1. Bushman is the alias of Swe… Read Full Bio ↴There are two artists called Bushman:
1. Bushman is the alias of Swedish singer Franz Merwald.
He released in 1995 the successful hit titled “No 1 Else”, written by Cesar Zamini and Robert Ulhman.
In 1996 Franz released the hit “Jump Up” featuring Claudia Unda and Donna Rae .
2. Bushman is also Dwight Duncan, who is a reggae artist.
He was born in the lush picturesque hill top village of Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Jamaica. He was raised as a Rasta since the tender age of two. Dwight attended the Lysson All Age School, where his music teacher noticed his potential for music and nurtured him in his developing stages. Dwight then went on to Yallas High School where he continued to shine musically as a member of the school choir, a member of the Yallas drum core, playing the bass organ, also participating in numerous school concerts. He was also a member of the New Testament Church of God Choir, where he earned the name Ark Angel.
During his teenage years he became the selector for Black Star Line sound-system, then known as Junior Melody he took part in several singing competitions and talent searches in and around St. Thomas. Gaining a strong local fan base Junior Melody began to sing dub plates for local sound-systems such as Lees Unlimited, Mello Construction, King Majesty and others. The rave reviews from the sound selectors and the people of his community encouraged Junior Melody to take his talent to the next level, the studios of Kingston Jamaica. The place to be if he wanted to make a name for himself in the reggae business.
These where hard times for Junior Melody, travelling to Kingston is a seventy mile return journey. Being poor he would have to hitchhike most of the time, sharing one bulla and a bag juice with anyone of his friends that dared to make the journey with him. (Bushman later recorded a song relating to this period of his life, Titled ‘Life ain’t no bed of Rose).
The hard times did not deter him from seeking his dream. After many month of travelling to Kingston and waiting around at the studios. It was during an impromptu game of football at Arrows Dub plate studio where Junior Melody met Steely and Clevie. Steely commented that Junior Melody was not to good at football, Junior Melody’s response was ‘I can sing though’ in hearing that Steely prompted him to sing something. Right there in the yard Junior Melody sang, Steely immediately invited him to audition at Studio 2000.
Their first song together was “Grow Your Natty”, an outstanding debut, Swiftly followed by the hit “Call The Hearse”. With talks of an album Steely wished to change the name Junior Melody to Bushman. Initially the singer/song writer was not happy with this name at all, he thought it some how derogatory to him coming from the country, until he researched the name only to discover that ‘Bushman’ was an Afrikan name for ‘Medicine Man’. Bushman became the musical ‘Medicine Man’. Bushman has been full filling the meaning of this name to date.
‘Call The Hearse’ became a big hit in Jamaica and England, after which followed some live dates. Bushman received a rapturous welcome on a short US tour followed by more live shows in Jamaica. Bushman was to see the release of his first album ‘Nyah Man Chant’ (Greensleeves) during the year 1997. ‘Nyah Man Chant’ earned a five star rating all over the world, with comments such as – “A set of tunes that are both inspired and inspiring.”…”I stopped listening to individual tracks about halfway through the CD as I realized that ‘Nayah Man Chant’ is good till the very last drop.” Burnin’Up; The Journal 5/7/97.adding five stars. ’Nyah Man Chant as now earned its self-a place in the realms of Greensleeves Reggae Classics.
Bushman’s newly enriched creativity made him a much sort after artist both home and abroad. However it was the famous King Jammy (Lloyd James) who produced the next two albums following by Bushman. The first being ‘Total Commitment’ (Greensleeves) With a combination of Bushman’s year out, and the mutual respect between artist and producer the results brought forth a more mature and focused second album. ‘Total Commitment’ took the reggae music business like a stormy inferno. With tracks like ‘Fire Bun a Weak Heart’ a big hit! ‘Babylon Dead’, ‘Live Your Life Right’, and many others. Just seven weeks after its released ‘Total Commitment’ was #7 in the US album charts, also gaining #1 in Finland.
2001 saw the release of Bushman’s third album ‘Higher Ground’ (Greensleeves). A charming piece of work from Jamaica’s finest, producer, singer/songwriter and instrumentals. With tracks like ‘Yadd Away Home’, giving you Bushman in his finest smooth bar tone, alongside the well renowned saxophone player Dean Frazser. ‘Your Love’ a song inspired from his personal life and a big favorite with his fans across the globe. This album consists of hit after hit bringing you songs titled ‘Fire Pan A Deadas’, ‘Love of The Heart’ and ‘Make A Change’. Songs with lyrics to provoke critical thinking about politics, diet, life style and the current state of the world today. Bushman pleases his fans again.
‘A Better Place’, a fourth contribution from Bushman. For this album Bushman teamed up with English based Stingray. It took Bushman 2 weeks to write every song on this15 track album, which was released at SOB’s New York, in October 2001. This album host a liveication to Bushman’s mother track 14,‘Mama’,’Fill My Cup’ is a testament to the life and achievements of Bushman. Again the outstanding lyrics of each track will carry you to higher and higher levels of enlightenment, leaving you feeling strong and ready to bring positive vision to reality.
