Edited by Azizi Powell
This post provides definitions and examples of the Jamaican Dread talk (Iyaric) word "iley".
This post is a companion post to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/jah-bouks-angola-video-lyrics-partial.html "Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)" and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos"
Additions and corrections to the definitions of words and phrases would be greatly appreciated.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Jah Bouks for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this pages, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
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DEFINITION OF "ILEY" ("ILLEY, "ILY", "ILLY")
Note that "Iley" (in all of its spellings) is pronounced "i-LAY".
From http://homepage.ntlworld.com/davebulow/wow/key_ideas_-_i&i.htm
"'I and I' is an interesting part-contradiction of Freud's concept of the 'I' (ego). Normally, the name 'I' can only be used by the speaker to refer to him or herself. Moreover, the ability to consciously recognise oneself as an 'I', distinguishable from one's surroundings, seems to be a distinctively human characteristic, not shared by the animal, plant or mineral kingdoms. In contrast, 'I and I' can refer to any number of individuals, often being extended ad infinitum: I and I and I and I and I... and hence implying an 'endless circle of Inity'. Needless to say, such abolition of personal pronouns can lead to confusion! Hence one may hear also phrases such as 'the-I' ('you'), or 'I-man' ('I').
The syllable 'I' is one of the most frequently recurring in reggae songs, and it is perhaps no coincidence that the name 'Rastafari' itself ends with this same sound (at least in its English pronunciation; in Amharic, it is pronounced 'ras ta-fa-ree'). 'I' may replace an existing initial syllable of a word, or it may be suffixed, as in 'Zion-I'. This often lends a more sacred quality to words. Not surprisingly, the Roman numeral 'I' (one) appended to the name of the Emperor Haile Selassie I (implying 'the first') has come to be pronounced almost exclusively in the same way.
The distinctively Rastafarian phenomenon of incorporating the sound 'I' into words has become so widespread and well recognised as to be given its own term: 'I-word forming'. Naturally, it produces some obvious rhyme schemes in reggae lyrics, since the words Rastafari, Selassie I, I and I, Most I (High), Zion-I, and so on all end in the same sound. Other I-words you may meet include Idren (brethren and sistren), I-didate (meditate), Iley (highly), Imanity (humanity), Iration (creation), I-shence (incense, or herb), Ises (praises), I-story (history), Ital, Iternity (eternity), Itinually (continually), Itiopia (Ethiopia), Iwa (hour, time), Iyant (chant)....
May the I be iley blessed in Iternity, and Ises to the Most I! Yes-I!
-snip-
Italics were added by me to highly those words.
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
"From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
-snip-
Note how the word "iley" (i-LAY) came to be used to connote "holy" ("highly") and "ganja":
Haile [name of Ethiopia Emperor Haile Selassie who Rastas consider a reincarnation of God (Jah) = Holy
Iley = Holy (Highly)
Ganja = Holy herb
****
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".
****
From http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Iley
"Iley
a word used by Rastas for ganja,also called the holy herb and callie, they believe it was given by God (Jah).Scriptural support is found especially in Psalm 104:14: "He causeth the grass for the cattle and herb for the service of man." Other texts interpreted to refer to cannabis include Genesis 3:18, Exodus 10:12, and Proverbs 15:17. In addition to ritual use, Rastas also use marijuana for medicinal purposes, applying it to a variety of ailments including colds.
sittin smoken iley."
sittin smoken iley.
-by trobaughApril 29, 2010
****
OTHER SELECTED COMMENTS THAT INCLUDE THE WORD "ILEY"
Example #1: Jah Bouks, 2013
"ILLEY.."
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKm0GzGHVF8
"Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
**
Example #2: Roberto Kelly, 2013
"Ileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy yes rasta i like the progress just keep up the hard work and your name will be on the lips of many far and wide"
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
****
Example #3:
"I-ternal reverberations within the portals of Ras Tafari. I-I-I-I-I-I-Iley I forIvar.
Rastafari Love…. John (Jakes) Homiak, Washington DC, USA
From http://rastaites.com/news/hearticals/Iration/RIP.pdfI-CALLING RAS IRATION I (1955 – 2011) [hereafter given as "Rasaites.com: I-Calling"]
-snip-
I think that "i-calling" is what some African Americans call a home going service for someone who has died (passed on). In Standard American English these comments are part of the eulogy.
****
FEATURED VIDEOS
Note: These videos document the use of the Rastafari word "iley" as an interjection. Note that in the video given as Example #1 that interjection is given in a call & response pattern, i.e. the singer Jah Bouks says "Iley!" before beginning his song and the audience says "Iley!" immediately after he says it. I wonder if this is a common practice in Rastafari gatherings.
The word "iley" may also be used in other Reggae artists' videos and in other YouTube videos. The videos below are showcased because they are the ones that I saw that prompted me to publish this post.
These videos are presented in chronological order with the oldest dated video given first.
Example #1: JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER @djrizzle1 @jahbouks
rizzle693, Published on Aug 16, 2013
JAH BOUKS SINGS AT UWI MONA INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER AUG 16 2013
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Example #2: Jah Bouks -- Going Home | Private Property Riddim | October 2013
JamDown122 EntertainmentPublished on Oct 17, 2013
Jah Bouks -- Going Home | Private Property Riddim |
Produced By: Jah Snow Cone Productions
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Example #3: Jah Bouks -- Never Really Know [Who Can't Hear Must Feel Riddim] - Island Life Records
JamDown122 Entertainment, Published on Nov 21, 2013
****
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Jamaican music and culture Reggae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jamaican music and culture Reggae. Show all posts
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post documents examples of Jamaican Patois [Patwa] and Rastafari Dread Talk [Iyaric) in selected comments from a number of discussion threads of Jah Bouks' videos.
Additions and corrections to the definitions of words and phrases would be greatly appreciated.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Jah Bouks for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this pages.
This post is related to the following pancocojams posts http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/jah-bouks-angola-video-lyrics-partial.html "Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)" and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html
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EXAMPLES OF SELECTED JAMAICAN PATOIS AND DREAD TALK WORDS AND PHRASES IN YOUTUBE VIDEO COMMENT THREADS.
These featured words and phrases The words are presented in alphabetical order.
The first comment example that comes from a particular video is given with a link to that video and its title.*
Any other comment example from that video is given with that video's title. Mutiple comment examples for one word are presented arbitrarily.
Unless otherwise indicated, these definitions are from http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/rastafarian-reasoning/34526-dread-dictionary-rasta-words-expressions-slang.html "Dread Dictionary, Rasta words, expressions, and slang" 10-23-2008 posted by XXPANTHAXX
I've "translated" some of these comments into Standard American English and/or African American Vernacular English. Additions and Corrections are welcome.
*I didn't note from which video's comment thread I retrieved several of these featured comments. My apologies for that.
A, B
BAD = very good
Example: Sexxilyps Bchos, 2014
"Love yu baadd bouks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2xfOZvJ1M
"Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!" [hereafter given as "Jah Bouks: sings hit tune to Black Women"] Note: That song title is "Miss Dem Curves".
-snip-
Translated to African American Vernacular English: [I] love you. You're bad (very good), (Jah) Bouks.
-snip-
This Caribbean use of the word "bad" has the same meaning as the slang use of "bad" in African American Vernacular English. I
wonder if that usage was lifted from AAVE.
