This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube sound file of the 1990 Jamaican Dancehall record "Kimbo King" by Reggie Stepper. That title is also written as "Kim-Bo King".
This post also includes my attempt to transcribe the words for Reggie Stepper's song "Kimbo King". Please add your additions and corrections to this draft transcription.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, and entertainment purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Reggie Stepper for his musical legacy. Thanks to the publisher of this sound file. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post.
**** PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE: Updated Feb.24, 2026 I woke up this morning with this song in my head. I thought the title was "Original King And Queen", but thanks to Google Search, I found this song's actual title.
Although there are several sound files of "Kimbo King" on YouTube and YouTube showcases some other songs by Reggie Stepper, the only YouTube videos (not sound files) that I found of of Reggie Stepper singing "Kimbo King" or any other examples of his songs are two 2025 YouTube video shorts - https://youtube.com/shorts/YsKHZxBAqY0?si=I90cjbx7VvU3rfz
and a 2025 YouTube video of Reggie Stepper singing a number of his songs, including "Kimbo King"-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch9Rp6Ehila "Reggie Stepper | Episode | Yardstyle Live Presents
@MusicPhillreggaeshow"., published by YardstyleLiveshow, Premiered Jul 9, 2025 (7:00
– 8:49 of that video.)
**** As of Feb. 24, 2026 I still haven't found any online lyrics for Reggie Stepper's "Kimbo King" besides my partial attempted transcription.
The only other lyrics that I found online for Reggie Stepper's song "Kimbo King" are WRONG.
Although attributed to Reggie Stepper, the lyrics and song summary that are found on https://sonichits.com/video/Reggie_Stepper/Kimbo_King and on at least one other website are in a non-English language and "explores the theme of yearning for a lost love. The song is filled with emotions of longing and regret as the protagonist ruminates over the relationship that has slipped away.". That is definitely NOT the lyrics to and a summary for Reggie Stepper's "Kimbo King" dancehall classic.
The original 2023 version of this pancocojams post presented my speculation that Reggie Stepper's "Kimbo King" is about men and women who spend their time hanging out in the "hood", watching the sights, hustling, enjoying themselves, and instigating trouble. I think that may still be correct. But my guess was that "kimbo king" and "kimbo queen" have the same meaning as "rude boys" or maybe "kimbo kings"/"kimbo queens" are what rude boys and rude girls are called when they are no longer teenagers. Click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rude_boy for a definition of the Jamaican term "rude boy."
I believe that my guess about that is WRONG.
Instead, if I had listened to the song more closely-regardless to how difficult that is for my ears that aren't familiar to Jamaican pronunciation of English, I would have realized that Reggie Stepper uses the terms "kimbo king" and "kimbo queens" as referents for lazy people (unproductive people) who hang around the streets doing nothing and contributing nothing positive to their community.
A number of comments in the discussion thread for the video that is embedded above mention that this song is about lazy people.
Also, thanks to Anonymous August 21, 2024 at 9:52 AM for his comment added to this post's discussion thread: "No he’s telling a story about lazy people.
He said it in the intro…" -end of quote-
**** "Original" in the lyrics "Original kimbo king" means "authentic" (i.e. real), not "first". -snip-
I should also mention that I retained my comments about the meanings of 'akimbo" that I shared based on my trying to suss out the meaning of the word "kimbo" in this Jamaican dancehall song. I still think that the word "akimbo" is the source of the term "kimbo" in this dancehall song, mostly because the two words are spelled and sound so much alike. But also I'm leaning toward the idea that these two words are connected in this song because of two main online examples:
-the way the host of the 2025 YouTube video showcasing Reggie Stepper singing some of his hits- including "Kimbo King"- kept putting his hands on his hips in an akimbo stance while he was dancing when Reggie Stepper was singing "Kimbo King". Reggie also put one hand on his hip at one point while he was singing this song. [That link and that time stamp are given above).
and
-the fact that Reggie Stepper (or some other Black man) is shown with one hand on his hip in the record cover that is used for the Stepper's song "Kimbo King" [1992 release in France- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1VZflraXUU
I wonder if doing the akimbo (both hands on the hips with the elbows pointed outward) was a regular element of the dance that was done for the "Kimbo King" song.
If so, what did that akimbo stance mean? Did it just reflect the singer's annoyance with the lazy people who were hanging around the street, or did the use of "kimbo" describes how the lazy men and lazy women are seated.
****
This is the end of this Feb. 24, 2026 update for this post. This post now returns to the original Pancocojams Editor's Note.
Several YouTube discussion threads about Reggie Stepper's "Kimbo King" include comments which describe that song as a dancehall classic. I definitely agree. As such, the real, complete lyrics for this song and a verified accurate description of that song deserve to be online.
Please share your additions and corrections of my attempted transcription of this song and my definition of "kimbo king"/"kimbo queen".
**** LYRICS - KIMBO KING (draft transcription)* (by Reggie Stepper)
[…]
I wanna get this song out to all the people around the world
I fire this one to all the people around the world
Boom!
Original kimbo king uuuuhhhhhh
Kimbo queen and a king uuuuhhhh
Original kimbo king uuuuhhhhhh
Kimbo queen and a king uuuuhhhh
They wanna laze around sittin uuhhhh
they want to do nothing uuuhhh
they’re fond of money making uuuhhh
And fond of kimbo watchin uuuhhh
and they pon de corner ah pure posing. uuuhhh. And in the mix of every ting uuuhhh Nuff people business watching uuuhhh
[…]
They live in Brooklyn And they make they’re livin We call dem Kimbo King!!!
[…]
Kimbo Kimbo what fon a kimbo
Tell you what work and I tell you who I am
[…]
They full of passion
One time gone we call em lazy man
One time gone we call em lazy woman
But now days we have a different passion
Original kimbo king uuuuhhh
Kimbo queen and a king uuuuhhhh
Original kimbo king uuuuhhhhhh,
Kimbo queen and a king uuuuhhhh
He went to work last Saturday
I let him know that this is Thursday
[...] -snip- *This is my draft transcription of this song.
Thanks in advance to all those who help document the lyrics for this dancehall classic by adding those words to this pancocojams comment section below and/or to the YouTube discussion threads for this song.
**** SELECTED DISCUSSION THREAD COMMENTS I listened to sound files of this song multiple times to arrive at my attempted partial transcription of Reggie Stepper's 1990 Dancehall classic "Kimbo King". However, since I'm not Jamaican and don't know any Jamaicans or anyone familiar with Jamaican Patois, I admit that I probably will never get all the words to this song without some help.
Here are some comments from the YouTube discussion thread for the sound file that is embedded in this pancocojams post. These comments are either lines from that song or explanations about what that song is about.
** 4. @TheV6MaSTer, 2017 "original kimbo king uuuuhhhhhh, drum pan sound uuuuhhhhh" -snip- "Drum Pan" is another song by Reggie Stepper that has this same Stalag riddim and includes that "uuuuhhh" refrain.
** 5. @sircedricgardner7757, 2017 "One time gone that a lazy mon"
** 6. @sircedricgardner7757, 2018 "Eye hustle and beg for money and don’t want to grow or add
to society"
This pancocojams post presents information about Jamaican Reggae singer Tenor Saw and showcases a YouTube video of Tenor Saw's 1985 classic song "Ring The Alarm". An article excerpt about "Ring The Alarm" is also included in this post along with a few comments from the discussion thread for that video.
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Tenor Saw for his cultural legacy and thanks to all those who are associated with this embedded video. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
**** INFORMATION ABOUT TENOR SAW'S CLASSIC SONG "RING THE ALARM" From https://www.dancehallmag.com/2021/04/29/features/how-tenor-saws-ring-the-alarm-brought-soundclash-to-the-masses.html How Tenor Saw’s ‘Ring The Alarm’ Brought Soundclash To The
Masses, by Sasha Lee, April 29, 2021 "For a vibrant display of the Jamaican trifecta — cunning,
creativity, competitiveness — look no further than the island’s rich sound
system heritage. These modes of performance and entertainment started in
Kingston in the 1950s, providing a platform for an array of talent — selectors,
toasters, engineers — while playing to crowds that could easily
grow into the thousands.
Sound systems (essentially mobile discotheques) rose to
prominence in the ’60s through famous sound system owners such as Arthur ‘Duke’
Reid (the Trojan Sound System and Treasure Isle Label) and Clement ‘Sir
Coxsone’ Dodd (Downbeat Sound System and Studio One Recording Studio) who
dominated Kingston’s nightscape with accompanying acts like Daddy U-Roy and King
Stitt respectively.
