It is 11 September 2026 are met 39 years since the death of Peter Tosh, one of the most influential figures, rebels and visionaries of Jamaican music and the 20th century.
The 11 September 1987, his voice was physically silenced in Kingston, Jamaica. However, almost four decades later, his word, Its sound and power continue to span generations, borders and languages.
Peter Tosh was never just a musician. He understood reggae as a tool of awareness and used his voice to denounce racism, inequality, oppression and the structures that, in your opinion, They kept human beings away from their true freedom.
His message was uncomfortable because he was never born to please.
Tosh spoke when many preferred to remain silent. He defended equal rights and justice without concessions, and turned songs like “Equal Rights”, “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Legalize It” in cultural expressions that transcended their time.
Therefore, Talking only about his death is insufficient. Peter Tosh transcended.
His body left this life that 11 September 1987, but his thoughts remained alive in his recordings, interviews, Photographs, testimonials and, above all, in millions of people who continue to find meaning in his words.
From Jamaica to Chile: the fire continues
This anniversary takes on an especially deep meaning for those of us who have dedicated part of our lives to research., spread and preserve the memory of Peter Tosh.
During the first days of September 2026, Chile received the historic visit by Roger Steffens, one of the most important archivists, international researchers and historians of reggae culture. Steffens arrived accompanied by Mary Steffens to participate in the promotion of my work “Word, Sound and Power – Peter Tosh”.
The presence of both in our country represented much more than a visit. It was the meeting between decades of reggae memory and a project born in Chile with the purpose of bringing the story of Peter Tosh closer to the Spanish-speaking world..
For years I have researched documents, interviews, testimonies and events of his life, trying to understand not only the artist, but also the man behind the legend.
From that journey was born “Word, Sound and Power”, a documentary novel that seeks to reconstruct its history from a narrative perspective and reclaim the human dimension, spiritual, political and cultural of one of the most important figures of the 20th century.
Roger and Mary Steffens' visit to Chile, just a few days before this anniversary, acquired a special symbolism. It was as if different generations and territories met to keep the same flame alive..
During your visit, Mary Steffens expressed a phrase that remained deeply engraved in us: Peter had lit a fire.
Perhaps therein lies the true significance of his legacy.. A man can physically disappear, but an idea continues to travel.
From Jamaica to the United States.
From the United States to Chile.
From Chile to Latin America.
Thirty-nine years later, Peter Tosh continues speaking.
His voice remains with those who still question injustice, in those who defend equality and in those who use music as a tool of awareness. It also remains in each new generation that discovers that behind those songs there was a man willing to pay an enormous price to say what he believed in..
It is 11 September we remember not only the day Peter Tosh left this earthly plane. We also remember the beginning of another dimension of your existence: the transcendence.
As long as there is someone willing to listen to your message, research its history, tell it again and pass it on to another generation, the fire will continue to burn.
Peter Tosh lives by his word.
Peter Tosh lives in his sound.
Peter Tosh lives in his power.
Thirty-nine years later, the message continues. Let's keep the fire burning.
By José María Caro (@DUBX)
Author of the book “Word, Sound and Power – Peter Tosh”
Chile, 11 September 2026