****
BIG UP = English Translation: Give respect / Give props Definition To give respect, encouragement or to acknowledge someone"
From "15 Jamaican patois words website"
Example #1:
romaine gabbidon, 2014
"Iley!!big up u self jah bouks angola.."
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
**
Example #2: Alicia Williams, 2014
"Luv this song big up Jah bouks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYmbrFvulY
"Jah Bouks: "Never Really Know [Who Can't Hear Must Feel Riddim] - Island Life Records" [hereafter given as "Jah Bouks: Never Really Know"]
****
BIG TUNE = Great song [tune/rhythm]
Alicia Williams, 2014
"Big tune u need to cum to Trinidad to give us more of u Jah bouks" [Great song. You need to come to Trinidad to give of more of you [your performances], Jah Bouks
From "JAH BOUKS miss dem curves"
****
BLESS UP - a way of saying "[Jah's] blessings [to you]."
Example of "blessings":
Delroy Shaw, 2014
"Blessings jah bouks! Yuh deal wid it madd"
From From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BBD4vZtM0
"JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
An African American Vernacular English translation of this comment [with probably outdated slang] is "Blessings Jah Bouks! You're really cookin'" [or "You're the bomb!".
-snip-
Read the entry for "mad" below.
Example of "bless up":
Orrett Ricketts, 2014
"Jah bouks is on the right track bless up Rasta".
From "JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
I think that "bless[ing] up" may also be written in short form with just the word "up" as in the following example:
The Liberator Magazine, 2014
"#UP"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlucZMw8YwA
"Jah Bouks - No Slave"
****
BREDDA = brother [usually given as mi bredda (my brother) = usually a referent from a Black person to a Black male]
Example:
shaneymack, 2013
"MAD TING MI BREDDA.... EUROPE NEXT JUST GWAAN BUM UP THE ROAD.... REBEL SALUTE BOOKINGS SURE
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKm0GzGHVF8
"Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
-snip-
In Standard American English, that comment would be:
[Your song is] great! Touring Europe is next for you. It's just a little while off [it's just a bump in the road]. You're sure to get bookings [from those who like your rebel positions (Rastafari beliefs)].
****
BRETHREN
"English Translation: Brethren
Definition:
Slang for anyone who is a friend or colleague." http://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/top-15-jamaican-patois-words-you-should-know
-snip-
I'm sure that definition should read "anyone who is male who is a friend or colleague."
Example:
Hugh Jah'vybz, 2013
"Good selection breddren...give thanks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QGkJeEmB_M
"Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths [Official Video 2013]"
C, D
CHUNE = tune (song, riddim [rhythm] When used alone or with the preceded by an adjective such as "Big", it means the same thing as the standard American English "Great record!" and the African American English "That's my jam!".
Example #1: Israelreggae, 2014
"Your chune moves us Rasta !!!! JAH !!!"
**
Example #2:
Dean Marinov, 2014
"big chuuune!"
From "Jah Bouks - No Slave"
**
Example #3: Countroyhifi, 2014
"Chune"
From "Jah Bouks - No Slave"
****
DEM = Them
Example: song title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj6ch4PTdb0
"Jah Bouks - "Miss Dem Curves"
-snip-
Here's a comment about the Patois word word "dem" from this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO77ibguzYA
"Basics on how to speak Jamaican (Patwa)":
Marvis Graham, October 2014
"Just to add... when we say "dem" it doesnt always mean "them"... We also use the word "dem" to pluralize things. Just like you said just now, "tell di gyal dem"... We dont mean "Tell the girls them". That's not proper English. It just means "tell the Girls". So we use the word dem to pluralize things"
E, F
FI = for
Example #1: song title: "Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths"
**
Example #2:
Eli Yahu, 2014
"the whole earth ah fi we"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5FWXsZf0vw
"Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
Standard American English = The whole world is for us (is ours).
**
Example #3: NaturalMystic71, 2014
"+Eli Yahu tell dem again fi mi!"
From "Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
Read the entry for "Haile" and "Iley" for what I think is the meaning of "Eeeli". "tell dem again fi mi" = tell them again for me" in Standard American English.
**
Example #4: Kama Sohi, 2014
"truth but Africa we all looking to now to be the head of the united nation so we can say and do a lot to for world. A fi wi time now ( African) that is
From "Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
In Standard American English the beginning word means "You are speaking the truth" or "What you say is true". In African American Vernacular English "A fi wi time now = The time is for us now = It's our time now.]
**
Example #5: obbykil, 2013
"rasta fi guh a road. do road jah bouks"
-snip-
I think that this means "Rasta, you need to go on a road trip [tour]. Do a tour Jah Bouks.
-snip-
The word "fi" in that example reminds me of the African American Vernacula English word "fixin'" meaning "getting ready to", although I'm not sure that it means that in that sentencee I wonder did it come from the Jamaican Patois word "fi":
G, H
GWAAN
Definition #1: go on [an affirmative statement/exclamation of support]
**
Definition #2: Wa a gwaan? = What's going on? [What's happening?]
Definition from http://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/top-15-jamaican-patois-words-you-should-know
"Wah gwaan -English Translation - What’s going on or what’s up - Definition Pronounced as “waa gwaan”, the literal translation is “what’s going on” but when used as a greeting, it can also mean “What’s up”. Different variation of “Wah gwaan” may be used but they all have the same meaning. These include; wah deh gwaan, whatta gwaan or waguan (pronounced wa-goo-ahn)"
Example #1 [Definition #1]
Ivan Cruz, 2014
"Gwan rasta beutiful music. [American English translation: Go On [Keep doing what you're doing], Rasta. [You make] Beautiful music.]
From "Cry Fi Di Youths"
****
HAILE = Haile Selassie's name; also used as an exclamation
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie
..."Today, Haile Selassie is worshipped as God incarnate[142] among followers of the Rastafari movement (taken from Haile Selassie's pre-imperial name Ras – meaning Head – a title equivalent to Duke – Tafari Makonnen), which emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s under the influence of Marcus Garvey's "Pan Africanism" movement. He is viewed as the messiah who will lead the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora to freedom."...
Example:
BLACK LIONESS, 2014
"HAILEEEE blessing,
ups mama africa"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BBD4vZtM0
"JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
I think that "ups mama africa" means that the song is raising Africa up.
Also note that http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html [hereafter given as "term paper: Rastafari} includes this entry:
"HAIL: A Rastafarian greeting taken from the first name of the Emperor, Haile."
****
HIGHLY - "holy" (Haile) - from the name "Haile Selassie."
Read information about Haile Selassie under the entry for "Jah". Also, read the comment example under "Jah".
I, J
I & I = we
Example:
Ras Mrina, 2014
"I&I hear u Rasta, blessed." [in African American Vernacular English: We hear you Rasta. Be Blessed.] "We hear you" = We understand and agree with what you are saying.
From "Jah Bouks - "Cry Fi De Youth"
****
ILLEY ("ILY/ILLY/ILEY)
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
"From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
****
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".
-snip-
"Iley" (all of its spellings) is pronounced "i-LAY".
In a number of Jah Bouks' videos (but not all of his videos) that singer says "Iley!" as an interjection prior to beginning his song. In one video of a public event that was attended by the Jamaican Prime Minister, that interjection is given in a call & response pattern, i.e. the singer Jah Bouks says "Iley!" before beginning his song and the audience says "Iley!" immediately after he says it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1glTe26bMQ "JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER".
I wonder if it is a common practice in Rastafari gatherings for "Iley!" to be used as an interjection and for that interjection to be used in a call & response manner.
