From Hanover he moved to St. James where hie attended school and ultimately growing into a mild mannered young man. While in St. James Ginjah realized that „Music is mi life“, and in 1994 he moved to Central Village, Spanish Town where he had his first Studio-Session at the age of seventeen! This Studio was no others than the illustrious King Jammy´s, home to many giants in the music business. Although Ginjah was ready for the world, having now been exposed to critics of an acclaimed studio such as Jammy´s the world has not yet become aware of his musical talents, so he made the best of his time while in Central Village helping to organize a Young People Talent Search for his home community. He not only saw local talent but showcased his own which gave him valuable experience which he would use later on. In 1999 he cought the ear of Beres Hammond who instantly became convinced of the potential of this young man. He was immediatly invited by Beres Hammond to his Harmony House Label. In 2000 Beres label opened his door to Ginjah where he began his early recordings.
No sooner than 2001 he was on tour with Beres Hammond on his Caribbean Tour. That year Ginjah opened several shows streching across the major caribbean cities leaving behind a trail of satisfied patrons wanting for more. Ginjah went on touring with Beres throughout the world, places including Europe, Canada, USA & Japan. Over the period of 4 years, he has performed at allmost every major Reggae-Event across the world except Africa. At 2004 he performed at Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica immediately followed by Pop Icon Lionel Richie and gave a good account to himself to the surprise of everybody there.
Jah Jah Children
Ginjah Lyrics
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Ginjah's song "Jah Jah Children" serves as a poignant expression of Rastafarian identity and a proclamation of resistance against systemic oppression. In the introduction, the invocation of "Jah Jah," a name synonymous with God in Rastafarian belief, sets the tone for a spiritual and communal call to action. The phrase "step away, Jah children" signals a detachment from the negativity and darkness of the current social climate, indicating a yearning for liberation and enlightenment. The repetition of "Jah jah days are dark" emphasizes the struggles faced by the community, suggesting that these dark times are a collective experience that requires unity and strength. The lines paint a portrait of a group that, while in a state of suffering, is being beckoned toward a hopeful future.
The chorus indicates a deep desire for escape from a "system" that unjustly oppresses individuals, highlighting feelings of hopelessness and frustration with societal structures. The metaphor of sailing or flying away represents not just a physical departure but also a psychological one; it embodies a yearning for freedom and a return to the roots of African heritage. The repetition of this longing in various forms underscores the desperation and intensity of this wish, suggesting that staying in such a system is unbearable. This desire for escape speaks to a broader sentiment within marginalized communities, encapsulating the struggles against social injustices, discrimination, and the constant battle for recognition and rights.
In the first verse, Ginjah dives deeper into the Rastafarian ethos while emphasizing the historical grievances faced by his people. By referencing "deprivation of human rights," he brings attention to the systemic violations faced by the African diaspora, asserting that the fight for justice must continue. The allusion to Ethiopia as the "shining light" serves to reinforce the idea of a promised land, a symbolic return where unity and dignity can be reclaimed. By dismissing the influence of "another man Christ," Ginjah is positioning Rastafarian beliefs at the forefront of spiritual and social justice, calling for a revival of pride in African identity. His mention of leaders like Marcus Garvey and Nelson Mandela solidifies the connection between past struggles and current aspirations, creating a lineage of resistance that transcends borders and time.
The final verse transitions into a call to arms for liberation, with Ginjah demanding freedom for his people from the shackles of slavery and brutality. He questions the moral fabric of a society that profits from the labor and suffering of others, highlighting a profound disconnect between those in power and the marginalized. This section evokes a revolutionary spirit, encapsulating the urgency for justice and the necessity of standing in solidarity with one another. The phrase "not gonna leave my people behind" manifests a strong sense of community and dedication to the cause. As the song culminates, the repeated directive to "pack your belongings" and leave Babylon—a metaphor for the oppressive state—solidifies the urgency and shared commitment to pursuing freedom, inviting listeners to take part in a transformative movement toward liberation and justice.
Line by Line Meaning
jah jah children.
The offspring of Jah, or the divine, are being addressed, symbolizing a community connected to spiritual guidance.
Yea yea Rastafari yea
A call to recognize and elevate the Rastafarian faith and its teachings.
step away jah children, come way jah children, it set way jah jah
Urging the followers to distance themselves from negativity and to align with the positive path set forth by Jah.
days are dark, step away jah jah children
Times are challenging, and it's vital for the faithful to avoid despair and seek the light.
it set away jah jah
An affirmation that Jah has paved a way for redemption and hope.
it seh way jah children
Jah speaks to His children, guiding them on the righteous path.
there'r no love in the heart, no
A lamentation about the absence of compassion and empathy in the current world.
if I have a ship I sail away
Expressing a desire for escape from the troubles of life, using a metaphorical ship.
if I plane fly away, an never too return
If given the means, the singer would take a plane to flee permanently from their circumstances.
cause this system won't leave us alone,
Highlighting the relentless nature of societal systems that oppress and fail the marginalized.
wul heap of things Rasta face inna life,
The Rastafarian community faces countless challenges and struggles throughout their existence.
oh we deprive out of you human rights,
A recognition that they have been systematically denied basic human rights.
first thing first wi nawh give up the fight,
Emphasizing the importance of persistence and resilience in the battle for justice.
look towards Ethiopia the shining light,
Drawing inspiration and hope from Ethiopia, seen as a beacon for Rastafarians.
Rasta nuh give praise to a another man Christ,
The Rastafarian faith does not worship figures like Christ but holds a different interpretation of divinity.
couldn't save us from this awful plight,
A critique that conventional religious figures have failed to alleviate their suffering.
long time wi a preach Africa Unite,
The long-standing message and mission for unity across African nations and people.
yea yea king Emanuel already set the other,
Referring to Emperor Haile Selassie (King Emanuel), a pivotal figure for Rastafarians who provides guidance.
none a dem can't go round Rasta,
Others cannot bypass the influence and importance of the Rastafarian faith.
Marcus Garvey the great reformer,
Acknowledging Marcus Garvey as an important leader who advocated for the rights and unity of African people.
seh Africa fi a Africans on yah,
A declaration that Africa belongs to its people and should be governed by them.
waan Tek a trip round a South Africa,
Desiring to travel to South Africa to connect with its cultural significance.
feel the spirit of the freedom fighter Mandela,
Honoring Nelson Mandela's legacy and the fight for liberation against oppression.
and dem me Trod round a Ethiopia Ghana & over Kenya,
Willing to travel through various African nations, embracing their histories and cultures.
got to be free, free from slavery,
A fundamental desire for liberation from all forms of enslavement, physical or mental.
for my people there's no safety,
Acknowledging the lack of security and protection for marginalized communities.
too much brutally,
Highlighting the excessive violence and oppression faced by these communities.
how can we build your city,
Questioning how they can contribute to society when they are not treated justly.
then you show us no pity,
Criticizing the lack of compassion from those in power toward the suffering of others.
you full of iniquity, yea yea,
Denouncing a system full of corruption and immorality.
a revolution time fight for Justice mankind,
A call to action for revolutionary change to attain justice for all.
a put my life on the line,
Commitment to the cause, signifying readiness to risk everything for the fight.
not gonna leave my people behind,
Vowing to stand by one's community and uplift them during struggles.
Rasta children pack your belongings,
Advising the Rastafarian followers to prepare for a journey or a move towards liberation.
yea we leave out of Babylon who's coming,
Announcing a departure from oppressive systems (Babylon), inviting others to join the exodus.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ginjah
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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on Blush
I love n feel the song
Juliuz Peter
on Never Lost My Way
i like it its so good