Dennis Emanuel Brown (February 1, 1957–July 1, 1999) was a Jamaican reggae … Read Full Bio ↴Dennis Emanuel Brown (February 1, 1957–July 1, 1999) was a Jamaican reggae singer. He recorded more than 75 albums and was one of the pioneers of lovers rock. Bob Marley dubbed him the "Crown Prince of Reggae".

Brown's first recording was "Lips of Wine" recorded for Derrick Harriott (The Musical Chariot), but this was not released initially. He then recorded for Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, and Dodd released Brown's first single, "No Man is an Island". Brown recorded two albums for Dodd, No Man is an Island and If I Follow my Heart (the title track penned by Alton Ellis). Around this time, Brown recorded material for Lloyd Daley ("Baby Don't Do It" and "Things in Life") and material for Derrick Hariott, which was eventually released as the Super Reggae and Soul Hits album. He also worked for Earl Hayles and the Charmaine label early in his career. He had a Top 10 hit in the United Kingdom in 1977. This led to his contract with A&M Records, and to the formation of his own label, DEB records, which produced several hits, including many by Junior Delgado.

His first big hit was "Money In My Pocket" on the Joe Gibbs label, and by the late 1970s, Brown had recorded and performed chart-toppers such as "Sitting & Watching", "Wolves and Leopards", "Here I Come" and "Revolution"; many featuring Sly and Robbie as the rhythm section. As the dancehall era of the 1980s arrived, Brown frequently recorded with King Jammy and Gussie Clark. His song "Revolution" is featured on the reggae radio station K-JAH Radio West in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto San Andreas. According to some sources, Brown became addicted to crack cocaine, which affected his career and may have lead to his premature death. Jamaican Prime Minister P. J. Patterson and opposition leader Edward Seaga of the Jamaica Labour Party both spoke at Brown's funeral, which was held on July 17, 1999 in Kingston, Jamaica. The service, which lasted for three hours, also featured live performances by Maxi Priest, Shaggy, and five of Brown's sons. Brown was then buried at Kingston's National Heroes Park.

Àfrica
Dennis Brown Lyrics

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Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah Africa...

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Africa we want to go, yeah yeah
Africa we want to go
Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Africa we want to go

Our foreparents were born Ethiopians
Our foreparents were born Ethiopians
Whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Our foreparents were born Ethiopians

It's the land of the Lion of Judah
The roots of David who have prevailed
To open the books and to loose the seven seals
There ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-are(?)

Africa we want to go, well yeah
Africa we want to go
Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Africa we want to go

Africa, yeah
Where want to go... yeah
Whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Africa we want to go

Brothers and sisters
Join hands together
Come along, come-a, come along, yeah
Whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Africa that's where we're going, yeah

Africa we want to go, yeah yeah
Africa we want to go, yes
Whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Africa we want to go, yes

Whoa Africa
We don't want no bondage there no...

Overall Meaning

The song "Africa" by Dennis Brown is an ode to the continent of Africa, with lyrics that express a desire to go back to the land of their foreparents. The opening lines, "Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah Africa... Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh" set the tone for the rest of the song with its repetitive, almost chant-like delivery. The chorus, "Africa we want to go, yeah yeah" provides a clear message about the central theme of the song.

The verses speak of the historical and cultural significance of Africa as the birthplace of the Ethiopians, the land of the Lion of Judah, and the roots of David. The lyrics reference religious iconography, such as opening the books and to loose the seven seals, evoking a sense of spiritual yearning for a connection to the land. The phrase "Brothers and sisters, join hands together, come along, come-a, come along, yeah" serves as a call to action and represents a desire for unity among all Africans, regardless of their background.

Overall, "Africa" is a song that celebrates the rich heritage of the continent and expresses a longing to return to a place that holds significant cultural and historical importance for many people of African descent.

Line by Line Meaning

Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah Africa...
The singer expresses enthusiasm and admiration for Africa in the opening line.

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Repetition of the interjection to indicate strong emotions and feelings about Africa.

Africa we want to go, yeah yeah
The singer expresses a strong desire to go to Africa.

Africa we want to go
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the longing for Africa.

Go-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Repetition of the interjection to indicate the excitement of traveling to Africa.

Our foreparents were born Ethiopians
The singer acknowledges their African ancestry and connection to Ethiopia.

Whoah-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Repetition of the interjection to emphasize the importance of African heritage.

It's the land of the Lion of Judah
The singer recognizes the symbolism of Ethiopia, which is associated with the Lion of Judah, a symbol of the Ethiopian monarchy.

The roots of David who have prevailed
The singer references the biblical figure of David, whose lineage is believed to be linked to the Ethiopian monarchs.

To open the books and to loose the seven seals
The singer references the Book of Revelation, where opening the seven seals signifies the end of the world.

There ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-are(?)
Repetition of the interjection to imply that there is more to Ethiopia than meets the eye.

Brothers and sisters
The singer addresses the African people as brothers and sisters.

Join hands together
The singer encourages unity and solidarity among African people.

Come along, come-a, come along, yeah
The singer urges people to come together and embark on a journey to Africa.

Africa that's where we're going, yeah
The singer affirms that the destination is Africa, and expresses eagerness to get there.

Yes
Repetition of the interjection to emphasize the importance of going to Africa.

Whoa Africa
Repetition of the interjection to express awe and admiration for Africa.

We don't want no bondage there no...
The singer acknowledges the struggles and injustices faced by African people, and expresses a desire to overcome them in Africa.

Contributed by Stella I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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