Of all the acts who’ve injected flair into the art form, it
was Clive Bright aka Tenor Saw who officially brought the concept of soundclash
to the masses when he debuted the crucial anthem, Ring The Alarm, in 1985. The
deejay was only 19 years old when he freestyled his way into the future – i.e.
Dancehall – slinging rhymes while levelling the rival sounds.
The first time the late hitmaker performed the lethal
classic is also hailed as another of Dancehall’s integral moments: the first
soundclash. Held at Cinema II in New Kingston, the faceoff saw the island’s
four biggest sound systems, Youth Promotion Soundstation (Tenor Saw’s stomping
grounds owned by Sugar Minott), Black Scorpio, King Jammy’s Hi Fi, and Arrows
International all vying for glory.
His deadly delivery of history as it unfolded swept the
crowd and stole the crown: “Four big sounds inna one big lawn/ The Don sound a
play, the other three keep calm/ Four big sounds inna one big lawn/ The boom
sound a play, the other three keep calm/ Ring the alarm, another sound is
dying, Whoa, Hey..” Two years later, he was killed in 1988, reportedly in a
hit-and-run accident in Houston, Texas.”…
**** LYRICS- "RING THE ALARM" (Tenor Saw)
[ Intro] Rrrrrr Ring! Rrrrrr Ring! Hey! Ring the alarm Hey! Wooow...
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey! Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Verse 1]
Some sound's sound like a big drum pan Listen the sound, it a champion Ram the dance inna any session Rock up the woman, an rock up the man
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey! Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Verse 2]
Tee-tah-toe, we beat them all in a row Donkey waan water, but you hol’ him Joe Tee-tah-toe, we beat them all in a row Jackass waan water, but hol’ him Joe
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey! Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Verse 3]
Four big sound's inna one big lawn The Don sound a play, the other three keep calm Four big sound's inna one big lawn The boom sound a play, the other three keep calm
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Verse 4]
Remember this sound, it a talk of the town Talk of the country Hey! Oh rock, Mr. Charlie Rock Miss Munchie Talk of the country So
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying I know, I know Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Verse 5]
Watch the soundman a tremble Watch the soundman a 'fraid Watch the soundman a tremble Watch the soundman a 'fraid
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying I know, I know Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Verse 6]
Little of this and little of that Rock sister Carmen, rock sister Pat Rock the white, and rap up the black Sweet reggae music gone pon the attack Yes, pon the attack, it gone pon the attack Sweet reggae music gone straight, non-stop
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey! Ring the alarm, another sound is suffering Woow Hey!
[Verse 1]
Some sound's sound like a big drum pan Listen the sound, it a champion Ram the dance inna any session Rock up the woman, an rock up the man
[Hook]
Ring the alarm, another sound is suffering Woow Hey! Ring the alarm, another sound is dying Woow Hey!
[Outro]
Beat them here and beat them there We beat them all over this atmosphere Champion sound, we just don’t care
1. Kamille Richards, 2010 "Oh man, I remember from I was 7 my daddy use to play this in
the car all the time. I'd be singing this and not have a clue what I'm singing
about. This brings back good memories for reaal!"
** 2. Duartt Bright, 2016 "Old school and so good!"
** 3. Marseille Reggae Radio, 2016 "TUNE"
** 4. RA, 2016 "THIS SONG EFFECTIVELY PUTS YOU BACK INTO TOUR GROOVE!"
** 5. Katie-Jo, 2017 "Rest in peace Clive bright what a talented man love him"
** 6. WUTANGNYC, 2017 "Gone Too Soon!. RIP THE GREAT TENOR SAW!!!!!!!"
** 7. lingertooth, 2017 "Watch the soundman a tremble, watch the soundman
afraid."
Crushing tune!"
** 8. YAADZONE INC., 2017 "One of the best Dancehall songs ever recorded. Magnum Opus."
** Reply 9. Miลosz B., 2021 "It's more dancehall, or more reggae?"
** Reply 10. Milkb4 Cereal,2022 "@Miลosz B. definitely reggae"
** Reply 11. Malik Wright, 2022 "@Milkb4 Cereal lol what? This a dancehall clash song.
“Another sound(sound boy/dj) is dying” is literally context that it’s a
dancehall sound used to clash also"
** 12. Bobby Mobay, 2017 "Love the song but hate the video....smh.
Have Jamaica looking like some bogwater country."
** Reply 13. With love, Stephanie Denise, 2018 "Bobby Mobay no funds...they would have been better off
with a video of a club scene...but there are parts of Jamaica that is very
poor."
** Reply 14. Brandon N, 2018 "With love, Stephanie Denise I would have
to say most of that sweet island is very poor"
** Reply 15. solwesfe, 2018 "Brandon Nevarez much of the island is
far removed from the scenes in this video. Explain "very poor"? The
island has been upgraded to a middle income country. However, there is no
longer a Jamaican middle class but I think this is also the case for many other
countries. Many nations are home to people who are becoming poorer."
** Reply 16. nanah p, 2020 "The video makes no sense."
** 17. emobsta10, 2017 "Who remembers the first time they heard this gem. It picks
you up and drops you into the heart of Jamaica
while dumplings stew in a pot, playing a game of dominoes and drinking a
red stripe. excellent sound."
** Reply 18. Norrin Radd, 2019 "Or playing Lodi with pepper stew in the pot, rain drops on
the tin roof. And a nice Guiness to wash it down ๐same vibe"
** Reply 19. selassie sun(TSTV๐ฏ๐ฒ), 2021 "Takes me back to granny yard real talk funny you mention dumpling stew dat a wanami favorite Sunday's bless up family ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฒ"
** Reply 20. Syzmik TV News, 2021 "I man was in #Montserrat a little
Caribbean island known as the "Emerald Isle" ...Anyway it was a
Friday night in #CorkHill village & it blaze through BIG GUNN SOUND SYSTEM"
** Reply 21. emobsta10, 2021 "@Syzmik TV News Yes brother, Monserrat was
home to a famous recording studio used by some of the greats of music and entertainment.
Never been myself but hear its a paradise"
** Reply 22. Gilb Errr?, 2021 "I heard this tune back in the 1990s at Notting Hill
Carnival. Classic!"
** Reply 23. Emmanuel Mosoti, 2022 "Never had dumpling stew nor do I know
what a red stripe is but yea.."
** Reply 24. Danilo Fonseca official, 2022 "This is the life, hear good music, drinking
Red stripe, dumplings and dominoes"
** Reply 25. Jai B, 2022 "Reminds me when I was a kid in the late 80s my neighbours
blasting this one summer...was hooked! Over 30 year's later, its still a staple
for me!! ♥"️
** Reply 26. Abby Dollars, 2022 "dumpling stew in a pot lol"
** Reply 27. Sue black, 2022 "You took me there jus now bredda. Big up."
** 28. BigBennKlingon, 2019 "The lyrics.. This is such a battle-rap song. You
can really see how reggae like this influenced hip hop."
** 29. A T, 2019 "This takes me back to my youth in the 1980s and 1990s in
Toronto! Jammed enough times to this in high school and university. Those were
legendary times."
** Reply 30. mister joe, 2020 "This tune reminds me of my youth in NYC.NYC was apocalyptic
in the 80's you had the crack epidemic,killings were way up,the subway was a
waste land full of graffiti.The most beautiful thing of that time was this gem
of a tune that would fit perfectly in the NYC of that era.I remember blasting
this tune on my mini boom box on 5 train from brooklyn to the bronx.Use to
visit my familia in Morris Park in the Bronx from Flatbush Brooklyn blasting
this gem."
** Reply 31. C S, 2021 "Same here growing up in Boston for me. Or really anywhere on the East Coast in the
80's. Boston was becoming the wild west as well at that time. Used jam this when we went and bought beef
patties at this spot on Geneva Ave in Boston. Good memories.๐ฏ"
** Reply 32. Delmar ๐งก๐บ, 2022 "Philadelphia too around that time Jamaican
people were moving in my neighborhood especially rastafarians it was a crazy
time"
** 33. Sean Rock, 2020 "BIG CHUNE!"
** 34. Empress Jade Simeon Ellis, 2020 "Chuh When Dance was Irie Jah Knows. Boom!"
** 35. nakia X, 2020 "This song send a lot of sound boys to their grave ........
Best Dancehall funeral sendoff song ever"
** Reply 36. rich Mck, 2021 "If you live in Jamaica, then the best send-off you can have
is hearing this at a SETUP.
