Lloyd Brown – Bongo Nyah Lyrics
Ba ba baba have you any wool?
Yes Jah yes Jah one big bale full.
Some fe bredda Kayah some fe Bongo Nyah.
But none fe de pork eat jackass him shall burn wid fire.
Fire redder than red.
Nyah dreader than dread.
How can you resist Jah when you have a bald head?
Lick it back Jah.
Lick it back Jah.
Look from you de yah you no know Bongo Nyah.
Rafftry redder than red Feres dreader than dread.
How can you resist him when him have a bald head
b. 23 March 1964, London, England. Brown’s musical career began in his teens when he teamed up with the UK-based Jah Marcus Hi Power sound system. He performed as a DJ although his days as an MC were short-lived following a sojourn to Jamaica where he stayed for eight months. During his stay he was inspired to perform as a singer after viewing a Jamaican television show Where It’s At that featured Dennis Brown and Big Youth. On his return to London the singer nurtured his vocal skills when he joined the local band Sweet Distortion. In 1984, they were nominated as Newcomers Of The Year and provided backing to artists such as Gregory Isaacs and Aswad. Sweet Distortion released a couple of esoteric singles although they found greater success when they were recruited to play the part of the Jackson Five in the critically acclaimed, Black Heroes In The Hall Of Fame.
Following Sweet Distortion’s stage success the band dissolved which led Brown to embark on a solo career. He enjoyed a series of minor hits that included his debut ‘Ring My Number’. As a soloist the producers of Black Heroes In The Hall Of Fame coaxed him back to undertake the role of Otis Redding. While performing as the soul legend he was able to demonstrate his vocal skills globally with performances in the USA, the Caribbean and on the European continent. In 1990, Brown returned to the UK where he recorded his first number 1 reggae hit. The song was a version of Dr. Hook’s ‘Sharing The Night Together’, which was followed by his second chart-topper, ‘Love You Down’. His success led to a Best Single Of The Year award, which enhanced the singer’s status. He maintained a high profile in the UK reggae industry and in 1995 Brown worked in session with Tippa Irie. The duo recorded ‘It’s A Love Thing’ and ‘Stress’, that led to a recording contract with Arista Records. The label released the controversial ‘Baby Mother’, although like so many major contracts in reggae the release flopped.
Following the disappointment Brown took a two-year sabbatical before being persuaded by Lloyd ‘Musclehead’ Francis to work on sessions for his second release Rhyme And Reason. The album proved a commercial success and led to critical acclaim. Brown began recording with Danny Ray at Cave Studios where he recorded reggae versions of pop standards such as the Lighthouse Family’s ‘Lifted’ and Santana’s ‘Maria Maria’. These songs were featured on the compilation series, Pop Hits Inna Reggae Style. Brown’s biggest success was a version of Craig David’s ‘Fill Me In’. In 2001, Brown began working with Bitty McClean on sessions.
The lyrics of Lloyd Brown’s “Bongo Nyah” is a representation of the Rastafarian belief in the importance of living a life that is true to their faith. The mentioning of “wool” is a reference to the basic necessity of clothing, which is compared to the abundance of blessings granted by Jah. The response “Yes Jah yes Jah one big bale full” highlights the belief that Jah provides abundantly for those who follow his teachings.
The lyrics go on to mention “Bongo Nyah,” who is revered as a spiritual leader within the Rastafarian faith. Brothers Kayah and Bongo Nyah are mentioned to suggest that everyone should follow in their footsteps and strive to become faithful and spiritually enlightened individuals. The line “but none fe de pork eat jackass him shall burn wid fire” references the Rastafarian belief that pork is forbidden and that those who consume it will be punished by burning.
The lyrics also mention the concept of dreadlocks and how it is a symbol of one’s resistance to Babylon or the corrupt society. The lines “Fire redder than red. Nyah dreader than dread. How can you resist Jah when you have a bald head?” suggest that resistance to Jah is futile and that one must remain steadfast in their faith.
Overall, “Bongo Nyah” is a reminder to all Rastafarians to uphold their beliefs and resist the temptations of Babylon. It encourages them to follow in the footsteps of spiritual leaders like Bongo Nyah and Kayah, stay faithful, and lead a life that is dedicated to Jah.
Interesting facts about the song “Bongo Nyah”:
– Lloyd Brown is a British reggae singer who has been active in the music industry since the late 1980s.
– The song “Bongo Nyah” was released in 1994 on Lloyd Brown’s self-titled album.
– The song was produced by the legendary reggae producer King Jammy.
– The song features rhythm and blues elements, which was a departure from the traditional reggae style of Lloyd Brown’s earlier work.
– The word “Bongo” is actually a nickname used by Rastafarians for drumming during worship and meditation. “Nyah” means dreadlocks and is also synonymous with spiritual devotion among Rastafarians.
– In Rastafarian culture, the dreadlocked hairstyle is a symbol of a person’s spiritual strength, as it represents the person’s covenant with Jah.
– The use of the term “Babylon” in the song refers to the corrupt societal system that Rastafarians believe has caused the oppression and marginalization of their people.
– The song’s lyrics have been interpreted as a call to Rastafarians to resist the temptations and distractions of Babylon.
– Lloyd Brown has stated in interviews that “Bongo Nyah” is one of his favorite tracks and is still one of his most requested songs when he performs live.
– The song has been covered by several artists, including the popular Japanese reggae band, Home Grown.
Chords: Unfortunately, the chords for “Bongo Nyah” are not available at this time.
LINE BY LINE MEANING
Ba ba baba have you any wool?
Do you have any possessions that I can acquire?
Yes Jah yes Jah one big bale full.
Indeed, I have an abundance of possessions.
Some fe bredda Kayah some fe Bongo Nyah.
Some possessions are for my fellow Kayah and some for Bongo Nyah.
But none fe de pork eat jackass him shall burn wid fire.
However, those who eat pork or jackass meat will be punished with a fiery fate.
Fire redder than red.
The fire of punishment will be intense and unavoidable.
Nyah dreader than dread.
Fear Bongo Nyah, as he is the embodiment of terror and danger.
How can you resist Jah when you have a bald head?
How can anyone deny the power of Jah when faced with their own vulnerability?
Lick it back Jah.
Turn back to Jah for guidance and protection.
Lick it back Jah.
Repeat the call to turn back to Jah.
Look from you de yah you no know Bongo Nyah.
Unless you have experienced the fear of Bongo Nyah, you cannot fully understand his power.
Rafftry redder than red Feres dreader than dread.
The judgment and consequences brought on by Bongo Nyah are more intense than any other fear or punishment.
How can you resist him when him have a bald head
It is foolish to try to resist the power and fear of Bongo Nyah, as represented by his bald head.
Writer(s): Lowe Earl Alexander, Daley
Contributed by Charlie K.
