He was nominated best vocalist five times in his own country, an indication of the love Jamaicans have for his voice and music. There are many reasons as to why he commands the respect of his countrymen, one is his ability to perform both roots Reggae material and love songs with equal ability and conviction. This dual persona, both as roots 'preacher' and love 'crooner', was one which out of financial necessity many other performers were required to adopt. Dennis Brown, then Johnny's biggest rival, is a fine example in this regard.
Masterful dub remixes of Johnny Clarke's songs by KING TUBBY contribute no end to the beauty of any mid '70s single release by Clarke. Listen to 'Move Out Of Babylon Rastaman' or the later 'Cold I Up' and to the accompanying b-side dub versions, and you will realize why Johnny Clarke encapsulates so well, '70s Roots Reggae. Few other artists have ever achieved such domination, let alone with the consummate ease and style that Johnny Clarke, the 'studio idler' did.
If you are looking to understand and absorb the world of Reggae, in particular the 'Golden Era' of the mid '70s, Clarke's music is an ideal vehicle within which to do so. When Bob Marley was turning himself into the first International Jamaican superstar, Big Youth, Inner Circle and Johnny Clarke ruled the roost back home. They were the acts popular with Jamaicans, in Jamaica.
While he failed to maintain the success of the '70s, Clarke went on to become one of the highlights of the dancehall era, re-establishing his reputation as he did so. His style had always been well suited to this new genre, one that coincided with the beginning of the new decade.
He has continued to remain true to his own roots, singing largely of 'cultural' matters and retaining his Rastafarian faith. Touring to this day, he spends much of his time in the U.K., and long may we benefit from his beautiful voice.
African Roots
Johnny Clarke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Just call me African roots
I was born and raise in the ghetto
With the blood of african roots
So you can always call me
Just call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Weθ΄e been taken away from Africa
More than five hundred years ago
But one thing they didn't take
Is the roots out of my mind
So call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Said it doesnη¨ matter to me
If they call me african roots
Here I am as an african
Born and raise in the ghetto
I was born and raise in the ghetto
With the blood of african roots
So you can always call me
Call me african roots
Just call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Just call me African roots
African roots
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Said it doesη¨ matter to me
If they call me african roots
Said here I am as an african
Born and raise in the ghetto
Said I was born and raise in the ghetto
With the blood of african roots
So you can always call me
Call me african roots
Just call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Just call me African roots
Please call me African roots
Just call me African roots
In Johnny Clarke's song "African Roots", he talks about his identity as someone with African roots. Clarke sings that he was born and raised in the ghetto with the blood of African roots. He proudly declares that he is not ashamed of this identity and encourages others to call him African roots. Clarke acknowledges the fact that African people were taken away from Africa more than five hundred years ago, but the roots of his African identity have remained intact. He says that one cannot take the roots out of his mind, emphasizing that his African heritage is an integral part of his identity.
The song speaks to the theme of cultural identity, particularly for people of African descent. It is a celebration of African heritage and a call for others to embrace their roots. The repetition of the phrase "just call me African roots" is a powerful statement that reinforces the singer's pride in his cultural background. Clarke's lyrics serve as a reminder that despite the many years that have passed since the forced removal of African people from the continent, their culture and traditions have continued to thrive and remain an important part of their identity.
Line by Line Meaning
African roots
I embrace and identify with my African heritage and ancestry.
Just call me African roots
I request to be referred to as an individual with strong African heritage.
Please call me African roots
It is important to me to be recognized and respected as someone with deep connection to Africa.
I was born and raise in the ghetto
My upbringing was in a poor and marginalized community.
With the blood of african roots
Despite being born outside of Africa, my heritage and ancestry still flows within me.
So you can always call me
It is a consistent part of my identity, and I will never forget my roots.
Weθ΄e been taken away from Africa
Acknowledging the historical trauma of the African diaspora.
More than five hundred years ago
The separation from Africa was hundreds of years ago but still resonates deeply in the present.
But one thing they didn't take
Despite the physical distance, my connection to Africa remains strong.
Is the roots out of my mind
My thoughts and identity are still deeply rooted in African culture and tradition.
Said it doesnη¨ matter to me
I am secure in my identity and cannot be swayed by others' opinions.
If they call me african roots
Regardless of how others label me, I will always identify with my African heritage.
Here I am as an african
I am proud to be African and will never forget my identity and ancestry.
Just call me African roots
It is a simple request but holds great meaning to me.
Said I was born and raise in the ghetto
My upbringing was one of hardship, but it did not diminish my connection to my heritage.
Contributed by Sadie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gary Wyatt
Met Johnny about 20 years ago and had a chat and smoke πΏwith him for about half an hour ππΌ Top guy man πͺπΌ # precious memories β€οΈ
Stephen Whittle
essential listening
Glen Miller
Every Big sound have this song on Dib plate
Justin Pouant
ThΓ© jamaΓ―cains baba boom
Adam.F
2021π―π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯π₯βπΎ
Juan Marquez
Johnny Clarke
Phil Loretz
Check out Lacksley Castell You Over There, Cinteastwood - African Roots
rich Mck
They all from the same stable, time , born and raise in country in Jamaica doing it the same at the the time of Hugh Mundell who was sadly taken too early in life. Go listen to ALL his vibe and you hear the connection!
Lacksley and Johnny are just two testaments of a great cultural heritage from a time in J.A when the vibe was sweet.
No mistake!
πΌππ½π―π²πΌππ½
Sneakybeaky
π§πΌββοΈ
Juan Marquez
Rootz