Went to one last year, man, I tell you...All night till
funeral time people did not stop!
This is the way to celebrate fi real!!!"
** 37. Star Burst, 2020 "One of Jamaica's great legends that gone too soon. His song
will live on."
** 38. Sonia Allen, 2020 "Do they still have sound clash and car stereo clash anymore?"
** 39. Nik Ashford, 2021 "Bad as it gets! The word
"anthem" gets banded around nowadays,
then a tune like this steps all over them. Unbeatable. A real
unreachable bench mark."
** 40. Dog Black, 2021 "This will 4ever B a classic in The Dance
Hall , Clubs & Block Party's voice crazy like how the kids do it now with
the Auto-Tune Hmmmm makes u think ?"
**
41. T B, 2021 "Large Up the whole ah Caribbean"
**
42. Akil Bhawansingh, 2021 "this sound give me goose bumps everytime I hear this sound I remember sound clash reel killing tune"
** 44. Miles Crawford, 2021 "Rest In Peace ✌๐พ respect ! S/o from
bedstuy Bklyn"
** 45. Shane Lee, 2022 "He made this song while in the middle of a sound
clash what a legend gone to soon I never comment but dis ere man deserve it
for real ๐ฒ๐"
** 46. Sue black, 2022 "Pull dis uppp sehlektah!!"
This pancocojams post showcases the October 2009 Jamaican Dancehall song "Skip To My Lou" by Serani, featuring Ding Dong.
A sound file of this song is included in this post along with the song's lyrics and selected comments from the discussion thread of its YouTube sound file. Brief explanatory notes are given for vernacular terms and phrases that are used in some of these comments.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Serani and Ding Dong for recording this song. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.
****
SHOWCASE SOUND FILE: Skip to My Lou - Serani Feat. Ding Dong & Biggy
BabiiGyal4lyfe, Published on May 5, 2010
-snip-
Release Date: October 9, 2009
****
LYRICS: SKIP TO MY LOU
[Intro: Raz & Biggy, Serani, & Ding Dong]
I'm talking about New York City!
Miami, Toronto!
Yo, L.A., California!
All my Jamaican people!
We're skipping!
t's-It's Serani
Wow na-na, na-na, now (Ravers Clavers)
Wow na-na, na-na, now, yeah
(Daseca) Now, yeah
A Ding Dong
New York City!
[Chorus: Serani]
It's dancing, it's moving, it's electric
Little kids, hot girls request this
Come on now, everybody catch this
DJ, select this
Skip to my Lou
Oh wow
Skip to my Lou
Yeah aye
Skip to my Louuuuu
Skip to my Lou
Hey ya
Ayee
We're dancing from evening 'til sunrise
This dance is so nice
Glide left, slide right
And just do it
Skip to my Lou
Oh wow
Skip to my Lou
Yeah aye
Skip to my Louuuuu
Skip to my Lou
Hey ya
Ayee
[Verse 1: Ding Dong]
Guess who's here?!
The dancing prince just appeared
The baddest thing around, go ask Chicken And Beer
I swear, drink, get drunk and don't care
And you Skip To my Lou with your hand inna di air
G Whizz, this a go pon every dancehall mix
Who soon catch the step? Nuh the great Jack Rabbit
So cool, everybody join the dancing school
Ding Dong, Ravers, have the dance do
[Chorus: Serani]
It's dancing, it's moving, it's electric
Little kids, hot girls request this
Come on now, everybody catch this
DJ, select this
Skip to my Lou
Oh wow
Skip to my Lou
Yeah aye
Skip to my Louuuuu
Skip to my Lou
Hey ya
Ayee
We're dancing from evening 'til sunrise
This dance is so nice
Glide left, slide right
And just do it
Skip to my Lou
Oh wow
Skip to my Lou
Yeah aye
Skip to my Louuuuu
Skip to my Lou
Hey ya
Ayee
[Verse 2: Ding Dong]
It nuh hard, da one yah easy fi catch
Swing left to right, but don't lose your step
Dance off your shoes and buy a new crepe
Watch Aneisha a try, but she nuh have it yet!
[Musical Interlude]
I'm talking about London, Dubai!
Yo, Costa Rica, Johannesburg!
Australia!
Yo....Beijing stand up!
This is dancing!
[Chorus (2x): Serani]
It's dancing, it's moving, it's electric
Little kids, hot girls request this
Come on now, everybody catch this
DJ, select this
Skip to my Lou
Oh wow
Skip to my Lou
Yeah aye
Skip to my Louuuuu
Skip to my Lou
Hey ya
Ayee
We're dancing from evening 'til sunrise
This dance is so nice
Glide left, slide right
And just do it
Skip to my Lou
Oh wow
Skip to my Lou
Yeah aye
Skip to my Louuuuu
Skip to my Lou
Hey ya
Ayee
[Outro: Raz & Biggy]
I'm talking about Sydney, Austalia!
What about Japan?!
Yo, Johannesburg stand up!
Dubai, London!
Yo, Berlin!
I'm talking about Israel!
I'm talking about Paris!
I'm talking about Toronto!
I'm talking about Montreal!
I'm talking about Quebec!
Yo, I'm talking about Jamaica!
What about Trinidad?!
Yo, What's up Guyana?!
What's up Brasil?!
All over the world!
It's skipping!
-snip-
Source: https://genius.com/Serani-skip-to-my-lou-lyrics
Notice that the lyrics for this song includes a form of the nation signing in custom that is found in a number of discussion threads for YouTube music videos/sound files. The singer calls out the names of various nations/cities and commands them to "skip [to my Lou]". Click the "nation signing in comments" tag below to find pancocojams posts about this custom.
****
SELECTED COMMENTS
Here are some comments from this sound file's discussion thread, with numbers added for referencing purposes only (with special attention to vernacular language usage. Some of these comments are given with brief explanations.)
1. rissy smith, 2010
"chuneeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
-snip-
"Chune" is a Caribbean Patois way of saying "tune". The word chune" here means that the person really likes this song.
**
2. Jessica Samuels, 2010
"omg, dey kept playin dis at da hotel i went to in jamaica TUUUUNNNNNNNNNNEEEE"
**
3. goodgrl4eva1, 2011
"Trini to the bone <3"
Now skipp!!!!!
-snip-
"Trini" [from Trinidad & Tobago]
"Trini to the bone" = Trinidadian through and through (completely/authentically Trinidadian in every way]
**
5. 13Teenspirit, 2012
This back memories from my dad's backyard when I was seven during summer barbecues with all the great people there, this song playing..like eighty times and all the great times with my friends there."
**
6. Eric Hadley, 2012
"goes innnnnnnn"
-snip-
"[This song really] goes in (is really very good.)
**
7. Jkisser1, 2012
"Reppin Guyana All The Way ♥ :D"
-snip-
"reppin" = representing
**
8. Zeanna, 2012
"i love it !!♥☆★♡"
**
9. Shania Smalls
"me to trinidad in da building lol"
-snip-
"I'm here representing Trinidad".
**
10. Damani Legister, 2018
"Nothin like classix"
**
11. Zdawgeveryday, 2019
"Song still bumps in 2019๐ฌ๐พ"
-snip-
This song is still rocks in 2019. (It is still considered a hot [really good] song.)
This pancocojams post showcases the Tanzanian Pop/Reggae song "Hallelujah" by Diamond Platinumz featuring Morgan Heritage.
Information about Diamond Platinumz and Morgan Heritage is included in this post.
The official YouTube video of "Hallelujah" and that song's lyrics are also included in this post along with selected comments from that video's discussion thread.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Diamond Platnumz and Morgan Heritage for their musical legacies. Thanks also to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
-snip-
WARNING: According to a commenter in this YouTube video's discussion thread in 2018 "the Tanzanian government banned this song, because apparently it's immoral."
In my opinion, this video is kinda risque, but I've seen much more risque videos from the USA which weren't banned.
****
SHOWCASE VIDEO: Diamond Platnumz ft Morgan Heritage - Hallelujah (Official Video)
Diamond Platnumz, Published on Sep 28, 2017
Bring in the love! Check out Diamond Platinumz's fresh new video Hallelujah featuring Morgan Heritage.
