Brooks was raised in an area known as "Cuban", a micro ghetto within the heart of Kingston, Jamaica's Cassava Piece community. His grandmother gave him his first musical experience at a young age, bringing him to church to sing. He also cites the music of Bounty Killer as an early influence.
The boyhood idol became his mentor when at the age of 15, Bounty took him under his wing to show him the ropes of the music industry. He decided to name himself "Mavado" after the Swiss watch company Movado, altering the spelling.
His debut single, "Real McKoy" on the Anger Management riddim in 2004, provided him instant success.He further established himself with the follow-up record “Weh Dem a Do”, on the Red Bull & Guinness riddim. After a string of hits in 2005 and 2006, Mavado released the album ''Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks'' July 10, 2007 on VP Records. "Weh Dem A Do" and "Dying", two singles from the album, were featured heavily on R&B/hip-hop radio in New York.
That same year brought Mavado off-stage controversy, as he was arrested and booked by Jamaican police on what was later revealed to be gun charges. While in police custody, the singer claims he was thrown into a glass window, losing three fingers in the process, which were reattached at a local hospital. Police claimed Mavado escaped from custody while at the hospital. The incident caused him to be refused entry into the United States a short time later. He was again arrested and charged with shooting with intent and illegal possession of firearm in relation to an event occurring July 27, 2007. He was later freed of all charges.
In March 2008, Mavado was featured performing a rendition of his song "Real McKoy" for Grand Theft Auto IV] Trailer #4 "Everyone's a Rat". "Real McKoy", along with "Last Night" (both from the album ''Gangsta for Life''), were also featured in the game on the radio station "Massive B Radio".
In November 2009, Mavado lost out to Sean Paul for the Best Reggae Artist award at Soul Train Music Awards. He won the 2010 EME award for Male Singjay of the Year.
In 2008 Mavado was given the prestigious UK MOBO Award for Best Reggae Act.
In April 2010, Mavado starred as a gangster in Drake's song Find Your Love for Drake's album Thank Me Later
Mavado formed his own label, Mansion Records, in 2011, debuting with the single "Delilah".
Along with Bounty Killer, he has cited 2Pac as a childhood idol, comparing the late rapper's life to his own.
In 2011, Mavado recorded with U.K. Grime artist Chipmunk on the track "Every Gyal"
On 1 September 2011, Mavado appeared on the Angie Martinez show on New York's Hot 97 radio station to announce that he had signed a deal with DJ Khaled's record label We the Best Music Group. Mavado released two singles "Emergency" featuring Ace Hood and "Survivor" featuring Akon on We the Best Music Group.
Mavado has confirmed the first song on his next album. It is called "For Jamaica, for the world" part 2 Featuring DJ Khaled, Rick Ross and Birdman.
Nine Life
Mavado Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man A God Father Man A General
Dem Fi Kno Man A General
God Of Peace Angel Of Death Every Ghetto Yute Don′t Fret
From You Have Life You Have Everything
Dem Couldn't Stop My Breath
Dem Cyaan Tek My Life
Jah Love Me So Cyaan Tek My Soul
Each And Everyday Mi Pray
Beg Jah Seh Pon Di Earth Mi Wah Fi Stay
Mi Try Fi Be A Decent Man But Still
When They Come For Me All I Can See Is Getting Killed
Jah Bless Mi With A Voice Weh Never Sound Familiar
When You Rise To The Top You Know They Wanna Kill You
Many Wanna Live My Life But My Life Is Realer
Never Copy Me These Simple Words Will Kill Ya
Ghetto Yute Fi Have Nine Life
Nuh Fear No Bwoy A Just So We Roll
Nine Life Jah Have Everything Under Control
God Of Peace Angel Of Death Every Ghetto Yute Don't Fret
From You Have Life You Have Everything
Dem Couldn′t Stop My Breath
Dem Cyaan Tek My Life
Jah Love Me So Cyaan Tek My Soul
I′m Going Back For Everything And More I'm Unstoppable
Now I Got Life I Don′t Know About Tomorrow
Thank You Jah Mi Nuh Inna Sorrow
In My Mind Make Use Of Mi Time Shooting Like An Arrow
Standing Still But My Voice Is a Shadow
Throu The Hearts And The Minds Of Another
All Is Fine Yah So Mi Fi Shine So Mi Gun Mi Feel Insecure
Nuh Fear Di Grim Reaper Cause A Jah A Mi Keeper
No Weapon That Falls Against Me Shall Prosper YU MADD! Yea
God Of Peace Angel Of Death Every Ghetto Yute Don't Fret
From You Have Life You Have Everything
Dem Couldn′t Stop My Breath
Dem Cyaan Tek My Life
Jah Love Me So Cyaan Tek My Soul
I'm Going Back For Everything And More I′m Unstoppable
Tek My Life (Memba That) Dem Fi Know (Gully Gad) Stephen (Forever) Yea Big Ship The Ship A Sail Righteousness Must Prevail
(Yo Stephen Come In Like We Haffi Give Dem Some More Song Fi Da Year
Yah) Ohhhh!
