and injustice in the powerful single, “John Punch”.

According to a release, the song “explores the story of the first slave in the United States and the injustices he faced.” The song is the fourth single dropped ahead of the band’s debut album due out later this year and is yet another example of reggae music’s power to highlight important societal topics and history.

The track was produced by Sean ‘YoungPow’ Diedrick.

The band reflected on the track saying, “One day, during a break from recording, we started talking about how amazing it is that three people from different countries and cultures somehow found each other and decided to create new roots reggae music together. This conversation led to a deeper discussion about the emigration of Africans to The United States, most not by choice. It was this discussion that inspired us to write ‘John Punch.’ The song tells the story of the first slave in the United States, the passage, families in Africa and the injustice.”

The pairing of Dukes of Roots and Rucker make this a stand out reggae song in 2023, and Rucker also reflected on the collaboration in a release.

“I’ve always loved roots reggae music and I was honored when Dukes of Roots asked me to join them on this song. I was blown away by their talent and passion for telling stories through music. John Punch is a powerful song that speaks to our history and our humanity. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

By CB.