****
INFORMATION ABOUT DIAMOND PLATINUMZ
From ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_Platnumz
"Naseeb Abdul Juma (born 2 October 1989), popularly known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz (or simply Diamond), is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava recording artist and dancer from Tanzania. He is best known for his hit song "Number One" which he featured Nigerian artiste Davido. Diamond has won numerous awards at Channel O and the HiPipo Music Awards....
Diamond is considered influential among his fans, and is said to be the most loved and decorated Tanzanian artist at the moment.[3] He was believed to be the highest selling Tanzanian artist of ringtones by mobile phone companies in 2013, as well as being among the artists earning the highest income in the African Great Lakes region's music industry.[3]"...
****
INFORMATION ABOUT MORGAN HERITAGE
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_Heritage
"Morgan Heritage is a reggae band formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artist Denroy Morgan, namely Peter "Peetah" Morgan, Una Morgan, Roy "Gramps" Morgan, Nakhamyah "Lukes" Morgan, and Memmalatel "Mr. Mojo" Morgan. In two decades, they have had a number of successful reggae albums.
Origin Brooklyn, New York City, United States
Genres Reggae
Years active 1994–present"...
-snip-
From https://www.allmusic.com/artist/morgan-heritage-mn0000500298/biography
Artist Biography by Craig Harris
Protect Us Jah The legacy of reggae vocalist Denroy Morgan has been passed on to his sons, who have performed as Morgan Heritage since 1991. While its mellow, R&B-influenced vocals and Rastafarian lyrics have been compared to Garnett Silk, the group has continued to pave its own musical path. The band's many hits include "Let's Make Up," "Tell Me How Come," "Set Yourself Free," "Mama and Papa," and "Protect Us Jah." Initially an octet featuring eight of Morgan's 29 children, Morgan Heritage began recording in the early '90s.
[...]
[Morgan Heritage's] Strictly Roots [album], ... was released [in 2015] by the band's own label CTBC ("Cool to Be Conscious")... The set hit the top spot on the reggae charts and they took home the Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2016. While ramping up for a global tour, Morgan Heritage began working on an album in studios from Nashville to Miami to Paris with a slew of co-producers. In 2017, they dropped the pre-release single "Reggae Night" (feat. DreZion), followed by the full-length Avrakedabra in May."....
****
LYRICS: HALLELUJAH
Diamond Platinumz featuring Morgan Heritage
Album A Boy From Tandale
[Intro]
Diamond Platnumz (Yeah) and Morgan Heritage......
For All Ladies
Yeah Ah
[Verse 1: Diamond Platnumz]
Hata akilala ananiota
Najiita mbalamwezi kisa nna nyota
Aah nimkande amechoka
Nitembeee na ulimi kote ka nyoka
Mapenzi niongezee
Ka bahari niogelee
[Bridge : Diamond Platnumz]
Mhh eh eh eh
Lord have mercy
Speaking from my heart damn she so sexy
Mama gimme blessing
I wanna off the lights so i can speak dirty
[Pre Chorus : Diamond Platnumz]
And she say she wants some more
Harder than i gave her before (Huh)
The way she dancin (Uhh)
Touch me (Uhh)
I swear she makes me say
Comment by kimkayndo, 2017 from that lyric page"
"Tanzanian superstar collaborates with Brooklyn reggae band, Morgan Heritage on this new Dancehall tune titled Hallelujah."
****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR THIS VIDEO
I'm interested in comments about this song and its artists as well as documenting some of the nations represented by these comments.
In addition, I'm interested in documenting by Africans of African American Vernacular English (Black slang) such as "fire", "bad", "shout out"; "We be + [a vernacular form of a verb such as "chillin"] and the use by Africans of Jamaican expressions such as "Big Up" jam, & "Tune" ("chune").
Numbers have been assigned to these comments for referencing purposes only.
2017
1. Ilhan Ahmed
"diamond my Bae ๐ I have so much respect for his Music.One of the few African Musicians who make meangful songs that are worth listening to."
REPLY
2. Nasri Mgambo
"Ilhan Ahmed really? Few african musician? U seems new to african music we got tonnes of talents and big names in the game"
**
REPLY
3. Ilhan Ahmed
"Nasri Mgambo I ain't new I'm very much familiar with it...when I say meangful songs means songs that make actual sense that's why I'm team +255 they way better than +254 and I'm not saying all +254 music suck my point is +255 music has always been better. My comment was based on comparison between two east African countries and not the whole Africa."
**
REPLY
4. Hosea Nobocka
"Ilhan Ahmed exactly we are very proud of this guy"
**
5. Jackson Kedaha
"At first i ignored this jam...but i listened to it twice and this jam is Dope! Why lie!...."
**
6. Nywele Chronicles
"Diamond amejaribu with the English"
-snip-
Google translate from Swahili to English: "amejaribu" = he has tried
**
REPLY
7. Akinyi Okeyo, 2018
"Nywele Chronicles uko serious? Diamond speaks good English,you mean....."
**
8. P. LOVER
"Love the video graphics, set and the song. Thank you diamond for the hard work. Much love from Sierra Leone."
**
9. Nick Nderitu
"Arguably the best artist in all of Africa. Big fan from Kenya"
**
10. The Sharpen Boy
"I wonder if east Africa will ever see another great musicians in years to come like like Eddy Kenzo and Diamond. 1million views in 15 hours I'm waiting to see who will break that record in East Africa. Alicia is great Dai just works harder."
**
11. Mildred Edward
"I love this its fireeeee"
**
12. Zak zagarino
"singing with the heritage family is a really big move,Sending love from louisville KY nice clip brah and gorgeous ladies"
**
13. Omar Godana
"can someone give a s/o to the music producer.....that beat is straight firee"
-snip-
"s/o" = shout out
**
14. Republican254
"Big Chuuuune!!!!"
**
15. Abby Kessy
"World Jam"
**
16. LUMALA MEDIA
"Hallelujah six million within 3 weak simba forever #Hallelujah ameen"
**
17. Debbie Lavis
"These jamaican brothers r baddddddd๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ"
**
18. FuncityOfficial Mzigotz
"all da way from Jamaica we love did song...halelujah"
**
REPLY
19. Hosea Nobocka
"FuncityOfficial Mzigotz we lovee also lovee Jamaica people welcome to Tanzania"
**
REPLY
20. The Admin
"Much love from Kenya. Big up to Diamond for taking East African music to the world."
**
21. nizam sherali
"Is it just me but Diamonds english seems hard to understand at times, Like he's trying too hard. Not here for hate, amazing song overall."
**
REPLY
22. gilbert furia
"nizam sherali you are very right i can see that, he's basicaly singing in english with swahili accents , if u speak swahili it is easer to understand him, though he need to change that."
**
REPLY
23. nizam sherali
"gilbert furia thank bro. Actually im from kenya. I understand kiswahili very well. Thing is this, he is an expert at what he does, he has good managers and basically one hell of a team. I would atleast have expected him to have his lines checked, advised well. The swahili accent should be there n that cannot change, but i just felt he himself thinks its ok."
**
REPLY
24. That254chik
"Why are people acting like English isn't one of the lingua franca languages spoken in Tanzania? ๐ Ati, "I like his English" ๐ Nkkkt"
**
25. Agnes Darch
"beautiful! Hongera sana, especially for your sharing kipaji chako na wengine. ubarikiwe!!"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"hongera sana"= congratulations
kipali chako na wengine. ubariliwe= ?? [Google translation gave the result "your side with others has been rented"]
**
26. ASSIDA RECORDS
"Am I the only one scrolling through trying to find comments in English? Nevertheless, outstanding job D.P! I love the fact you are being verstile with your artist collaborations choice. Spread Afro music to all over the World..... Respect!"
**
REPLY
27. gilbert furia
"ASSIDA RECORDS me too"
**
28. Moe Davie
"Thanks altogether Africa we are one keep watching it"
**
REPLY
**
29. Julius Sanane
"One love cousin J from Tanzania"
**
30. Brenda Anthony
"This song is on fire from new jersey"
**
31. Joseph Ochieng
"Lots of love from Boston, represent!, good job buddy ."
**
REPLY
32. Simbiso Chemhuru
"we be chilling all right!!"