Commenters' examples of "Iley":
Example #1: Jah Bouks, 2013
"ILLEY.."
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
**
Example #2: Roberto Kelly, 2013
"Ileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy yes rasta i like the progress just keep up the hard work and your name will be on the lips of many far and wide"
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
-snip-
A pancocojams post on the Rasta word "iley" in YouTube comments and in songs will be published ASAP.
****
JAH - God
From term paper: Rastafari
"Jah: The name by which the Rastafari know the Creator to be called in his 72nd reincarnation upon the earth in the person of Selassie I. The name that carries the power of the Almighty this day; "Sing praises to the Almighty's name. Extol H.I.M. that rideth upon the heavens by HiS name JAH, and rejoice before H. I.M." Adapted from PSALM 68; Verse 4."
Example #1: shakadker, 2014
"Highly!!!!!!!!! Blessed young warrior, Jah will continue to guide and protect you on the journey you trod call Rasta..." [Praises to you! Blessed young warrior, God will continue to guide and protect you on your Rastafari life's journey.]
**
Example #2: boogie melody, 2014
real singer culture all the way jah jah
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2xfOZvJ1M
"Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman! "
-snip-
Note: This is the song "Miss Dem Curves"
K, L
LION
From term paper: Rastafari
"LION: Righteous male in the Rastafari way of life. The lion is a symbol of "Kingliness" and is depicted on the Ithiopian flag. This is in keeping with Selassie's title, "The Lion of Judah"."
Example: trevorroots, 2013
"Mamma Afrika a fi we true bless up lion good work highly bless"
[Mama Africa and all of us truly bless you, Lion. You will be highly blessed [truely blessed] because of your good work.]
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
M, N
MAD = Very good
Example #1: tennison phipps, 2014
"mad"
From video "miss dem curves"
-snip-
"Mad" is often used alone as shown above,with the implication that the person is saying that the tune or the singer or both is "mad".
**
Example #2: STAMMA TERROR, 2013
"mad thing"
From "Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!"
-snip-
In comments on YouTube Caribbean videos, "thing" is usually spelled "ting".
****
NUFF RESPECT = a lot of respect; also used as a greeting
From http://www.negril-tour-guide.com/jamaicanlanguage.html
"NUFF: Plentiful; also used as a greeting with 'respect' as in 'Nuff Respect"."
Example:
Alagie Lawani, 2014
"big up jah bouks...nuff respect robo ranks.................gambia am from
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WehykxHulSc
"Jah Bouks at Tuff Gong live for Robbo Ranx"
-snip-
In this sentence, given the use of the phrase "big up", the blogger from the West African nation of Gambia probably was saying that he or she has a lot of respect for Jah Bouks and greeting that singer.
O, P
PON = on, upon
Example:
don king, 2014
"Jah Bouks nuh fi sleep pon" [Don't sleep [on] Jah Bouks.
From "Jah Bouks: Cry For Di Youth"
-snip-
This comment in Standard American English = Don't ignore (or forget about) Jah Bouk's records.
In African American Vernacular Engliish = Don't forget to check out Jah Bouk['s records. (because they are very good.)
From Cry For di Youth
Q, R
RASTA = A male or female who is a follower of Rastafari beliefs
From term paper: Rastafari
"RAS: From Amharic, meaning "Head", "Chief" or "King". This is the title a Rastafari uses before his name.
RAS Tafari The name of the Emperor before he was crowned Emperor. The name Rastafari knows as carrying the power this day."
Example #1: NaturalMystic71, 2014
"Sing it Rasta!!! BOOM!!!!"
From "Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!"
-snip-
The "Sing it" portion of this comment reminds me of the use of that phrase in African American Vernacular English usage. The
word "Boom!" probably just indicates enthusiasm for that song. A number of Americans of different races and ethnicity [also ?] use the word "Boom!" for that purpose. "Boom!" may imitate the sound of dynomite or gun fire.
**
Example #2:
sean terrow
"one a di baddest rasta me herd in a long time
From "Jah Bouks: Never Really Know"]
****
RIDDIM
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddim
"Riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word "rhythm," but in dancehall/reggae parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song. Thus, a dancehall song consists of the riddim plus the "voicing" (vocal part) sung by the deejay. The resulting song structure may be taken for granted by dancehall fans, but is distinctive in many ways. A given riddim, if popular, may be used in dozens—or even hundreds—of songs, not only in recordings, but also in live performances"
Example #1: papa rufus, 2014
"Both riddims used for this song are great. i go back and forth between them."
From "Jah Bouks -- Never Really Know"
**
Example #2: P1NkLoVe88, 2013
"I prefer the riddim he used when he performed it at magnum kings/queens"
From Jah Bouks -- "Never Really Know"
S, T
TING = thing
Read the example above for "bredda".
****
TUNE [Tunes] = same as "chune" [Note that "tunes" and "chune" refer to the total song and not just what American refer to as the song's music.]
Example #1: machino mckenzie , 2014
"tunes"
From "JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER"
**
Example #2: Erykah J.O.P
"TUNEEEEEEE"
From "Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
**
Example #3: Alicia Williams, 2014
"Big tune u need to cum to Trinidad to give us more of u Jah bouks" [Very popular (or very good) song. You need to come to Trinidad (on tour) to give us more Jah Bouks.)
From
From "Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
-snip-
Note that on Youtube discussion threads of Reggae music the words "tunes or tunes" and "chune" are often written alone. Those words (spelled with or without an "s") usually refer to one song and indicates that the blogger really likes that song. A comparable sentence in African American English is "That's my jam!"
U, F
UTES = youths [young people]
Example: amar mac, 2014
"the artist badddd a so the utes dem fi a meditate" [That artist is bad (very good). The youth (young people) should (need to) meditate (think about) the messages in his songs.]
from Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
W, X
WEH = what
From http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Weh-yuh-deh-pon/1331
"Weh yuh deh pon
English Translation
What are you up
Definition
Slang expression used to greet a friend. It means “what are you up to” or “what are you going to do” "
-snip-
However, the Standard American English translation of "weh" in the following sentene would be "that".
Example:
Blitz3677, 2014
"Jah Bouks just luv de style weh yuh have TUUUUUUUNEE !"
Jah Bouks, (I) just (really) love your style. TUUUUUNEE (This is a really great jam or this is my favorite ["jam", "tune", "song")]
From Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!
****
WICKED = great, very skillful, talented [similar to the meanings given above for "bad" and "mad"]
Example #1: Natural, 2013
"Wicked Star!!!!"
**
Example #2: DJ CAMRAN, 2013
"THIS ARTISTE MAWWWDDD !! LYRICS DEEP .. VOICE CONTROL WICKKIIIIDDD ON KEY !!!" [This artist is mad [very good]!! [His] lyrics (are deep (profound). [His[ voice control is wicked [He has great voice control. [He's] on key. [Is this the same as the AAVE phrase "being on point" (doing everything just thee way it's supposed to be done)?
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
Y, Z
YOUTHS = youth (Note that in Jamaican Patois/Dread Talk, this word is usually given with an "s". [young people]
Example: Song title: "Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths
Also, read the example for "utes" above.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post documents examples of Jamaican Patois [Patwa] and Rastafari Dread Talk [Iyaric) in selected comments from a number of discussion threads of Jah Bouks' videos.
Additions and corrections to the definitions of words and phrases would be greatly appreciated.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Jah Bouks for his musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this pages.