Gully Gad (It's Like This) Yea Every Gully Every Trench
(Mean While Smoking Straight)
The song "Nine Life" by Mavado is an anthem for the downtrodden, particularly those who reside in the ghettos. The artiste refers to himself as "A General" and "God Father," indicating that he is the leader of the Gullyside, a notorious ghetto in Kingston, Jamaica. He encourages the youths in the ghetto who are experiencing various forms of hardship to be fearless, since they have nine lives given by the Almighty. He shows gratitude for having life and not experiencing sorrows. Mavado talks about how he prayed and begged God to allow him to live longer on Earth. Despite trying to be a decent man, Mavado says they still come after him, but he is unstoppable.
Mavado's message is one of hope, love, and determination in the face of adversity. He urges his followers to stand strong and not be afraid of death or any human being. Even though he has a voice that sets him apart and is a magnet for attention, Mavado never forgets his roots, where he comes from, and the people who put him there. He remains humble and steadfast in his faith, never doubting or faltering in his belief that God has his back.
Line by Line Meaning
Seh Man A General Every Ghetto Yute
Asserting that the singer is respected by others and is a leader in various areas, even among impoverished young men
Man A God Father Man A General
Claiming to be a fatherly figure and authority figure in one's community
Dem Fi Kno Man A General
Asserting that others should recognize and acknowledge the singer's authority and power
God Of Peace Angel Of Death Every Ghetto Yute Don′t Fret
Describing the artist as embodying both peaceful and deadly traits while reassuring listeners not to worry
From You Have Life You Have Everything
Affirming the importance of valuing one's life above everything else
Dem Couldn't Stop My Breath
Claiming that the singer is invincible and cannot be killed
Dem Cyaan Tek My Life
Asserting that the singer's life cannot be taken away by others
Jah Love Me So Cyaan Tek My Soul
Stating that divine love protects the artist's soul from harm
I′m Going Back For Everything And More I'm Unstoppable
Expressing the artist's determination to achieve everything they desire, no matter the obstacles
Each And Everyday Mi Pray
Conveying that the artist regularly prays to a higher power
Beg Jah Seh Pon Di Earth Mi Wah Fi Stay
Pleading to remain on earth and continue living
Mi Try Fi Be A Decent Man But Still
Sharing that the artist strives to be a good person despite challenges
When They Come For Me All I Can See Is Getting Killed
Expressing the singer's fear of being killed by others
Jah Bless Mi With A Voice Weh Never Sound Familiar
Acknowledging the uniqueness of the singer's voice, which is a gift from a higher power
When You Rise To The Top You Know They Wanna Kill You
Pointing out that success often brings threats and enemies
Many Wanna Live My Life But My Life Is Realer
Asserting that the artist's life experiences are more authentic than others who wish to emulate them
Never Copy Me These Simple Words Will Kill Ya
Warning others not to copy the artist's style or mannerisms
Ghetto Yute Fi Have Nine Life
Encouraging young people in impoverished areas to be resilient and persevere through challenges
Nuh Fear No Bwoy A Just So We Roll
Confidently stating that the singer and others like them do not fear anyone and are in control of their situation
Nine Life Jah Have Everything Under Control
Reiterating that divine power protects and guides the artist and other resilient young people
Now I Got Life I Don′t Know About Tomorrow
Acknowledging that although the artist is alive now, they do not know what the future holds
Thank You Jah Mi Nuh Inna Sorrow
Expressing gratitude for life and divine protection, and stating that the artist is not sad or unhappy
In My Mind Make Use Of Mi Time Shooting Like An Arrow
Describing the singer's state of mind as focused and productive
Standing Still But My Voice Is a Shadow
Stating that although the artist is not physically visible or active, their voice is still powerful
Throu The Hearts And The Minds Of Another
Asserting that the singer's message and presence influences others deeply
All Is Fine Yah So Mi Fi Shine So Mi Gun Mi Feel Insecure
Acknowledging that although the singer appears fine, they still feel insecure and the need to carry a gun for protection
Nuh Fear Di Grim Reaper Cause A Jah A Mi Keeper
Asserting that the singer does not fear death because of divine protection
No Weapon That Falls Against Me Shall Prosper YU MADD! Yea
Confidently declaring that weapons or harm cannot defeat the artist because of divine protection
Tek My Life (Memba That) Dem Fi Know (Gully Gad) Stephen (Forever) Yea Big Ship The Ship A Sail Righteousness Must Prevail
Reiterating that the artist cannot be killed and asserting that their message and legacy will continue even after their passing
Gully Gad (It's Like This) Yea Every Gully Every Trench
Asserting the singer's affiliation with a particular neighborhood and its people
(Mean While Smoking Straight)
An unrelated aside about smoking marijuana
Writer(s): David Brooks, S Mcgregor
Contributed by Benjamin A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@anti_dote8765
2020 and da song yah still tough. Big up, Mavado👏
@Farm_Life_345
2021😶🌫️
@syklystevens2581
Man a general... man a godfather
@mralexander7588
2021
@joshuabaptiste239
@@mralexander7588
B. M M
@williammcintosh3995
Legend, Thus song all when we old & gray give thanks & vibe to this
@lilza2475
This song remind me so much of my dad. One of his favorite. Rest in peace💗
@davidrogers1988
R.I.P Dad!!!My condolence
@phillpowell7793
❤🙏🏾 my favourite movado when I need a motivation still 2023 🙏🏾
@amanjazach948
Wish mavado did a vedeo for this...2020 still lit as always