Queen Ifrica joined the Flames Production camp in 1998 when, at a show in honour of the late Garnett Silk, Tony Rebel hearing the clean vocals and the unmistakable quality of her performance, asked her to join the Flames camp. Since then, she has worked her way up to being one of the premier female cultural reggae artists in the business. Queen’s stage craft, her repertoire, and her total artist development have bloomed over the years, ultimately making her into a staple in cultural reggae events around the world.
Queen has had several of her recordings become a staple on the airwaves, from the ever popular “Randy” to “Boxers and Stockings”. Queen Ifrica’s music resonates with conscious, purifying energy. She remains grounded in her way of life, her community and her children. She has a strong social consciousness, supporting her words with actions by being an active participant in several community outreach activities. Included in this is her work on the Committee for Community in the heart of Kingston’s inner-city, particularly the S-Corner community in Kingston 13. The United Nations’ celebration of the Year of the Volunteers in 2001 saw her teaming with Tony Rebel and others to deliver a song recognized by the United Nations as a gem.
With her haunting melodies, clear sound and fluid delivery, Queen Ifrica sets out to be a force to be reckoned with, creating timeless rebel music in the ilk of her father Derrick Morgan, Garnett Silk, Nina Simone and Miriam Mackeba. Her aspiration is to make music that lives on.
Times Like These
Queen Ifrica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The highest form of expression of human intelligence
You have have become complacent
Sitting down and allowing the other nations to run away with everything
You have become a bunch of consumers
You are creators
rise up mighty people and accomplish what you will
Without confidence you're twice defeated in the race of life
They took away the voices, that gave the people pride
Now we're plunging into darkness
We all have to play our part, make a bold start
Every disc jock, tell every artist
Media houses, we notice you love support the slackness
How so much alcohol in our parties
While the girls a broke out
And the something she drinked knocked her out
Now she doesn't care where they prop her up
It's times like these
I'm missing our heroes
Times like these i really wish they where around
Shouldn't have to be like this
Marcus Garvey
We know that you tried your best, but we'll to the rest
They bred up shotaz them, now we have a lot of them
Prsion pack up, now the grave will be packed with dead
The broke the national bird wing
Sell we out clean
Not sure if we own a god dam thing
Jamrock why are we giving in to the trick
that they have been tricking us from the beginning
Parents you need to awake from the slumbering
It's our children's blood that is running
It's times like these
I'm missing our heroes
Times like these i really wish they where around
Shouldn't have to be like this
Bob Marley
We know that you never died in vain
We're gonna rise agai, .hey
People use the fist hold the bell
Beat promise until it swells
Nobody will hear if you don't yell
Listen what they tell you about the bucket that go well
Black woman put on you baggie
That something should not sell
That's how we know society's cruel
Ask who placed the crab into barrel
PM, opposition stop with the quarrel
Unite, come together, teach the people how fi chill
It's times like these
I'm missing our heroes
Times like these i really wish they where around
Shouldn't have to be like this
Oh Miss Lou we need you
It's the first I've heard of this
Hundred and counting on the murder list
They took away the voices, that gave the people pride
Now we're plunging into darkness
We all have to play our part, make a bold start
Every disc jock, tell every artist
Media houses, we notice you love support the slackness
How so much alcohol in our parties
While the girls a broke out
And the something she drinked knocked her out
Now she doesn't care where they prop her up
It's times like these
I'm missing our heroes
Times like these i really wish they where around
We need you, we need you, we need you
Sam Sharpe
We need you, we need you, we need you
Nanny, yeah
In the song "Times Like These" by Queen Ifrica, the artist expresses her concerns about the state of her society and the need for her people to rise up and take action. She believes that every civilization needs art to be complete, and that art is the highest form of expression of human intelligence. She warns that her people have become complacent, becoming a bunch of consumers instead of creators. She calls on her people to rise up and accomplish what they will, but warns that without confidence, they will be twice defeated in the race of life.
The artist then goes on to express her dissatisfaction with the current state of her society, where the media houses seem to support slackness, alcohol is prevalent in their parties, and girls are often found in compromising situations. She believes that they have lost their sense of pride, and their heroes are no longer around to inspire them. She calls on her people to play their part and make a bold start, and for every disc jock and artist to spread the message of unity and empowerment.
Overall, "Times Like These" is a call to action and a reminder of the importance of art and heroes in shaping society. Queen Ifrica challenges her people to rise above their current state and create a better future for themselves and their children.
Line by Line Meaning
One civilization is not complete without it's art
Art is an integral part of any civilization that showcases human intelligence and creativity.
The highest form of expression of human intelligence
Art is considered the most profound way of representing the human intellect and consciousness.
You have have become complacent
You have grown too comfortable and stopped striving for progress.
Sitting down and allowing the other nations to run away with everything
You are not putting in the required effort to compete with the rest of the world and are falling behind.
You have become a bunch of consumers
Instead of being creative and innovating, you have become passive consumers of other cultures' products.
You are creators
You are capable of creating your own art and cultural identity, rather than being mere consumers.
rise up mighty people and accomplish what you will
You have the power to rise up and accomplish anything you set your mind to, so do not remain idle and complacent.
Without confidence you're twice defeated in the race of life
Lack of confidence can lead to failure and missed opportunities, so it is important to believe in oneself.
They took away the voices, that gave the people pride
The suppression of cultural expression has led to a loss of pride and identity for the people.
Now we're plunging into darkness
The suppression of art and culture is leading to a decline in society and a loss of direction.