This post is related to the following pancocojams posts http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/jah-bouks-angola-video-lyrics-partial.html "Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)" and http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html
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EXAMPLES OF SELECTED JAMAICAN PATOIS AND DREAD TALK WORDS AND PHRASES IN YOUTUBE VIDEO COMMENT THREADS.
These featured words and phrases The words are presented in alphabetical order.
The first comment example that comes from a particular video is given with a link to that video and its title.*
Any other comment example from that video is given with that video's title. Mutiple comment examples for one word are presented arbitrarily.
Unless otherwise indicated, these definitions are from http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/rastafarian-reasoning/34526-dread-dictionary-rasta-words-expressions-slang.html "Dread Dictionary, Rasta words, expressions, and slang" 10-23-2008 posted by XXPANTHAXX
I've "translated" some of these comments into Standard American English and/or African American Vernacular English. Additions and Corrections are welcome.
*I didn't note from which video's comment thread I retrieved several of these featured comments. My apologies for that.
A, B
BAD = very good
Example: Sexxilyps Bchos, 2014
"Love yu baadd bouks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2xfOZvJ1M
"Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!" [hereafter given as "Jah Bouks: sings hit tune to Black Women"] Note: That song title is "Miss Dem Curves".
-snip-
Translated to African American Vernacular English: [I] love you. You're bad (very good), (Jah) Bouks.
-snip-
This Caribbean use of the word "bad" has the same meaning as the slang use of "bad" in African American Vernacular English. I
wonder if that usage was lifted from AAVE.
****
BIG UP = English Translation: Give respect / Give props Definition To give respect, encouragement or to acknowledge someone"
From "15 Jamaican patois words website"
Example #1:
romaine gabbidon, 2014
"Iley!!big up u self jah bouks angola.."
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
**
Example #2: Alicia Williams, 2014
"Luv this song big up Jah bouks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlYmbrFvulY
"Jah Bouks: "Never Really Know [Who Can't Hear Must Feel Riddim] - Island Life Records" [hereafter given as "Jah Bouks: Never Really Know"]
****
BIG TUNE = Great song [tune/rhythm]
Alicia Williams, 2014
"Big tune u need to cum to Trinidad to give us more of u Jah bouks" [Great song. You need to come to Trinidad to give of more of you [your performances], Jah Bouks
From "JAH BOUKS miss dem curves"
****
BLESS UP - a way of saying "[Jah's] blessings [to you]."
Example of "blessings":
Delroy Shaw, 2014
"Blessings jah bouks! Yuh deal wid it madd"
From From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BBD4vZtM0
"JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
An African American Vernacular English translation of this comment [with probably outdated slang] is "Blessings Jah Bouks! You're really cookin'" [or "You're the bomb!".
-snip-
Read the entry for "mad" below.
Example of "bless up":
Orrett Ricketts, 2014
"Jah bouks is on the right track bless up Rasta".
From "JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
I think that "bless[ing] up" may also be written in short form with just the word "up" as in the following example:
The Liberator Magazine, 2014
"#UP"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlucZMw8YwA
"Jah Bouks - No Slave"
****
BREDDA = brother [usually given as mi bredda (my brother) = usually a referent from a Black person to a Black male]
Example:
shaneymack, 2013
"MAD TING MI BREDDA.... EUROPE NEXT JUST GWAAN BUM UP THE ROAD.... REBEL SALUTE BOOKINGS SURE
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKm0GzGHVF8
"Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
-snip-
In Standard American English, that comment would be:
[Your song is] great! Touring Europe is next for you. It's just a little while off [it's just a bump in the road]. You're sure to get bookings [from those who like your rebel positions (Rastafari beliefs)].
****
BRETHREN
"English Translation: Brethren
Definition:
Slang for anyone who is a friend or colleague." http://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/top-15-jamaican-patois-words-you-should-know
-snip-
I'm sure that definition should read "anyone who is male who is a friend or colleague."
Example:
Hugh Jah'vybz, 2013
"Good selection breddren...give thanks"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QGkJeEmB_M
"Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths [Official Video 2013]"
C, D
CHUNE = tune (song, riddim [rhythm] When used alone or with the preceded by an adjective such as "Big", it means the same thing as the standard American English "Great record!" and the African American English "That's my jam!".
Example #1: Israelreggae, 2014
"Your chune moves us Rasta !!!! JAH !!!"
**
Example #2:
Dean Marinov, 2014
"big chuuune!"
From "Jah Bouks - No Slave"
**
Example #3: Countroyhifi, 2014
"Chune"
From "Jah Bouks - No Slave"
****
DEM = Them
Example: song title https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj6ch4PTdb0
"Jah Bouks - "Miss Dem Curves"
-snip-
Here's a comment about the Patois word word "dem" from this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uO77ibguzYA
"Basics on how to speak Jamaican (Patwa)":
Marvis Graham, October 2014
"Just to add... when we say "dem" it doesnt always mean "them"... We also use the word "dem" to pluralize things. Just like you said just now, "tell di gyal dem"... We dont mean "Tell the girls them". That's not proper English. It just means "tell the Girls". So we use the word dem to pluralize things"
E, F
FI = for
Example #1: song title: "Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths"
**
Example #2:
Eli Yahu, 2014
"the whole earth ah fi we"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5FWXsZf0vw
"Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
Standard American English = The whole world is for us (is ours).
**
Example #3: NaturalMystic71, 2014
"+Eli Yahu tell dem again fi mi!"
From "Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
Read the entry for "Haile" and "Iley" for what I think is the meaning of "Eeeli". "tell dem again fi mi" = tell them again for me" in Standard American English.
**
Example #4: Kama Sohi, 2014
"truth but Africa we all looking to now to be the head of the united nation so we can say and do a lot to for world. A fi wi time now ( African) that is
From "Jah Bouks -- Going Home"
-snip-
In Standard American English the beginning word means "You are speaking the truth" or "What you say is true". In African American Vernacular English "A fi wi time now = The time is for us now = It's our time now.]
**
Example #5: obbykil, 2013
"rasta fi guh a road. do road jah bouks"
-snip-
I think that this means "Rasta, you need to go on a road trip [tour]. Do a tour Jah Bouks.
-snip-
The word "fi" in that example reminds me of the African American Vernacula English word "fixin'" meaning "getting ready to", although I'm not sure that it means that in that sentencee I wonder did it come from the Jamaican Patois word "fi":
G, H
GWAAN
Definition #1: go on [an affirmative statement/exclamation of support]
**
Definition #2: Wa a gwaan? = What's going on? [What's happening?]
Definition from http://jamaicanpatwah.com/b/top-15-jamaican-patois-words-you-should-know
"Wah gwaan -English Translation - What’s going on or what’s up - Definition Pronounced as “waa gwaan”, the literal translation is “what’s going on” but when used as a greeting, it can also mean “What’s up”. Different variation of “Wah gwaan” may be used but they all have the same meaning. These include; wah deh gwaan, whatta gwaan or waguan (pronounced wa-goo-ahn)"
Example #1 [Definition #1]
Ivan Cruz, 2014
"Gwan rasta beutiful music. [American English translation: Go On [Keep doing what you're doing], Rasta. [You make] Beautiful music.]
From "Cry Fi Di Youths"
****
HAILE = Haile Selassie's name; also used as an exclamation
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haile_Selassie
..."Today, Haile Selassie is worshipped as God incarnate[142] among followers of the Rastafari movement (taken from Haile Selassie's pre-imperial name Ras – meaning Head – a title equivalent to Duke – Tafari Makonnen), which emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s under the influence of Marcus Garvey's "Pan Africanism" movement. He is viewed as the messiah who will lead the peoples of Africa and the African diaspora to freedom."...