Aside from these four great albums Bushman has a selection of singles such as ‘ Life Ain't No Bed of Rose’, ‘Jerusalem School Room’, ‘Extortion’s’, ‘Sunshine’, ‘Where are Your Clothes’, ‘Afrikan Women’, and many others including a combination medley with Morgan Heritage, ‘Truly Great’, another great hit around the world.
Bushman as recently enjoyed his first major tour of the US, with the Kings of Kings Family. Bushman was the headliner for the tour with the awesome job of closing every show. Bushman was delight with the response he received in the US hosting sellout shows in cities such as San Francisco, Durango, Seattle, New York and Canada. Every venue where Bushman preformed promoters have renew their contracts for further shows.
This tour was followed with a dynamic sellout second tour of Europe. Where Bushman preformed for the first time in countries such as Germany and France, all shows where a total sellout, making Europe Bushman’s largest fan base to date. He will be returning to Europe in June/July 2002 for the big festivals. Bushman has also performed in most if not all the Caribbean Islands, he also gave an outstanding performance at the Nevada World Music Festival, June 2001, and he stormed the crowd for the first time at Bob Marley day 2002.
Despite the ever-increasing recognition of his talent Bushman remains a humble down to earth figure, who still lives in St.Thomas with his wife and children. Joying in the frequent trips to the lush bath fountain where they bathe in the hot mineral water. Living a life style of strictly ital foods and juices. Yes Bushman leads a humble but enlightening life in his birthplace parish of St. Thomas.
Bushman with his natural talent for singing, is an outstanding artist carved from the same iritical musical tradition as Bob Marley, Dennis Brown and Luciano (with whom he has a very close relationship), who he quotes as being his most dominant influences.
With his dynamic lyrics, Superb showmanship and classic performances, the Rastafarian known as Bushman is an artist with which to hold a joy with, and a force to be reckoned with.
During the month of March Bushman filmed his first video for a single Titled ‘Light House’ for the Hart to Hart production. The video was filmed in Bushman’s home parish St. Thomas; the location was the Landmark lighthouse, situated at Morant Point.
At present Bushman is producing a live album, with the executive support of Kings of Kings Iley Dread AKA Collin Levy. An album not to miss!
Downtown
Bushman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
let me hear some more(woi oi)
how could life be like this?
when everyone should be giving thanks and praises (woh lord)
see the farmer man love when the rain fall every day cause him crops a grow.
the sporta-man love when the sun shine every day cause him style a show
Downtown nuh love when rain a fall, up town flood out
8 million them spend pon hope road and the flooding nuh end
And the police man love when him have a extra clip, fi when a innocent get shot down
Downtown nuh love when shot a buss rude boyz and police
Cool out the rage of violence and jus keep the peace
Cause when man a rage, could never be as terrible
Like when jah a rage, refrain from your crooked ways
Dem sit in high chair and watch the island sell out (uh huh)
Then gone a world bank pon them knees a look bail out (oh yes)
Only private sectors get the benefit and poor people's dont
They all see and know that this system is worse them hand to mouth
And downtown no love when rain a fall up town flood out
A 34 them spend pon 3mile and the traffic block up
Same way(woah lord)
How could life be like this?
When everyone should all be living for each other (woah lord)
Trample them again, trample down the wicked force (woi oi)
Trample them again
Cause when man a rage, could never be as terrible
Like when jah a rage, refrain from your crooked ways
And Downtown nuh love when rain a fall, up town flood out
8 million them spend pon hope road and the flooding nuh end
Illiteracy makes the people search for unruly food for their bellies
And never make inquisitions about what ministers do with tax payers money
2
The lyrics in Bushman's song "Downtown" speak of the stark contrast between the lifestyles of those living in downtown versus those living in uptown Jamaica. The opening line "jah have mercy on them souls" sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics which lament the social injustices and corruption present within the Jamaican society. Bushman asserts that life should be a celebration of giving thanks and praises, a sentiment that is echoed throughout many reggae songs as a call to self-reflection and gratitude. However, the reality of life in Jamaica is shown through the juxtaposition of the farmer and the sporta-man who love the very things that the residents of downtown despise; the rain and the sun. As the song continues, it becomes apparent that those with power and resources exploit those without, leading to a system that benefits only private sectors and the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
Bushman's lyrics are a plea for peace and an end to the rampant violence and corruption that plague the Jamaican society. He suggests that the rage and violence of the people can never compare to the wrath of Jah, and implores listeners to refrain from their crooked ways. The final lines of the song reveal the root of the problem; the lack of education and political awareness within the population. Illiteracy is portrayed as a danger to the society as it leads people to focus solely on their immediate needs rather than questioning the actions of their leaders. The lyrics of "Downtown" serve as a commentary on the social and political issues within Jamaica while also offering hope for change through self-reflection and unity.
Line by Line Meaning
jah have mercy on them souls
May God have mercy on the souls of those who are causing suffering and injustice in the world.
let me hear some more(woi oi)
I want to keep listening to the music and messages that speak out against oppression and inequality.
how could life be like this?