**
33. GEORGE ODHIAMBO
"Nice work Diamond I actualy admire your work since ever coz you never give up but changing the spirit in every music every year"
**
34. shahid patel
"Hello from vancouver brithish Colombia"
**
35. Cynthia Kochie
"Am going to learn Swahili because of this man lol.love him๐๐๐"
**
36. Sharon Washington
"Zimbabwean chilling in the comment section ......i hve nothing but love for Diamond and our Tanzanian cousins"
-snip-
"Chilling is an African American Vernacular English word whose meaning here is something like "relaxing" and/or "enjoying myself". In another context, "chill out" might mean "Don't get angry or annoyed [by something or someone]".
**
REPLY
37. Nancy Damas
"Sharon Washington we got love for you too sister๐น๐ฟ
**
REPLY
38. Sharon Washington
"I watch all of his videos every single day....i'm very far away from home so listening to African music bring me closer to home"
**
39. Andrew Gilead
"it would be better diamond platnumz videos would be associated with vevo so that we know the viewers he is getting are real and he is not buying them"
**
REPLY
40. Salim Mussa, 2018
"Andrew Gilead what makes you think that vevo is secure than YouTube.... In large part of the world vevo is unavailable, they just use their youtube channel to handle their member's accounts"
**
41. priya raya
"Anyobody from Burundi here ngoga like apa 257๐ง๐ฎ go diamond platnumz ๐๐"
**
REPLY
42. jay zablon
"priya raya 257 here"
-snip-
"257" is Burundi's country [telephone] code
**
43. Alex Bukenya
"Fire fire fire.. ✌"
**
44. Sweet Mama
"Oyooooooo.....! Morgane Hertage. I love youuuuuuu. Dai ๐๐"
-snip-
"Dai" is a nickname for "Diamond Platinumz".
**
45. fredrick Chukwu
"anybody from Nigeria loves this song like I do? so much love from West Africa @diamond.
u are doing so well"
**
46. Desmond Saudix
"from kenya,uganda and tanzania all united through WCB"
-snip-
From this comment, my guess is that "WCB" is an East African radio station [?]
**
47. GLORIA 256
"From Uganda to Tanzania much love to all Tanzanians"
-snip-
"256" is the country [telephone] code for Uganda.
**
REPLY
48. Wakitaa Pino
"GLORIA 256 welcome“
**
REPLY
49. Amon Alfred
"GLORIA 256 we love Ugandans too"
**
50. SuperFoster1979
"Your music is great. But dude the mama drama is something.. Just marry one of them."
**
51. I love Jesus
"Kiswahili for lifeeee๐๐๐๐ I love my language, hiyo English kila mtu anawezaaa. But swahili is unique, so so so proud of it! NAJIVUNIA"
-snip-
Google translation from Swahili to English:
"hiyo English kila mtu anawezaaa" = That's English everybody sleeps [?] Does this mean the English language puts people to sleep [because it's boring] ?
Najivunia= Justice
**
52. Tyson black Baron
"This man is absolutely incredible, made me consider my people a hundred percent sure!!! I wish I could have met with him in his next tour to United States ๐บ๐ธ sir, ya make sure you let us know whenever you r coming to USA ๐บ๐ธ your people here we extremely need to meeting with you man ya welcome to New York City ๐ brudda!! #๐from New York City ๐ I might take you to chilling to Kansas City too,"
**
53. mimi Asangwe
"Anyone from Central Africa especially Cameroon??? I'm here to say I'm your fan number 1"
**
54. EMMANUEL KHUMBELO
"Morgan Heritage Fyah( gramps and Peetah). Diamond Platinumz proud of you"
**
55. Jamal Ilmi
"She makes me say HALLELUJAH
big up Diamond
From 254 clan"
-snip-
"254" country [telephone] code = Kenya
**
55. Jeff Lopez
"Am a Nigerian i most say this guy is very talented bravo"
****
2018
56. Rita Koki
"Lots of love Tanzania from your Kenyan neighbors"
**
57. Allan Ace
"Respek Heritage family, spiced it up with a Jamaican vibe pon di Tanzanian flavoured rhythm"
-snip-
"pon di" = Jamaican Patois for "upon the"
**
58. Aiyasa Geo
"The best song to listen after Mugabe was removed we all say Hallelujah .........."
-snip-
"Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has resigned, bringing an end to 37 years of rule and sparking jubilant celebrations in the nation's streets." http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-42071488
**
59. Tiana Shazy
"Lover from south sudan❤"
**
60. Praise Dube
"this song is nice n i love the fact its a collabo frm my fav artists ...im Zimbabwean i dnt noe Swahili but the song makes me wanna say nakupenda Diamond"
-snip-
Swahili word "nakupenda"= I love you
**
61. Tinotenda Mhlanga
"Hallelujah lol u nailed t man"
-snip-
"t"= it; "nailed it" is an American vernacular term meaning "did something perfectly"
**
62. Chipo Twasi
"hot"
**
63. Peter-James Mmbago
"BIg Tune! And in Brixton :) Mungu akubariki jamani"
-snip-
Here's information about Brixton, the site of this video from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brixton
"Brixton is a district of south London, England, within the London Borough of Lambeth. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.[3]
Brixton is mainly residential with a prominent street market and substantial retail sector.[4] It is a multiethnic community, with a large percentage of its population of Caribbean descent."
**
64. charles onesmo
"Great heights my brother keep it up"
**
66. Saabir C/laahi
"nic song"
-snip-
"nic" = nice. I've seen this spelling in a number of YouTube contemporary African music video, but I don't know where this vernacular spelling came from or when it was first used.
**
67. Rodnise Fleury
"3:00 sing that Hallelujah Simba ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐"
-snip-
"Simba" [Swahili for lion] is used here as an affirmative nickname for an East African male.
**
68. Tempz Davis
"Big tune!"
**
69. Lydiah Moraa
"MY ALL TIME NGOMA KENYA WATCHING"
-snip-
"ngoma" = Swahili word for "song"
**
70. Senzo Dunywa
"DIAMOND PLATNUMZ NEVER DISAPPOINTS..WE LOVE YOUR MUSIC IN SA...!!!!"
**
71. Dj Vodka
"On repeat"
**
72. Ade Adeola
"Love u diamond. U are talented love the collabo. Nice vibes, swags all inall u good man"
-snip-
"Swag" is an African American Vernacular English term meaning "self-confident style"
**
73. Romeo Tilatida
"Love from Ghana,, this gy is a superstar"
**
74. Preference Feza
"This man announce Tanzania around the world my greetings from the Democratic republic of Congo DRCONGO๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ต๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐ฟ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ซ๐๐ซ๐จ❣๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ณ✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍✍๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ✌✌✌✌✌"
**
75. Gerald Ngirimo
"this guy has set standards East Africa artists will take to arrive there...very focused,consistent and takes music seriously...keep going diamond,"
**
76. Akilah Dumcombe
"Welcome to Jamaica music love diamond from Jamaica"
**
77. Louie Mac
"they play this video like everyday here in South Africa. literally everyday, Monday-Sunday S/O to diamond platnumz"
**
78. Evander Odoli
"DOPENESS๐ช"
**
79. buu longwe
"Our very own African ne-yo.....I love me some Diamond"
-snip-
Diamond Plantinumz's song "Marry Me" features African American R&B singer Ne-Yo and a number of people have commented that the two singers look alike. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2017/04/tanzanian-singer-diamond-platinumz.html for a pancocojams post that showcases that song.
**
80. Caroline Carley
"Diamond is taking over Africa.If you agree with me click the button ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ"
REPLY
81. HAMISI SITTA
"Indeed, Diamond is everything in Africa. I love him!"
**
REPLY
82. Victoria Amani
"I love the fact fact that he never forgets his roots #Swahili ๐"
**
83.Jackie Munaiwa
"Love both diamond and Morgan heritage. Massive collabo right here"
**
84. Matida Dampha
"nakupenda"
**
85. Donald's Hair Studio
"Dopeness. can't stop playing this tune"
**
86. Danny Murg
"Walai, am in luv with dis song, Big up Morgan family"
**
87. Ben Chuks
"From Nigeria I like the songs"
**
88. ShottaKenya
"this dude droppin hits with neyo, morgan heritage, patoranking, mafikizolo and still droppin that swahili on em. big up diamond the pan africanist"
**
89. David Essor
"Love Diamond Platnumz and of course being Jamaican love love Morgan Heritage!! Great Collab!!!"