Example:
BLACK LIONESS, 2014
"HAILEEEE blessing,
ups mama africa"
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5BBD4vZtM0
"JAH BOUKS - Live at Rebel Salute 2014"
-snip-
I think that "ups mama africa" means that the song is raising Africa up.
Also note that http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html [hereafter given as "term paper: Rastafari} includes this entry:
"HAIL: A Rastafarian greeting taken from the first name of the Emperor, Haile."
****
HIGHLY - "holy" (Haile) - from the name "Haile Selassie."
Read information about Haile Selassie under the entry for "Jah". Also, read the comment example under "Jah".
I, J
I & I = we
Example:
Ras Mrina, 2014
"I&I hear u Rasta, blessed." [in African American Vernacular English: We hear you Rasta. Be Blessed.] "We hear you" = We understand and agree with what you are saying.
From "Jah Bouks - "Cry Fi De Youth"
****
ILLEY ("ILY/ILLY/ILEY)
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
"From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
****
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".
-snip-
"Iley" (all of its spellings) is pronounced "i-LAY".
In a number of Jah Bouks' videos (but not all of his videos) that singer says "Iley!" as an interjection prior to beginning his song. In one video of a public event that was attended by the Jamaican Prime Minister, that interjection is given in a call & response pattern, i.e. the singer Jah Bouks says "Iley!" before beginning his song and the audience says "Iley!" immediately after he says it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1glTe26bMQ "JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER".
I wonder if it is a common practice in Rastafari gatherings for "Iley!" to be used as an interjection and for that interjection to be used in a call & response manner.
Commenters' examples of "Iley":
Example #1: Jah Bouks, 2013
"ILLEY.."
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
**
Example #2: Roberto Kelly, 2013
"Ileeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyy yes rasta i like the progress just keep up the hard work and your name will be on the lips of many far and wide"
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
-snip-
A pancocojams post on the Rasta word "iley" in YouTube comments and in songs will be published ASAP.
****
JAH - God
From term paper: Rastafari
"Jah: The name by which the Rastafari know the Creator to be called in his 72nd reincarnation upon the earth in the person of Selassie I. The name that carries the power of the Almighty this day; "Sing praises to the Almighty's name. Extol H.I.M. that rideth upon the heavens by HiS name JAH, and rejoice before H. I.M." Adapted from PSALM 68; Verse 4."
Example #1: shakadker, 2014
"Highly!!!!!!!!! Blessed young warrior, Jah will continue to guide and protect you on the journey you trod call Rasta..." [Praises to you! Blessed young warrior, God will continue to guide and protect you on your Rastafari life's journey.]
**
Example #2: boogie melody, 2014
real singer culture all the way jah jah
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_2xfOZvJ1M
"Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman! "
-snip-
Note: This is the song "Miss Dem Curves"
K, L
LION
From term paper: Rastafari
"LION: Righteous male in the Rastafari way of life. The lion is a symbol of "Kingliness" and is depicted on the Ithiopian flag. This is in keeping with Selassie's title, "The Lion of Judah"."
Example: trevorroots, 2013
"Mamma Afrika a fi we true bless up lion good work highly bless"
[Mama Africa and all of us truly bless you, Lion. You will be highly blessed [truely blessed] because of your good work.]
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
M, N
MAD = Very good
Example #1: tennison phipps, 2014
"mad"
From video "miss dem curves"
-snip-
"Mad" is often used alone as shown above,with the implication that the person is saying that the tune or the singer or both is "mad".
**
Example #2: STAMMA TERROR, 2013
"mad thing"
From "Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!"
-snip-
In comments on YouTube Caribbean videos, "thing" is usually spelled "ting".
****
NUFF RESPECT = a lot of respect; also used as a greeting
From http://www.negril-tour-guide.com/jamaicanlanguage.html
"NUFF: Plentiful; also used as a greeting with 'respect' as in 'Nuff Respect"."
Example:
Alagie Lawani, 2014
"big up jah bouks...nuff respect robo ranks.................gambia am from
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WehykxHulSc
"Jah Bouks at Tuff Gong live for Robbo Ranx"
-snip-
In this sentence, given the use of the phrase "big up", the blogger from the West African nation of Gambia probably was saying that he or she has a lot of respect for Jah Bouks and greeting that singer.
O, P
PON = on, upon
Example:
don king, 2014
"Jah Bouks nuh fi sleep pon" [Don't sleep [on] Jah Bouks.
From "Jah Bouks: Cry For Di Youth"
-snip-
This comment in Standard American English = Don't ignore (or forget about) Jah Bouk's records.
In African American Vernacular Engliish = Don't forget to check out Jah Bouk['s records. (because they are very good.)
From Cry For di Youth
Q, R
RASTA = A male or female who is a follower of Rastafari beliefs
From term paper: Rastafari
"RAS: From Amharic, meaning "Head", "Chief" or "King". This is the title a Rastafari uses before his name.
RAS Tafari The name of the Emperor before he was crowned Emperor. The name Rastafari knows as carrying the power this day."
Example #1: NaturalMystic71, 2014
"Sing it Rasta!!! BOOM!!!!"
From "Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!"
-snip-
The "Sing it" portion of this comment reminds me of the use of that phrase in African American Vernacular English usage. The
word "Boom!" probably just indicates enthusiasm for that song. A number of Americans of different races and ethnicity [also ?] use the word "Boom!" for that purpose. "Boom!" may imitate the sound of dynomite or gun fire.
**
Example #2:
sean terrow
"one a di baddest rasta me herd in a long time
From "Jah Bouks: Never Really Know"]
****
RIDDIM
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddim
"Riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word "rhythm," but in dancehall/reggae parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song. Thus, a dancehall song consists of the riddim plus the "voicing" (vocal part) sung by the deejay. The resulting song structure may be taken for granted by dancehall fans, but is distinctive in many ways. A given riddim, if popular, may be used in dozens—or even hundreds—of songs, not only in recordings, but also in live performances"
Example #1: papa rufus, 2014
"Both riddims used for this song are great. i go back and forth between them."
From "Jah Bouks -- Never Really Know"
**
Example #2: P1NkLoVe88, 2013
"I prefer the riddim he used when he performed it at magnum kings/queens"
From Jah Bouks -- "Never Really Know"
S, T
TING = thing
Read the example above for "bredda".
****
TUNE [Tunes] = same as "chune" [Note that "tunes" and "chune" refer to the total song and not just what American refer to as the song's music.]
Example #1: machino mckenzie , 2014
"tunes"
From "JAH BOUKS SINGS INFRONT OF THE PRIME MINISTER"
**
Example #2: Erykah J.O.P
"TUNEEEEEEE"
From "Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
**
Example #3: Alicia Williams, 2014
"Big tune u need to cum to Trinidad to give us more of u Jah bouks" [Very popular (or very good) song. You need to come to Trinidad (on tour) to give us more Jah Bouks.)
From
From "Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
-snip-
Note that on Youtube discussion threads of Reggae music the words "tunes or tunes" and "chune" are often written alone. Those words (spelled with or without an "s") usually refer to one song and indicates that the blogger really likes that song. A comparable sentence in African American English is "That's my jam!"