Why is it that so many people are suffering and struggling to survive while others live in luxury and excess?
when everyone should be giving thanks and praises (woh lord)
Instead of being selfish and greedy, we should all be grateful for what we have and work together to make the world a better place.
see the farmer man love when the rain fall every day cause him crops a grow.
The hardworking farmer is grateful for the rain that helps his crops thrive and allows him to provide for his family and community.
the sporta-man love when the sun shine every day cause him style a show
The athlete is grateful for the sunny days that allow him to showcase his skills and work hard to achieve his goals.
Downtown nuh love when rain a fall, up town flood out
The people in the poorer areas of the city suffer the most when it rains, while those in the wealthier areas are protected from flood damage.
8 million them spend pon hope road and the flooding nuh end
The government spends millions of dollars on infrastructure projects but fails to address the root causes of issues like flooding and poverty.
The wicked man love when him gun buss loud and clear and him shots cya done
Those who seek power and control through violence are only satisfied when they are causing harm and destruction, and they will never be satisfied with what they have.
And the police man love when him have a extra clip, fi when a innocent get shot down
Even those who are supposed to protect and serve can be corrupted by the desire for power and control, leading to tragic and unjust outcomes.
Cool out the rage of violence and jus keep the peace
We need to work together to create a more peaceful and just society, and to find non-violent solutions to conflict and inequality.
Cause when man a rage, could never be as terrible
When human beings are consumed by anger and hatred, it can lead to terrible consequences for everyone involved.
Like when jah a rage, refrain from your crooked ways
Instead of being guided by our own destructive impulses, we should strive to live in harmony with each other and with the greater forces that guide us.
Dem sit in high chair and watch the island sell out (uh huh)
Those in positions of power and wealth often profit from the suffering of others and do nothing to address systemic injustices.
Then gone a world bank pon them knees a look bail out (oh yes)
Even governments that claim to represent the people are often beholden to global financial institutions that prioritize profit over people.
Only private sectors get the benefit and poor people's dont
The economic system is rigged to favor the wealthy and powerful, while the most vulnerable members of society are left to suffer.
They all see and know that this system is worse them hand to mouth
Everyone can see that the current economic and political system is failing the majority of people, particularly those who are struggling to survive day-to-day.
Illiteracy makes the people search for unruly food for their bellies
When people are denied education and opportunities, they are forced to resort to whatever means necessary to survive, even if it means engaging in destructive or criminal behavior.
And never make inquisitions about what ministers do with tax payers money
Those in power are often able to use public resources for their own benefit, without any accountability or scrutiny from the people they are supposed to serve.
A 34 them spend pon 3mile and the traffic block up
The government spends large sums of money on surface-level solutions to complex problems, without actually addressing the root causes of issues like traffic congestion.
Trample them again, trample down the wicked force (woi oi)
Those who seek to oppress and exploit others must be held accountable for their actions, and we must work together to create a more just and equitable society.
Contributed by Ellie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@elshek709
jah have mercy on them souls
let me hear some more(woi oi)
how could life be like this?
when everyone should be giving thanks and praises (woh lord)
see the farmer man love when the rain fall every day cause him crops a grow.
the sporta-man love when the sun shine every day cause him style a show
Downtown nuh love when rain a fall, up town flood out
8 million them spend pon hope road and the flooding nuh end
The wicked man love when him gun buss loud and clear and him shots cya done
And the police man love when him have a extra clip, fi when a innocent get shot down
Downtown nuh love when shot a buss rude boyz and police
Cool out the rage of violence and jus keep the peace
Cause when man a rage, could never be as terrible
Like when jah a rage, refrain from your crooked ways
Dem sit in high chair and watch the island sell out (uh huh)
Then gone a world bank pon them knees a look bail out (oh yes)
Only private sectors get the benefit and poor people's dont
They all see and know that this system is worse them hand to mouth
And downtown no love when rain a fall up town flood out
A 34 them spend pon 3mile and the traffic block up
Same way(woah lord)
How could life be like this?
When everyone should all be living for each other (woah lord)
Trample them again, trample down the wicked force (woi oi)
Trample them again
Cause when man a rage, could never be as terrible
Like when jah a rage, refrain from your crooked ways
And Downtown nuh love when rain a fall, up town flood out
8 million them spend pon hope road and the flooding nuh end
Illiteracy makes the people search for unruly food for their bellies
And never make inquisitions about what ministers do with tax payers money
@bonifacekiplagat2456
10 years later after this prophetic song was published the same things are still going on in my country Kenya.Jah help us
@liamsterling6883
I think Bush man has one of the best voice in reggae music. I believe he be making billions or more. his songs has a message that one can relate to.
@fedrickford1600
Liam Sterling Respect Brethren for life
@thatboyjo4670
Liam Sterling him an Luciano have same sound enuh
@odineeye
1 love just 1
@chrissylowe5590
He is just a great singer with a great voice love his music and message he deliver
@bakaridjadjn8053
I love busman
@karenwallace6839
People who know and appreciate real Reggae music.
@BOULEVARDOFWELLNESS
Bushman.... Soulful voice like no other. Man deserves so much credit....
@venessawhite3312
I wish these artist would take over back Jamaica with these songs God know