Ziggy Marley’s “See Dem Fake Leaders” A Prophetic Call to Justice and Unity

Reggae music has always been a political force — a weapon of resistance and truth. Bob Marley and the Wailers set that foundation, using their music to expose corruption, uplift the oppressed, and call for peace and justice. Ziggy Marley, while not always as politically outspoken as his father, channels that same energy in "See Dem Fake Leaders." In this song, Ziggy strips away the illusion of leadership, exposing the global system of exploitation and fear that keeps people divided and suffering. His message is clear: the system is broken, and the people must lead themselves to peace and unity.

Ziggy begins his song with a sharp indictment of those in power:

"In the power of places they sit, from religion to politics, riding the wave of fear…"

This line cuts to the heart of modern governance. Politicians and religious leaders use fear to maintain control — whether through disease, war, or economic instability. The references to fire as a weapon of fear recall the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, which many see as the result of environmental mismanagement and negligence. Ziggy’s words sound prophetic, but they are simply a reflection of the harsh reality that global leaders refuse to address the root causes of human suffering.

Monetary Corruption and Economic Oppression

Ziggy touches on a critical truth that most politicians and financial institutions would rather keep hidden: the global economy is a system of theft. When the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1971, money ceased to have any real backing. Governments and central banks have since manipulated currencies, printing money endlessly, causing inflation and eroding the wealth of ordinary people. High interest rates are not just a tool to curb inflation — they are a mechanism for consolidating wealth and power in the hands of the elite.

Politicians — whether the Biden administration or Donald Trump — have all played a role in this systemic fraud. They claim to work for the people, but their policies serve the interests of banks and corporations. Ziggy reminds us that the people have been misled for generations:

"Making enemy out of friends…"

The political divide in America, where hatred for Biden or Trump has become almost religious in nature, is a manufactured tool of control. Division keeps people distracted while the financial and political elite consolidate power. Left or right, Democrat or Republican — it’s two sides of the same coin. Ziggy’s message echoes the core truth of reggae: the people must see through the illusion and unite.

Global Conflict and the Price of Power

Ziggy’s critique extends beyond the economy to the human cost of war and political dominance. The ongoing wars in Israel and Palestine, the Russian invasion of Ukraine — these are not accidental conflicts. They are fueled by governments and corporations profiting from destruction and death. Arms manufacturers and energy companies thrive on war, and the lives of innocent men, women, and children are sacrificed for political gain.

"If only they could lead the world to love and prosperity…" Ziggy sings, highlighting the tragic irony that peace is not difficult — it’s just not profitable. Leaders are not interested in harmony; they are interested in legacy, control, and wealth. The system is designed to sustain itself through conflict and division

Reggae as the Solution

But reggae music is not just a call-out — it’s a call to action. Ziggy doesn’t leave us in despair; he offers a vision of unity and redemption. In the closing lines of "See Dem Fake Leaders," he sings:

"Now I can see where we will be, and what is good for humanity — not ruled by doctrines of supremacy or ideologies of bigotry."

Ziggy’s solution is simple yet profound: love, unity, and self-governance. Reggae has always stood as a spiritual force, giving a voice to the oppressed and inspiring action. Bob Marley’s music taught the world that the people hold the power — that governments and systems of oppression only thrive when the people remain divided.

Ziggy’s message is clear: the system can be fixed, but those in power refuse to fix it because the system benefits them. The solution lies not in politicians or policies, but in the collective strength of the people. Division is their weapon — unity is ours.

As Ziggy Marley carries the torch passed down from his father, he reminds us that reggae is not just music — it’s a revolution. A spiritual and political awakening. And in a world ruled by fear and corruption, the people must be the ones to lead the way to peace and justice.