U, F
UTES = youths [young people]
Example: amar mac, 2014
"the artist badddd a so the utes dem fi a meditate" [That artist is bad (very good). The youth (young people) should (need to) meditate (think about) the messages in his songs.]
from Jah Bouks - "miss dem curves"
W, X
WEH = what
From http://jamaicanpatwah.com/term/Weh-yuh-deh-pon/1331
"Weh yuh deh pon
English Translation
What are you up
Definition
Slang expression used to greet a friend. It means “what are you up to” or “what are you going to do” "
-snip-
However, the Standard American English translation of "weh" in the following sentene would be "that".
Example:
Blitz3677, 2014
"Jah Bouks just luv de style weh yuh have TUUUUUUUNEE !"
Jah Bouks, (I) just (really) love your style. TUUUUUNEE (This is a really great jam or this is my favorite ["jam", "tune", "song")]
From Jah Bouks reggae singer sing his hit tune Black Woman!
****
WICKED = great, very skillful, talented [similar to the meanings given above for "bad" and "mad"]
Example #1: Natural, 2013
"Wicked Star!!!!"
**
Example #2: DJ CAMRAN, 2013
"THIS ARTISTE MAWWWDDD !! LYRICS DEEP .. VOICE CONTROL WICKKIIIIDDD ON KEY !!!" [This artist is mad [very good]!! [His] lyrics (are deep (profound). [His[ voice control is wicked [He has great voice control. [He's] on key. [Is this the same as the AAVE phrase "being on point" (doing everything just thee way it's supposed to be done)?
From "Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)"
Y, Z
YOUTHS = youth (Note that in Jamaican Patois/Dread Talk, this word is usually given with an "s". [young people]
Example: Song title: "Jah Bouks - Cry Fi Di Youths
Also, read the example for "utes" above.
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Visitor comments are welcome.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Jah Bouks - Angola (video, lyrics, & partial American English "translation" of those lyrics)
Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a video of and lyrics to Jah Bouks' 2013 Reggae song "Angola".
This post also includes my attempt to "translate" the lyrics of this song to somewhat standard American English.
I've made this attempt because I think it would add to people's understanding and appreciation of the song to have such a translation and I haven't found any other article that has "translated" those lyrics. However, I'm fully aware that I'm not the best person to post such a translation, since I'm not a Rasta or Jamaican, and the little Iyaric (Dread-talk) that I know is mostly from online sources.
Additions and corrections to this "translation" would be greatly appreciated.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes and not for religious or political reasons.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Jah Bouks for this song, and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post, particularly the poster of the lyrics to this song.
This post is a companion post to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos" and to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Definitions & Examples Of The Rastafari Word "Iley" "
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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)
.
FabrikatedProjex Published on Apr 18, 2013
Dir: Wayne Benjamin
Cinematographer: Wayne Benjamin
Producer: Wayne Benjamin
-snip-
Click http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Singer-Jah-Bouks-finds-his-calling_15688672 for an article about Reggae artist Jah Bouks and his first recording "Angola". That 2013 article indicates that the then 38 year old Reggae artist has never been to Africa. That article also notes that "Jah Bouks was born Warin Smith in Winchester, St Thomas; he grew up in Portmore where he worked the sound system circuit. Much of his exposure, however, came at one of the Sunshine City's most popular clubs".
Also click http://www.reggaeearthunited.com/2013/11/07/jah-bouks-illey-rasta-for-africa-listen-the-hit-tune-angola/ for more information the concept that infuses Jah Bouk's song "Angola" as well as some history about that African nation.
****
LYRICS- ANGOLA
(Jah Bouks)
Yes Rasta, all a mi grand people dem belong to Africa
So a so we a wuk fi di giddion hot, Haili
Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
Mi bun di fire hot pon babylon
Nah tek no chat from Babylon
Cause a you corrupt the ghetto yutes wid unno wicked act unno babylon
When mi walk i trample down babylon
Talk and rawt down babylon
Unno always deh yah wid you clans and plans
Wah come trap binji man
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
True religion unno bomb down a Lebonon
Lick yuh self and a blame Afghanistan
Wid unno try and cons implement a plan
Dem you go dig down Saddam
Mi see you a draw nearer and nearer
But the oil mama got nah go share yah
Oh mi nah get scared fi defend di square
Opressah Marlon Gayle
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Dem nuh like when we yad inna di hills
Dem wah we stay yah fi pay dem bills
When you think you a save little cabagge
Dem alone a count off the mills
Its an authentic reggae beat
Mek mi skank off the shoes affa mi feet
A get three Peter Tosh, Two Bob Marley and di little Beres Sound sweet
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
So di binji can a call
Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
Mi bun di fire hot pon babylon
Nah tek no chat from Babylon
Cause a you corrupt the ghetto yutes wid unno wicked act unno babylon
When mi walk i trample down babylon
Talk and rawt down babylon
Unno always deh yah wid you clans and plans
Wah come trap binji man
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Source: http://www.dancehallreggaeworld.com/reggae-singer-jah-bouks-angola-lyrics-video.html by DHRW
(Jamaica)
****
ATTEMPTED "TRANSLATION" OF JAH BOUKS' "ANGOLA" INTO AMERICAN ENGLISH
Editor's Note:
This is only a partial "translation", with lyrics that I'm not certain of left in their original form.
The words or lines that I don't know and don't want to guess at I've left as. I've also left some of the Rasta words that are complicated to define and/or that are more familiar in the USA (such as "Babylon") in their original forms and added definitions below this "translation" with a citation of the source or sources that I'm using for that word or words. Those words or phrases are indicated by asterisks.
I've numbered each of the lines to this song to help make referencing additions and corrections easier.
Some of my translations are guesses. I've written a question mark in brackets after those "translations".
Please help with this attempt by posting additions and corrections in the comment section. Thanks!
ANGOLA
(Jah Bouks)
