Bob Marley is one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 20th century. He not only made reggae music famous but also brought attention to Jamaica's culture and language.
Bob Marley had a strong bond with the Jamaican Patois language. He was raised speaking it and often included it in his music to convey the difficulties and experiences of the Jamaican people. Additionally, he utilized it as a way to highlight the cultural legacy of Jamaica.
The use of Jamaican Patois in Bob Marley's music helped to popularize the language and bring it to a global audience. Bob Marley's use of patois in his songs helped bring people together from different backgrounds by breaking down language barriers. He had a strong connection and pride in the language and culture, and he used it as a way to spread his message of unity, equality and peace.
Here, we will explore eight Jamaican Patois terms that Bob Marley made famous through his music.
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- “Babylon „
- Definition This term is used to refer to the oppressive systems of government and society. It is often used in Bob Marley's music as a symbol of oppression.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Waah Babylon bwoy a cum.
(English) A police man is coming.
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- “Zion „
- Definition This term is used by Rastafarians to refer to the Promised Land, or a state of spiritual enlightenment.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Patois: Mi a guh a zion
(English) English: I'm going to Zion
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- “Ganja „
- Definition This is the Jamaican word for marijuana, which is an important sacrament in the Rastafari faith. Bob Marley was known to use and advocate for the spiritual use of ganja.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Lite up di ganja
(English) Light up the marijuana
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- “Jah „
- Definition This term is used as a shortened version of the name of God in the Rastafari Faith. Bob Marley often used the term "Jah" in his music as a way to praise and give thanks to God.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Jah shall guide mi
(English) The lord shall guide me
- Learn correct word pronunciation
- Understand grammar and structure
- Handy everyday phrases
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- “Natty „
- Definition used to describe someone who is natural, or true to themselves. It is often used to describe someone who is true to the Rastafarian way of life.
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Waah Babylon bwoy a cum.
(English) A police man is coming.
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- “Dread „
- Definition Used to refer to a person that wears dreadlocks
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Waah Babylon bwoy a cum.
(English) A police man is coming.
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- “Ball head „
- Definition this term literally translates to "Bald head", A Rastafarian slang used to refer anyone who doesn’t wear a dreadlocks
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Dem a ball head, Dem anno rasta
(English) They have bald heads, They’re not Rastafarians.
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- “Irie „
- Definition used to describe a feeling of contentment and happiness
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Example Sentences
(Patois) Yuh nuh si seh erryting irie dung yah?
(English) Don't you see that everything is ok down here?
Beginner's Guide to Speaking Jamaican Patois
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Through use of Jamaican patois in Bob Marley's songs, he introduced many Jamaican words and phrases to a global audience.
Many of these words and phrases have become synonymous with Marley and his message of unity, equality and peace. His legacy continues to live on through the use of these words and phrases in popular culture today. It's evident that his impact on music and culture continues to be felt around the world.
