Young Garvey Re-Releases 'No War' as Middle East Tensions Flare

Roots reggae singer Young Garvey says he was struck by the timing when he watched the Middle East crisis between the United States, Israel and Iran unfold, recalling that he had reflected on such hostilities in his song 'No War', released three years ago.

When American and Israeli forces began their bombing campaign on the Iranian capital Tehran in May, Young Garvey and producer Leroy Sibbles decided the moment was right to put the track back into circulation.

The artiste pointed to what he sees as an irony at the heart of the song: 'No War' takes the US to task over its own nuclear arsenal, the very thing President Donald Trump has accused Iran of pursuing.

“Di US have nuclear weapons, suh is not a one way ting. When these tings lead to war, I have a problem with dat, ‘cause we is all about peace,” Young Garvey told Observer Online.

Three years ago, the singer chose Trench Town as the backdrop for the 'No War' music video, hoping the location would carry his message further. The community, one of several labelled as garrisons in Jamaica, is where he spent part of his early years and witnessed gang and political conflict first-hand.

“Whether it’s nearby or global, war is not a good thing. Dat’s di message of di song,” the dreadlocked entertainer said.

'No War' is among several tracks Young Garvey has cut for Sibbles' Bright Beam imprint, alongside 'Cool Natty' and 'One More Sad Song'. The last of these grew out of the contentious killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020.

The artiste has continued to be productive in 2026, putting out 'What If' and 'Still Going On' since the start of the year.