1. Yes Rasta*, all of my great people, they belong to Africa
2. And that is why (and so) we work to make Gideon** hot [to anger to destroy?] Gideon** Haili***
3. Angola, Angola father, mother Africa Gola, Angola
4. Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
5. I burn the fire hot upon babylon****
6. I don't take any talk from babylon
7. Because you corrupt the ghetto youth with your wicked ways [acts], you babylon
8. When I walk I trample down babylon
9. Talk and walk [?] down babylon
10. Your always there with your clans and plans
11. Trying to trap binji man*****
12. You think that you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
13. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
14. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
15. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again
16.True religion wouldn't bomb down Lebonon
17. [Then] boast about yourself and blame Afghanistan
18. Why do you try and cons [conspire to ?] implement a plan
19. Then you go [hunt up?] Saddam [Hussein]
20. I see you coming nearer and nearer
21. But the oil mama got (she) won't share with you
22. I'm not scared to defend my square [neighborhood?]
23. Opressah Marlon Gayle
24. You think (that) you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
25. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
26. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
27. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again
28. They don't like (it) when we [hide ?] in the hills [to do guerilla warfare)
29. They want us to stay and pay their bills (that they charge us)
30. When you think you have saved a little money
31. They are the ones that count off the mills [the millions?]
32. Its an authentic reggae beat
33. Make me dance the shoes off my feet
34. My sweet sound is three {parts) Peter Tosh, Two (parts) Bob Marley and a little {bit of) Beres (Beres Hammond)
35. You think that you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
36. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
37. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
38. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again
39. So this binji can call
40. Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
41. Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
42. I burn the fire hot upon babylon
43. I don't take any talk from Babylon
44. Because you corrupt the ghetto youths with your wickeed ways, you babylon.
45. When I walk i trample down babylon
46. Talk and walk [?] down babylon
47. You're always there with your clans and plans
48. You want to come and trap binji man
49. You think (that) you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again
60. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
-snip-
ASTERISKS NOTES
*Rasta - "Members of the Rastafari way of life are known as Rastas, or the Rastafari. The way of life is sometimes referred to as "Rastafarianism", but this term is considered derogatory and offensive by most Rastafari, who, being highly critical of "isms" (which they see as a typical part of "Babylon culture"), dislike being labelled as an "ism" themselves."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastafari_movement
**giddion (Gideon) "Amagideon/Gideon is a Rasta theological concept meaning the general state the entire world is in now, and has been getting progressively deeper in since 1930, and especially since 1974. This is a slight mutation of Armageddon, a name appearing in Revelation." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyaric [hereafter given as Wikipedia: Iyaric]
***Haili = Haile - The Dread talk word "ily" ("iley", "illy") comes from that name.
"ILY/ILLY/ILEY: From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
-snip-
Update: October 9, 2014
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".
"Iley" -in all of its spellings- is pronounced "i-LAY" [as heard in other Jah Boukes videos].
A pancocojams post on the Rasta word "iley" will be published ASAP. A related post on comments using Dread talk in the Jah Bouks video "Angola" and in other Jah Bouks videos will also be published ASAP.
-end of Update-
****"Babylon" = 1. the corrupt establishment, the "system," Church and State 2. the police, a policeman
http://niceup.com/patois.html; Also read the definition for Babylon in Wikipedia: Iyaric.
*****binji man = probably from the word "Niyabinghi"
Niyabinghi is one of the mansions (branches) of Rastafari.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansions_of_Rastafari
Also ""NIYAMEN" is a name for Rastas referring to Niyabinghi warriors of East Africa" http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/rastafarian-reasoning/34526-dread-dictionary-rasta-words-expressions-slang.html
ADDED October 8, 2014: "When Rastafari come together to drum and chant it is called Nyahbinghi, and is one of the most important form of worship or prayer within this faith.
Reggae music is based on Nyahbinghi, and is used by many Rastafari to sing about their beliefs and the social conditions they live in. Many Rastafari believe that reggae is divine music, while other Rastafari do not"...
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
Note: Compared with most on-line sites, this article provides in-depth information about Rastafari history, beliefs, and culture, including festivals
-snip-
Update: October 11, 2014
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkdxQ3TiWLE "Justice Sound. Jamaican Nyahbinghi Churchical Chant & hymns, Sabbatical Order. Jamaican Gospel"
[justicedagreat (the video uploader's) comment]:
"Nyahbingi as a Rastafarian lifestyle, In Rasta overstanding, Nyahbingi is the mystical power of the Most High to mete
justice throughout the universe. Although the genuine origin of the word that means "she possesses many things" is Ugandan, as a
concept and theology, Nyahbingi has come down to the Rastaman to signify "death to the oppressors, both black and white". Therefore, it is through prayer, music and biblical
reasonings that the Rastaman chants bingi, calling on the forces of nature to destroy the powers of wickedness."...
end of update
-snip-
I'm particularly curious about the meaning of the line "Opressah Marlon Gayle". Does the word "oppressah" = oppressor? I thought that word wasn't used in Dread-talk. And is the word "Oppressah" in Jah Bouks' "Angola" song a continuation of the preceding line so that that line actually reads "Oh mi nah get scared fi defend di square, Opressah".
Intially I thought that "Marlon Gayle" was a referent for the African American Soul singer Marvin Gaye. But that referent makes no sense in the context of that Angola song. I googled that name and came across a 2012 article about a Jamaican man named Marlon Gayle who is "a former middle distance runner turned coach, has been the quiet unassuming force behind the rise of the throwing dynamo that the Edwin Allen High School track and field programme has become." http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Marlon-Gayle--the-man-behind-Edwin-Allen-s-rise-in-the-throwing-events
I wonder is this the Marlon Gayle that Jah Bouks' meant? Is the name "Marlon Gayle" a short hand way of saying that there are other guiet unassumig forces that can be successfully brought to bear in overthrowing babylon?
I hope that someone who knows this culture adds to these comments.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This post showcases a video of and lyrics to Jah Bouks' 2013 Reggae song "Angola".
This post also includes my attempt to "translate" the lyrics of this song to somewhat standard American English.
I've made this attempt because I think it would add to people's understanding and appreciation of the song to have such a translation and I haven't found any other article that has "translated" those lyrics. However, I'm fully aware that I'm not the best person to post such a translation, since I'm not a Rasta or Jamaican, and the little Iyaric (Dread-talk) that I know is mostly from online sources.
Additions and corrections to this "translation" would be greatly appreciated.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes and not for religious or political reasons.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Jah Bouks for this song, and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post, particularly the poster of the lyrics to this song.
This post is a companion post to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Jamaican Patois & Rasta Talk In YouTube Comments About Jah Bouk's Videos" and to http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/10/definitions-examples-of-rastafari-word.html "Definitions & Examples Of The Rastafari Word "Iley" "
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Jah Bouks - Angola (Director's Cut)
.
FabrikatedProjex Published on Apr 18, 2013
Dir: Wayne Benjamin
Cinematographer: Wayne Benjamin
Producer: Wayne Benjamin
-snip-
Click http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Singer-Jah-Bouks-finds-his-calling_15688672 for an article about Reggae artist Jah Bouks and his first recording "Angola". That 2013 article indicates that the then 38 year old Reggae artist has never been to Africa. That article also notes that "Jah Bouks was born Warin Smith in Winchester, St Thomas; he grew up in Portmore where he worked the sound system circuit. Much of his exposure, however, came at one of the Sunshine City's most popular clubs".
Also click http://www.reggaeearthunited.com/2013/11/07/jah-bouks-illey-rasta-for-africa-listen-the-hit-tune-angola/ for more information the concept that infuses Jah Bouk's song "Angola" as well as some history about that African nation.
****
LYRICS- ANGOLA
(Jah Bouks)
Yes Rasta, all a mi grand people dem belong to Africa
So a so we a wuk fi di giddion hot, Haili
Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
Mi bun di fire hot pon babylon
Nah tek no chat from Babylon
Cause a you corrupt the ghetto yutes wid unno wicked act unno babylon
When mi walk i trample down babylon
Talk and rawt down babylon
Unno always deh yah wid you clans and plans
Wah come trap binji man
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
True religion unno bomb down a Lebonon
Lick yuh self and a blame Afghanistan
Wid unno try and cons implement a plan
Dem you go dig down Saddam
Mi see you a draw nearer and nearer
But the oil mama got nah go share yah
Oh mi nah get scared fi defend di square
Opressah Marlon Gayle
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Dem nuh like when we yad inna di hills
Dem wah we stay yah fi pay dem bills
When you think you a save little cabagge
Dem alone a count off the mills
Its an authentic reggae beat
Mek mi skank off the shoes affa mi feet
A get three Peter Tosh, Two Bob Marley and di little Beres Sound sweet
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
So di binji can a call
Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
Mi bun di fire hot pon babylon
Nah tek no chat from Babylon
Cause a you corrupt the ghetto yutes wid unno wicked act unno babylon
When mi walk i trample down babylon
Talk and rawt down babylon
Unno always deh yah wid you clans and plans
Wah come trap binji man
Unno tink unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
No unno can come tek mama Africa from we again
Source: http://www.dancehallreggaeworld.com/reggae-singer-jah-bouks-angola-lyrics-video.html by DHRW
(Jamaica)
****
ATTEMPTED "TRANSLATION" OF JAH BOUKS' "ANGOLA" INTO AMERICAN ENGLISH
Editor's Note:
This is only a partial "translation", with lyrics that I'm not certain of left in their original form.