**
90. Ahmed Zicco
"#hallelujah I love it my favourite artist diamond platnumz you baddest man"
**
91. Danny Murg
"Walai, am in luv with dis song, Big up Morgan family"
Welcome to Brixton :-)
**
92. JAH DAUGHTER WAMBO TOSH
"MORGAN HERITAGE ๐๐NUFF LOVE JAHMAN"
**
93. Atef Aboelsaad
"Hallelujahhhh from Egypt with love ๐๐"
This pancocojams post provides videos, lyrics, comments, and information about Jamaican Dancehall's "Bam Bam" songs.
This post also includes information about Toots & The Maytals', Sister Nancy's, Chak Demus & Pliers' versions of this song.
****
The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Toots & The Maytals for composing and recording this song. Thanks to all of the other singers and musicians who are featured in this post for their musical legacy. Thanks also to all of those who are quoted this post and thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.
****
LYRICS - BAM BAM (as found in Track 62 on Grand Theft Auto:San Andreas Official Sound track 1992)
(composed in 1965 by Pliers) Track 62 o
[Verse 1]
I want you to know that, I am the man who
Fight for the right, not the wrong
Seeing this and seeing that
Going here, and going there
Soon you will find out the man I'm supposed to be
[Chorus]
This man, don't trouble no one
But if you trouble this man it will bring a bam-bam
What a bam-bam
What a bam-bam, bam-bam
It'll bring a bam-bam
Bam-Bam, what a bam-bam
[Chorus]
This man, don't trouble no one
But if you trouble this man it will bring a bam-bam
What a bam-bam
What a bam-bam, bam-bam
It'll bring a bam-bam
It'll bring a bam-bam
Bam-Bam, what a bam-bam
Can't you hear that?
[Verse 2]
Want you to know that I am a man who
Fighting for the right, and, not the wrong
Seeing this, and, seeing that
Going here, and, going there
Soon you will find out the man I'm supposed to be
(Now, can't you hear that?)
[Verse 3]
Help this man, don't trouble no one
But if you trouble this man it will bring a bam-bam
**** INFORMATION ABOUT SISTER NANCY'S RECORDING OF "BAM BAM" [first released in 1982]
Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bam_Bam_(song)
""Bam Bam" is a song by Jamaican dancehall recording artist Sister Nancy. The song's chorus was inspired by the 1966 song of the same name, by The Maytals and Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.[1][2] The song's instrumental samples the 1974 song "Stalag 17", by Ansell Collins, a well known riddim, alternatively known as a backing track used repeatedly.[3][4] The song has been labeled as a "well-known reggae anthem" by BBC and a "classic" by The Observer.[5][6]
In 2016, Billboard called the song "a strong contender for the title of most sampled reggae song of all time."[2] When asked her opinion of the many songs that have used her voice over the years, she responded: "I don’t know if I hear all of them. They sample it so much times but none of them is my favorite. The reason why I say that is they know how to contact me. They know I live in the U.S. and nobody try to contact me to do it in person. They always sample the tune. If they had contacted me and I would do it for them live then I would have a favorite."[2]
In 2014, Sister Nancy's daughter pointed out that her song, “Bam Bam”, was playing on the TV during a Reebok commercial and thus she finally decided seek legal advice and guidance on properly obtaining rights to her own music. For 32 years Sister Nancy did not receive any royalties for her song. At the end of the settlement she was unable to receive compensation for all 32 years of unpaid royalties, however, she did receive compensation for the last 10 years and then obtained 50% of the rights to her song “Bam Bam”. [7]
In 2015, the song topped the iTunes Reggae Chart.[8]
Released 1982
Format
CD single CD maxi Vinyl 7" 45 RPM
Recorded 1982
Studio Channel One Studios
Genre Reggae, dancehall
Length 3:16
Label Techniques Records
Songwriter(s)
Winston Riley, Ophlin Russell [Sister Nancy]
Producer(s) Winston Riley"
[Verse 1]
A me seh one ting Nancy cyaan understan
One ting Nancy cyaan understan
Wha' mek dem a talk 'bout me ambishan
Seh, wha' mek dem a talk 'bout me ambishan
'ca me seh some a dem a ax me whey me get it fram
'ca some a dem a ax me whey me get it fram
A true dem nuh know it's fram creation
A true dem nuh know it's-a fram creation
[Hook]
Bam bam, ey, what a bam bam
Bam bam dilla, bam bam
Bam bam dilla, bam bam
'ey what a bam bam, seh what a bam bam
[Verse 2]
Dis woman neva trouble no one
I'm a lady, I'm not a man
MC is my ambishan
I come fi nice up Jamaica
[Hook]
So bam bam, what a bam bam
Bam bam dilla, bam bam
Bam bam dilla, bam bam
'ey a me seh what a bam bam
Tell'em seh me seh what a bam bam
'ey ya, tell'em, tell'em
About Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam"
Now a classic reggae anthem, this song celebrates Sister Nancy’s success as a woman in the male-dominated dancehall scene of the 80s. Nancy was the first woman to perform at Reggae Sunsplash, a Jamaican reggae festival, and the first woman Jamaican DJ to tour internationally.
The song’s catchy hook has been sampled, remixed, covered, and interpolated in several songs after its release. This hook is in fact sampled from the 1965 song of the same title by the Maytals."
1. Shazzkid, 2017
"What came first, this version or the Chaka Demus and Pliers version"
**
REPLY
2. LJTV, 2017
"Toots and Maytals 1965 did this song. Afterwards, it was sampled much like James Brown Funky Drummer"
**
3. paul connelly, 2017
"they are two different songs chaka demus done a cover of toots and the maytals bam bam, this is sister nancy's own song called the same name but different song altogether."
****
INFORMATION ABOUT PLIERS' "BAM BAM RECORD" [first released in 1990?]
Excerpt #1:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pliers_(singer)
"Pliers (born Everton Bonner on 4 April 1963, Kingston, Jamaica), is a Jamaican Reggae singer best known for his collaborations with deejay Chaka Demus under the name Chaka Demus & Pliers. He is one of the Bonner brothers all of whom are reggae artists, including, Richie Spice and Spanner Banner.
Pliers started his career performing under the name 'Blues Melody', acquiring his more famous moniker due to an apparent similarity to fellow singer Pinchers.[1]
He had a number of early hits, working for producers such as Coxone Dodd and Winston Riley, but never achieved huge success as a solo artist, in contrast to the immense success of his partnership with Chaka Demus.
His solo song "Bam Bam" was featured on the fictional radio station K-Jah West in the soundtrack to the game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas."
**
Excerpt #2:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaka_Demus_%26_Pliers
Chaka Demus & Pliers are a Jamaican reggae duo made up of deejay Chaka Demus (born John Taylor) and singer Pliers (born Everton Bonner), known for their hits "Tease Me" and "Murder She Wrote". As a duo, they enjoyed more commercial success with mainstream pop fans after their collaboration began in the early 1990s than either had in their previous solo career.[1]
[...]
Origin Kingston, Jamaica
Genres Reggae, dancehall
Years active 1991–present
**
Excerpt #3:
Selected comments from the discussion thread for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz-G25XMXr4 Chaka Demus & Pliers - Bam Bam, published by Luis Frade, Feb 28, 2008 [Note that the song "Bam Bam" was recorded by Pliers alone and not by Chaka Demus & Pliers. However, that duo recorded "Murder She Wrote" which has the same riddim. [These comments are numbered for referencing purposes only and listed in chronological order, with the oldest comment given first, except for replies/]
1. Troy Sealy, 2009
"Its the "What A Bam Bam Riddim". More than one artist sings on the same riddim, or an artist sing more than one song on the same riddim."
**
2. SaMga92, 2013
"The original song is "bam bam" by the legendary "Toots and the Maytals"!"
**
REPLY
3. CALICOTV301, 2014
"Why does this have the same beat as Murder She Wrote?"
**
REPLY
4. DeeEmStyles, 2014
"Because dancehall reggae songs are made under various beats called "riddims". Many artists do songs under a riddim."
**
REPLY
5. Jada Prendergast, 2014
"because in jamaica, you have 'riddims' which are beats dancehall artists use, its only recently that artists start to make their own riddims, there is less music on the same riddims now
back in the day this would be a popular riddim, and the people know what song is going to play even though they are on the same riddim"
**
6. Jack-O P, 2015
"1990: "Bam Bam" is the B-side of the "Murder She Wrote" vinyl-single. "Murder She Wrote" features both Chaka Demus & Pliers. But "Bam Bam" has only one singer: Pliers. The instrumental "Riddim" in this song is arranged by Sly & Robbie. The original song "Bam Bam" by Toots & The Maytals is released in 1966."