We all have to play our part, make a bold start
Everyone needs to step up and take action to reclaim their cultural identity and create a brighter future.
Every disc jock, tell every artist
The media has a responsibility to support and showcase positive, uplifting art and culture.
Media houses, we notice you love support the slackness
The media tends to promote negative, vulgar content rather than positive cultural expressions.
How so much alcohol in our parties
There is excessive alcohol consumption in society, leading to negative consequences.
While the girls a broke out
Women are often victims of these negative consequences, such as sexual assault and exploitation.
And the something she drinked knocked her out
The excessive drinking has led to women being unconscious and vulnerable to harm.
Now she doesn't care where they prop her up
The victim has lost control and is being exploited by others without concern for her safety or well-being.
Shouldn't have to be like this
The negative consequences of excessive drinking and exploitation should not be accepted as normal or inevitable.
Marcus Garvey
Marcus Garvey is an important historical figure and leader in the fight for cultural identity and pride.
We know that you tried your best, but we'll to the rest
We acknowledge the efforts of past leaders, but now it is our turn to continue the fight for progress and cultural expression.
They bred up shotaz them, now we have a lot of them
The proliferation of gang violence and crime has had negative consequences for society.
Prison pack up, now the grave will be packed with dead
The mass incarceration of people has led to a rise in deaths and social instability.
The broke the national bird wing
Society has damaged its own cultural identity and heritage in its pursuit of other things.
Sell we out clean
Society has given away its cultural identity and sovereignty without resistance or negotiation.
Not sure if we own a god dam thing
Society is uncertain if it possesses any real cultural identity or heritage.
Jamrock why are we giving in to the trick
Society is succumbing to external influences and pressure, rather than asserting its own identity and values.
that they have been tricking us from the beginning
The society has been deceived and misled by external forces which have done damage to its cultural identity over time.
Parents you need to awake from the slumbering
Parents need to be more attentive and vigilant to ensure their children are not led astray and can assert their cultural identity.
It's times like these
Periods of social turmoil and decline are when society needs to step up and assert its identity and values the most.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley is another important historical figure and symbol of cultural identity, pride, and progress.
We know that you never died in vain
Bob Marley's legacy lives on and inspires us to continue the fight for cultural expression and societal progress.
We're gonna rise agai, .hey
We are committed to rising up and taking action to reclaim our cultural identity and build a brighter future.
People use the fist hold the bell
People need to take action and use their power to make change.
Beat promise until it swells
Continued effort and persistence can lead to real change and progress.
Nobody will hear if you don't yell
It is necessary to speak up and raise one's voice to make a difference.
Listen what they tell you about the bucket that go well
Be mindful of the advice you receive and consider whether or not it is in your best interest.
Black woman put on you baggie
Women should embrace their culture and identity, rather than conforming to external expectations or pressures.
That something should not sell
Culture and heritage should not be commodified or sold out for profit or personal gain without regard to its intrinsic value.
That's how we know society's cruel
The disregard for culture and heritage is a symptom of a broader societal problem and injustice.
Ask who placed the crab into barrel
Be mindful of the forces and individuals responsible for societal problems and injustices.
PM, opposition stop with the quarrel
Political leaders should work together to address societal problems and strive for progress.
Unite, come together, teach the people how fi chill
Society should unite and work together to promote peace, equality, and social justice.
Oh Miss Lou we need you
Miss Lou exemplifies the importance of cultural expression and identity and serves as an inspiration to continue the fight for progress.
It's the first I've heard of this
Society needs to be more aware and mindful of the negative consequences of cultural suppression and exploitation.
Hundred and counting on the murder list
The societal problems have led to a rise in violent crime and death, which is a tragedy that needs to be addressed.
We need you, we need you, we need you
There is a deep and urgent need for cultural leaders and voices to inspire hope and progress in society.
Sam Sharpe
Sam Sharpe was a historical figure and leader in the fight for social justice and equality.
Nanny
Nanny was another important historical figure and symbol of resistance and strength in the fight against colonialism and oppression.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, CALDERWOOD, INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEREMY HARDING, VENTRICE MORGAN, NIGEL STAFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kevin k.k keah
I knew this song when it came out (2009-2010 if I'm not wrong) but today (2023) I've listened to the opening words spoken by Marcus Garvey and realised we, as humans, are more powerful than we give ourselves credit.
"One civilization is not complete without its art
The highest form of expression of human intelligence
You have have become complacent
Sitting down and allowing the other nations to run away with everything
You have become a bunch of consumers
You are creators
Rise up, mighty people, and accomplish what you will
Without confidence you're twice defeated in the race of life" - Marcus Garvey. I love you Queen Ifrica ❤
ShawnyIsBless
This song should have billions of views but the positive never sells, it’s always the slackness. This a deeeep, deep message.
Silent Night
Same as conscious rap artistes.
Sheikhna Faal
You are very right
TeHuti Neteru
I 10,000% agree with you. Queen Ifrika issa real Goddess.
savanti savanti
Real talk.
kyron greenidge
Gone are the days of quality music like this 😔 still a hit in 2023 🔥🔥
bigdree32
Her voice is very powerful I love her music
Mackayla Lawrence
Had an essay to write about Marcus Garvey, this was the song that hit home for me. Thank you for always shining light Queen Ifrica. Bless up.
Perekeme Odon
Yeah,good song, but visual interpretation.
D M
So, what did you score in your essay?