The words or lines that I don't know and don't want to guess at I've left as. I've also left some of the Rasta words that are complicated to define and/or that are more familiar in the USA (such as "Babylon") in their original forms and added definitions below this "translation" with a citation of the source or sources that I'm using for that word or words. Those words or phrases are indicated by asterisks.
I've numbered each of the lines to this song to help make referencing additions and corrections easier.
Some of my translations are guesses. I've written a question mark in brackets after those "translations".
Please help with this attempt by posting additions and corrections in the comment section. Thanks!
ANGOLA
(Jah Bouks)
1. Yes Rasta*, all of my great people, they belong to Africa
2. And that is why (and so) we work to make Gideon** hot [to anger to destroy?] Gideon** Haili***
3. Angola, Angola father, mother Africa Gola, Angola
4. Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
5. I burn the fire hot upon babylon****
6. I don't take any talk from babylon
7. Because you corrupt the ghetto youth with your wicked ways [acts], you babylon
8. When I walk I trample down babylon
9. Talk and walk [?] down babylon
10. Your always there with your clans and plans
11. Trying to trap binji man*****
12. You think that you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
13. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
14. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
15. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again
16.True religion wouldn't bomb down Lebonon
17. [Then] boast about yourself and blame Afghanistan
18. Why do you try and cons [conspire to ?] implement a plan
19. Then you go [hunt up?] Saddam [Hussein]
20. I see you coming nearer and nearer
21. But the oil mama got (she) won't share with you
22. I'm not scared to defend my square [neighborhood?]
23. Opressah Marlon Gayle
24. You think (that) you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
25. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
26. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
27. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again
28. They don't like (it) when we [hide ?] in the hills [to do guerilla warfare)
29. They want us to stay and pay their bills (that they charge us)
30. When you think you have saved a little money
31. They are the ones that count off the mills [the millions?]
32. Its an authentic reggae beat
33. Make me dance the shoes off my feet
34. My sweet sound is three {parts) Peter Tosh, Two (parts) Bob Marley and a little {bit of) Beres (Beres Hammond)
35. You think that you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again.
36. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
37. You can't come and take mama Africa from us again
38. No you can't come and take mama Africa from us again
39. So this binji can call
40. Angola, Angola papa mama Africa Gola, Angola
41. Angola, Angola papa masha mala Gola, Angola
42. I burn the fire hot upon babylon
43. I don't take any talk from Babylon
44. Because you corrupt the ghetto youths with your wickeed ways, you babylon.
45. When I walk i trample down babylon
46. Talk and walk [?] down babylon
47. You're always there with your clans and plans
48. You want to come and trap binji man
49. You think (that) you can come (and) take mama Africa from us again
60. No you can't come (and) take mama Africa from us again
-snip-
ASTERISKS NOTES
*Rasta - "Members of the Rastafari way of life are known as Rastas, or the Rastafari. The way of life is sometimes referred to as "Rastafarianism", but this term is considered derogatory and offensive by most Rastafari, who, being highly critical of "isms" (which they see as a typical part of "Babylon culture"), dislike being labelled as an "ism" themselves."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rastafari_movement
**giddion (Gideon) "Amagideon/Gideon is a Rasta theological concept meaning the general state the entire world is in now, and has been getting progressively deeper in since 1930, and especially since 1974. This is a slight mutation of Armageddon, a name appearing in Revelation." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iyaric [hereafter given as Wikipedia: Iyaric]
***Haili = Haile - The Dread talk word "ily" ("iley", "illy") comes from that name.
"ILY/ILLY/ILEY: From the Emperors name Haile, also meaning Ganja Herbs."
From http://www.collegetermpapers.com/TermPapers/S/History_of_Rastafari.html
-snip-
Update: October 9, 2014
"Ily", "illy", iley is also defined as "holy".
"Iley" -in all of its spellings- is pronounced "i-LAY" [as heard in other Jah Boukes videos].
A pancocojams post on the Rasta word "iley" will be published ASAP. A related post on comments using Dread talk in the Jah Bouks video "Angola" and in other Jah Bouks videos will also be published ASAP.
-end of Update-
****"Babylon" = 1. the corrupt establishment, the "system," Church and State 2. the police, a policeman
http://niceup.com/patois.html; Also read the definition for Babylon in Wikipedia: Iyaric.
*****binji man = probably from the word "Niyabinghi"
Niyabinghi is one of the mansions (branches) of Rastafari.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mansions_of_Rastafari
Also ""NIYAMEN" is a name for Rastas referring to Niyabinghi warriors of East Africa" http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/rastafarian-reasoning/34526-dread-dictionary-rasta-words-expressions-slang.html
ADDED October 8, 2014: "When Rastafari come together to drum and chant it is called Nyahbinghi, and is one of the most important form of worship or prayer within this faith.
Reggae music is based on Nyahbinghi, and is used by many Rastafari to sing about their beliefs and the social conditions they live in. Many Rastafari believe that reggae is divine music, while other Rastafari do not"...
From https://members.scouts.org.uk/factsheets/FS185075.pdf "The Rastafarian community In Scouting"
Note: Compared with most on-line sites, this article provides in-depth information about Rastafari history, beliefs, and culture, including festivals
-snip-
Update: October 11, 2014
From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkdxQ3TiWLE "Justice Sound. Jamaican Nyahbinghi Churchical Chant & hymns, Sabbatical Order. Jamaican Gospel"
[justicedagreat (the video uploader's) comment]:
"Nyahbingi as a Rastafarian lifestyle, In Rasta overstanding, Nyahbingi is the mystical power of the Most High to mete
justice throughout the universe. Although the genuine origin of the word that means "she possesses many things" is Ugandan, as a
concept and theology, Nyahbingi has come down to the Rastaman to signify "death to the oppressors, both black and white". Therefore, it is through prayer, music and biblical
reasonings that the Rastaman chants bingi, calling on the forces of nature to destroy the powers of wickedness."...
end of update
-snip-
I'm particularly curious about the meaning of the line "Opressah Marlon Gayle". Does the word "oppressah" = oppressor? I thought that word wasn't used in Dread-talk. And is the word "Oppressah" in Jah Bouks' "Angola" song a continuation of the preceding line so that that line actually reads "Oh mi nah get scared fi defend di square, Opressah".
Intially I thought that "Marlon Gayle" was a referent for the African American Soul singer Marvin Gaye. But that referent makes no sense in the context of that Angola song. I googled that name and came across a 2012 article about a Jamaican man named Marlon Gayle who is "a former middle distance runner turned coach, has been the quiet unassuming force behind the rise of the throwing dynamo that the Edwin Allen High School track and field programme has become." http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/Marlon-Gayle--the-man-behind-Edwin-Allen-s-rise-in-the-throwing-events
I wonder is this the Marlon Gayle that Jah Bouks' meant? Is the name "Marlon Gayle" a short hand way of saying that there are other guiet unassumig forces that can be successfully brought to bear in overthrowing babylon?
I hope that someone who knows this culture adds to these comments.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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