**
REPLY
7. spoose1, 2015
"what about sistah nancy?"
**
REPLY
8. Jack-O P
"She made a dancehall version (I think in 1982) with different lyrics."
-snip-
Here's a comment from that discussion thread that differentiates "dancehall" from "reggae":
MS CURVY SILHOUETTE, 2009
"its not reggae ,its dancehall.....reggae is bob marley dennis brown etc.. but dancehall is beenie man elephant man vybz kartel bounty killa etc...but ragga , reggaeton, reggae, dancehall soca...we love dem all, because its the west indies, THE MUSIC OF GREAT PEOPLE...YEAHHH.... NUFF LOVE..."
****
SHOWCASE YOUTUBE EXAMPLES
Reminder: This is not a full listing of all the records with this Bam Bam Riddim.
These examples are not given in chronological order based on the release date of these records.
Example #1: Toots & The Maytals - Bam Bam - 1965
Sounds Good, Published on Nov 3, 2017
Toots and the Maytals, originally called The Maytals, are a Jamaican musical group and one of the best known ska and rocksteady vocal groups. Enter in the channel and discover more music
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Example #2: Chaka Demus & Pliers - Murder She Wrote
culturaroots, Published on Nov 2, 2007
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Example #3: Sister Nancy - BAM BAM
johnreign, Uploaded on Dec 7, 2007
I heard this song while playing skate and decided to upload
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Example #4: Chaka Demus & Pliers - Bam Bam
lmfrade, Uploaded on Feb 28, 2008
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Example #5: Bam Bam Mix (Chaka Demus/Pliers etc..)
BootCampWuTang, Uploaded on May 28, 2008
Bam Bam Mix (Chaka Demus/Pliers etc..)
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UPDATE March 10, 2018: I deleted a comment that is no longer showing on this discussion thread and added these comments which attempt to identify some of the songs on this mix: [Additions and corrections are welcome]
1. zob658, 2008
"whats the one at 4 minutes"
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REPLY
2. siiimond, 2008
"BUju banton them a bleach"
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3. ELODIE .CANONNE, 2008
"Does someone know what's the mix at 4th minute? thank you"
This pancocojams post showcases a video by the Gambian musician/vocalist Silky Criss and provides information about what the expression "giving a red card" means in different contexts.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, political, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Silky Criss for his musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post and thanks to the publisher of this video on YouTube.
Welcome to 2014, with this brilliant Imagery from Supagrafix...Silky Criss in RED CARD. as Directed By Efe Omo Igori, Happy Viewing
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WHAT IS THE ATHLETIC MEANING OF "RED CARD"?
Original Athletic Meaning:
The expression "giving a red card" comes from the game of soccer:
From http://www.thefreedictionary.com/red+card
red card
"red card [noun]
A red-colored card shown by a referee to a player, especially in soccer, to indicate that the player is being ejected from the game."
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From https://sites.google.com/site/americansguidetosoccer/laws-of-the-game/yellow-cards-and-red-cards\
"Yellow Cards and Red Cards
What are they?
Yellow and red cards are used as a means to discipline players for misconduct during the game. A yellow card is used to caution players, while a red card results in the player's dismissal from the field of play. Thus, yellow cards are used to punish milder forms of misconduct than red cards. However, if a player receives two yellow cards in one game, he gets an automatic red card."
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WHAT DOES RED CARD MEAN IN THE CONTEXT OF SILKY CRISS' SONG WITH THAT TITLE?
Romantic Meaning
In Gambian Dancehall Reggae singer Silky Criss' song of that name, the soccer meaning is extended to mean "informing someone that you are ending your romantic relationship with her (or him) by either actually giving them a red card or by just using that expression.
'Girl you broke my heart, now I give you RED CARD. Stay away!'
Sandeng is now staying away from him as she enjoys her new relationship with fellow band member, Modou Joof a.k.a Dre.
The pair has been seeing each other for a while now, sources disclosed to What On-Gambia. And Sandeng is no longer keeping the relationship under wraps because Dre is a "potential husband”.
Dre recently posted a koriteh photo with the popular singer on his Facebook wall confirming their love is real and not a showmance.
Sandeng is one of the lead vocalists for Humanity Starz. She has a voice that can instantly be recognized by all Gambian music enthusiasts
Please, Sandeng don’t forget to inform What’s On-Gambia when Dre proposes."
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Political meaning
Silky Criss's "Red Card" song with its "I reject you" theme became a rallying symbol for Gambians in opposition to the continuation of the twenty two year rule of Gambian's [then] president Yahya Jammeh:
"His love song Red Card became the anthem of the opposition to the president, and his graffiti calling on Mr Jammeh to step down led to his crew being pursued by security officials"...http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38718818 The Gambia's Jammeh may be gone* but life is far from normal by Alastair Leithead, 23 January 2017
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Read that BBC article for more information about the political situation in The Gambia. Jammeh finally left The Gambia on January 22, 2017. Also, click http://www.aljazeera.com/topics/country/gambia.html for more political information about The Gambia
This pancocojams post showcases a YouTube video of Senegalese vocalist Baaba Maal's song "Yela" (also known as “Hamady Boiro”).
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread are also included in this post.
That video features Jamaican movie star Carl Bradshaw (as the teacher) and includes scenes of dancers performing the "Bogle", a Jamaican Dancehall dance.
The Addendum to this post showcases a video of the 1990s Jamaican Dancehall dance called the "Bogle".
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to Baaba Maal for his musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are featured in Baaba Maal's video. Thanks also to Latonya Style for showcasing bogle dance steps. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Also, thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
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SHOWCASE VIDEO: Baaba Maal – Yela Uploaded on Oct 7, 2009
Music video by Baaba Maal performing Yela. (C) 1992 Island Records Ltd.
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This song was featured in the 1994 American movie The Air Up There.
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Selected comments from this video's discussion thread (Numbers are assigned for referencing purposes only):
2010
1. mali9566
"The DJ is a Jamaican actor by the name of Carl Bradshaw."
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Reply
2. Carlos Cooke
"i know cause i was at vid shoot with Carl Bradshaw in the vid he played the teacher
who points to the map , please note the dance is called "Bogle"
Buju Banton recorded a song by the same name ....
1 i was at the vid shoot
2 the dance the jamaican dancers did is called "Bogle"
3 i am a jamaican so i should ( them shudda know) red hotttttttt..
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Reply
3. MsPrincessaj
"@carcooke1000
Big ups to you, as I was just about to explain the connection between Senegal, Jamaica, the Yela rhythm, reggae, and the Bogle dance. Yela is from the north of Senegal - Baaba's home of Podor. Amazing to see Senegalese yout doing the Bogle. I think this is one of the best videos that shows the connections within the African Diaspora. I was humbled when I met Baaba Maal this summer in DC."
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4. LeeFelo
"@Dungababylon
I did some research and it is Macka B. Thank you for pointing it out, I don’t know much about reggae and dance hall. Also find out that the song its actually named “Hamady Boiro”, Yela I think it is the name of this Senegalese style of music."
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Reply
5. Monsieur Africain
"@LeeFelo you are sort of correct, but Yela is the form of Fulani music sang by Fulani women, not really limited to Senegal but all of West Africa."
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Reply
6. Monsieur Africain
"@toryor if You were from Adamawa state you would understand the language since it is Fulani."
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7. desertsidewinder
"Remember Baaba Maal is Peul
he sings in peular
he is one of the best singing poets of Africa today"
-snip-
“Peul” = “Fula”/”Fulani” ethnic group
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2011
8. Susie Q
"Awesome! Thank goodness for YT or we would never hear this music in the US."
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2013
9. Mouhamed Thiam
"The blend of the 2 style is extraordinaryilly wel done"
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10. Ras Sjamaan
"Yeah it's a big tune and really special because Carl Bradshaw is a famous actor from Jamaica movies like " The Harder they come, Third World Cop, Smile Orange & County Man. Baaba Maal is Senegals #2 most famous artist (after youssou n'dour) singing in the traditional Fula/Fulani language. Beautiful combination!"
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11. Tomas Gulas
"This is the opening song for "sounds of Africa" on kdvs radio station in Davis California. Fayia Sellu is the host."
