The TV series Marcus Garvey’s Ghost has been gaining attention across the Caribbean, Canada, the UK, and communities interested in diaspora stories. Created by filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, the series blends history, humour, and ancestral storytelling to explore the impact of Marcus Garvey’s ideas across generations. Here are seven key things to know about the project, its origins, and why audiences around the world are connecting with it.
1. The Story Is Inspired by Real Historical Figures
The idea for Marcus Garvey’s Ghost grew from the memoir In The Black: My Life by Denham Jolly. The series follows a young Denham as he arrives in Toronto in the 1950s, where he boards at the home of Violet Williams, a leader in the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). The show blends these historical figures with a fictional spiritual guide—Garvey’s ghost—who appears to Miss Violet as she tries to keep the UNIA’s mission alive.
Producers shared with the media that the goal was to highlight the experiences of Caribbean immigrants who built communities in Canada during a difficult period marked by racism and limited opportunities.
2. It Reimagines Marcus Garvey in a New Way
One of the most notable elements of the series is the creative decision to portray Marcus Garvey not as a traditional historical figure, but as a witty, supernatural presence. This approach blends humour, folklore, and cultural memory to explore how Garvey’s teachings still influence identity, pride, and activism.
According to the production team, Garvey’s ghost becomes part mentor, part challenger, guiding Miss Violet and the community through major personal and social moments. The character also draws from Caribbean storytelling traditions, including the trickster energy often associated with Anansi stories.
3. The Series Mixes Comedy, Drama, and Folklore
While the show touches on serious themes, it also incorporates light, comical exchanges and warm relationships. The creative team has explained to the media that comedy became a tool to balance the hardships of the era. Through humour, the series highlights how Caribbean communities used unity, imagination, and storytelling to push through difficult circumstances.
Improvisation played a key role in early rehearsals. Cast and creators experimented with characters and scenes, building a world that grew naturally from their shared understanding of Caribbean life.
4. Owen “Blakka” Ellis Leads the Cast
Popular Jamaican actor and educator Owen “Blakka” Ellis plays the role of Garvey’s ghost. With decades of theatre and comedy experience, Ellis brings both depth and humour to the role. The creative team has said to the media that Ellis’ performance highlights the cultural importance of Garvey’s ideas while keeping the tone accessible and entertaining.
The main cast also includes Melanie Nicholls-King as Miss Violet, Peter Williams as Harry Gairey, Tymika Tafari as Elouise, and Richard Walters as young Denham Jolly. Their performances help ground the series in the emotions, challenges, and triumphs of community life in the 1950s.
5. It Highlights the Work of Community Leaders
A core theme in Marcus Garvey’s Ghost is the role of ordinary people in shaping community spaces. Miss Violet’s efforts to keep the UNIA alive reflect the real work done by Black leaders across Canada, the Caribbean, and the diaspora.
This message has also resonated with modern community organizers. At screenings in London, community builder Nicholas Okwulu shared on social media that stories like this remind audiences of the strength and creativity already present in neighbourhoods. He noted how culture and shared history can create unity during difficult times.
6. The Series Has Screened Internationally
Marcus Garvey’s Ghost has appeared at several festivals and cultural events. It has been screened at the Pan African Film Festival, Skylark Film Festival in Negril, the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, and the Rex Nettleford Arts Conference, drawing strong interest from academic and cultural communities.
Audiences in Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, the UK, and Jamaica have also engaged with the show through special screenings and discussions.
7. Fans Can Host Their Own Screenings
The creators of Marcus Garvey’s Ghost encourage global participation by allowing community groups, schools, families, and organizations to host watch parties. Sign-ups provide hosts with posters, discussion guides, and social media hashtags to help viewers connect worldwide. This community-driven approach reflects Garvey’s original belief in self-determination and collective action.
Season 1 is currently available on CaribbeanTales-TV, and Season 2 is expected in 2026.
Where to Watch Season 1
The full first season of Marcus Garvey’s Ghost can be streamed on CaribbeanTales-TV. The platform features all six episodes, which take viewers through young Denham’s journey, Miss Violet’s leadership, and the lively appearances of Garvey’s ghost as he guides the community.
