The '80s popster turned proto-jungle revolutionary was born Michael West in… Read Full Bio ↴The '80s popster turned proto-jungle revolutionary was born Michael West in 1965 in London. He formed "Double Trouble" in the early '80s with Michael Menson and Leigh Guest, releasing the ska-pop hits like "Street Tuff" and "Just Keep Rocking".

By 1991 he had released "Black Meaning Good", an album that presented the "hardcore" breakbeat style fashionable at the time married to dub basslines with reggae luminaries such as Barrington Levy, Dennis Brown, Supercat & Tenor Fly as well as himself chanting over the top. Tribal Bass, a track from this album, was a huge smash and was one of the tracks that blazed the new sound, or "Jungle" as it was first derogatively known (Jungle Bunny music...), across the public consciousness at the beginning of the '90s.

Since then, Congo Natty has gone from strength to strength releasing innumerable 12"s as well as several albums such as Black Star and Tribute to Haile Selassie I but has managed to maintain its underground credibility; Jungle 4 Ever and No Sell Out are two releases that spell out their modus operandi better than I can!

Rebel
Congo Natty Lyrics

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Are you a rebel ?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Congo Natty's song "Rebel" invite reflection on the listener's identity and the idea of being a rebel. The repeated question, "Are you a rebel?" serves as a rhetorical prompt, urging the listener to question their own beliefs, values, and actions within the context of societal norms and expectations. The song further challenges the notion of conformity and encourages individuality and resistance against oppressive systems.

The opening line, "We never bowed to the system," immediately sets a defiant tone, suggesting that the singer has resisted conformity and refused to submit to the established order. This rebellion can be interpreted as a rejection of oppressive structures, be they political, social, or cultural. The lyrics go on to detail the hardships faced by the rebellious individual, with lines such as "We've been through storms, we've been through fire." This can symbolize the challenges faced by those who dare to go against the grain and the strength required to endure the consequences of their rebellion.

Line by Line Meaning

Are you a rebel ?
Are you someone who defies authority and challenges societal norms?

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: M Tafari, RAS ASHEBA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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