LATONYA STYLE demonstrates Dancehall Steps created by the legendary Gerald "Bogle" Levy aka Mr. Wacky (The Man, The History and The Dance)
Latonya Style is a Jamaican Cultural Ambassador and Dance Extraordinaire specializing in DANCEHALL, Reggae Jam'n, AfroJam, Stylish Moves, Bumpa Twerkout, Brukout Dancehall and more...
This Video is dedicated to Bogle, Boysie Roses and all the versatile female dancers who can do the male steps.
Location: Stand Pipe, Jamaica
Filmed By: Laddy Mack
Edited by: Krushaz Production
Dancer: Latonya Style of First Class Dancers and DanceJa
This post showcases T.O.K.'s dancehall song "Galang Gal" and compares that dancehall song to the Jamaican rock passing song "Go Down Manuel Road" which I believe a key source for that song.
The lyrics to this song are included in this post along with explanations of some Jamaican Patois words and phrases that are found in that song.
The content of this post is presented for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to T. O. K. for this song. Thanks also to all those associated with this featured video and all those who are quoted in this post. In addition, thanks to the YouTube publisher of this video.
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INFORMATION ABOUT T.O.K.
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T.O.K.
..."Described by the New York Times as "the world's greatest dancehall-reggae boy band", T.O.K. has been Jamaica's leading dancehall group for over a decade. Since emerging on the scene in the early 1990s, they have released numerous hit songs and albums...
[Name acronyms]
T.O.K. originally stood for "Touch of Klass" however the band has devised many backronyms for their moniker, such as "Taking Over Kingston", "Tribe of Kings" or "Theory of Knowledge"."..
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COMPARISON OF T.O.K.'S "GALANG GAL" WITH THE JAMAICAN ROCK PASSING SONG "MANUEL ROAD"
The title of T.O.K.'s dancehall record "Galang Gal" has its source in the traditional Jamaican rock passing game song "Go Down Manuel Road". While the words "Galang gal" in T.O.K's song may also mean a girl who is "cool" (hip, fly, stylish), according to an urban dictionary post*, those words are quite similar to the refrain "gyal and boy" that are found in the "Manuel Road".
Furthermore, T.O.K's verse: "Whop Dem One By One. (Galang Gyal)/
Top Dem Two By Two. (Galang Gyal)/Drop Dem Three By Three. (Galang Gyal)" is very similar to the "Manuel Road" verse "Bruk (break) dem one by one...Galang boy/bruk dem 2 by 2...Galang boy".*
However, the purposes and themes of these two Jamaican songs are quite different. "Manuel Road" provides a tune and words that help participants in the rock passing game play that game well. The game teaches and reinforces dexterity, self-confidence, endurance, and other societal skills. In contrast, "Galang Gal" is a dance song in which the vocalist praises a woman who he considers is the best of the best ("the top of the toppa") and the hottest of the hot, a "ten out of a ten". The vocalist gives the woman big ups (compliments) not only because other woman can't copy her or compete with her, but also because she doesn't let other's jealousy bother her, stress her out, or try to make her get angry, i.e. "cut eye can't cut you in two", "And You No Care If A Gyal Wan Vex".
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SHOWCASE VIDEO: T.O.K - Galang Gal *OFFICIAL VIDEO*
Ruffstream Videos - Bus It, Uploaded on Oct 17, 2011
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LYRICS: GALANG GAL
(T.O.K)
Cut Eye Cut Eye
Can't Cut You In Two
Penny Penny Can't By Your Shoe
Nuff A Dem A Follow But Dem See Wa You A Do
Them Try Copy Copy
But Nah Come Close To You
You A Real Top A Toppa
No Careless Lappa
No Gyal Can't Step In A You Shoes
Let Go A Passa Passa
Let Them A Chatta
No Gyal Can't Hotta Than You (Galang Gyal)
Whop Dem One By One. (Galang Gyal)
Top Dem Two By Two. (Galang Gyal)
Drop Dem Three By Three. (Galang Gyal)
From You Know Seh You (Galang Gyal)
Spin Your Roll Gyal Big Up Unnu Chest. (Galang Gyal)
When You Touch The Road Ah Pure Stress. (Galang Gyal)
You Always Wear (Galang Gyal)
And You No Care If A Gyal Wan Vex. (Galang Gyal)
Cause You A Real Top A Tappa
No Careless Lappa
No Gyal Can't Step In A You Shoes.
Let Go A Passa Passa
Left Them A Chatta
No Gyal Can't Hotta Than You. (Galang Gyal)
Whop Dem One By One.. (Galang Gyal)
Top Dem Two By (Galang Gyal)
Drop Dem Three By Three. (Galang Gyal)
From You Know Seh You Hotta Than She..
Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo..Galang Gyal..
We Big Up All A Deh Gyal Dem
Cause A Dem We A Defend
Hotty Hotty Girls A Get Ten Out Of Ten
Step Up Step Up Centa Stage Mi Friend
T.O.K A Tell Unnu Again Unnu Again
You A Real Top A Tappa
Expensive Shoppa
No Gyal Can't Step In A You Shoes.
Let Go De Passa Passa
Left Dem A Chatta
No Gyal Can't Hotta Than You. (Galang Gyal)
Gyal Whop Dem One By One.. (Galang Gyal)
Whop Dem Two By Two. (Galang Gyal)
Mi Gyal Whop Them Three By Three. (Galang Gyal)
From You Know Seh You Hotta Than She.. (Galang Gyal)
Spin Your Roll Gyal Big Up Unnu Chest. (Galang Gyal)
When You Touch The Road Ah Pure Stress. (Galang Gyal)
You Always Wear The Latest. (Galang Gyal)
And You No Care If A Gyal Wan Vex.. (Galang Gyal)
You A Real Top A Toppa
No Careless Lappa
No Gyal Can't Step In A You Shoes
Let Go A Passa Passa
Left Them A Chatta
No Gyal Can't Hotta Than You
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SOME LYRIC EXPLANATIONS FOR THIS SONG
Some of these explanations are from online sources and some are my guesses. Additions and corrections are welcome.
"Galang Gal": While this title and refrain have their sources in the Jamaican rock passing game "Go Down Manuel Road", in the context of this song, I think that #2 and #3 below are the best definitions for "Galang Gal":
"Galang
Commonly inverted as "lang-ga" or rhythmicized as "lang-ga-langa."
1. Marijuana; either a specific strain or cannabis in general. Or being under the influence of said marijuana.
2. Cool, laid back. A Jamaican version of the common (African-)Americanism "cool," with a more nuanced meaning.
3. Far superior, but cool about it.
4. Antagonized without reciprocating or retaliating. 1. Blazin' that galang.
2. She's pure galang under stress.
3. She hit those rhythms like mad, but she's pure galang 'bout it.
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"Penny Penny Can't By Your Shoe": "by" = "buy"
This is a reference to the woman's expensive tastes.
You A Real Top A Toppa
"toppa top
Jamaican Term
someone who yu respect, is "cool", or yu don't wanna mess wit them. "did yu see that guy back there?"
"yeah, he's a real toppa top!!"
by Jessica12345 September 20, 2006
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=toppa+top
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"No Careless Lappa"
"Lappa" here may mean "lapa"- a West African term for a skirt made out of material that is wrapped around a female's waist. If so, this line is more praise for the woman's fashion taste.
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"Left Dem A Chatta"
My guess is that this means "leave them behind chattering (about you). The implication is that the woman shouldn't pay that idle chatter any mind.
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"No Gyal Can't Hotta Than You." - no female is hotter (more physically attractive, sexier) than you
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"Whop Dem One By One.. (Galang Gyal)
Top Dem Two By (Galang Gyal)
Drop Dem Three By Three. (Galang Gyal)": These verses echo the verse from the traditional rock passing song and indicates that if the woman wanted to she could whop (beat them) up one by one since she "tops" them (is better than they are), and she could drip them (leave them defeated in the dirt).
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"Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo": a exclamation (from African American Hip Hop?)whose meaning here is similar to "Hey!"
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"Spin Your Roll Gyal": probably from the African American Hip Hop saying "slow your roll", which means "slow down", but "spin your roll" means "keep on going the way you are going (doing what you have been doing)
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"Big Up" Unnu Chest = all praises to you
(I don't think that "chest" here necessarily means that woman's chest, although it might [also] be praising that physical feature.)
