Since then, while maintaining her singing career, she has occasionally encountered controversy, partly due to her statements and gestures—such as her ordination as a priest despite being a woman with a Roman Catholic background—and her strongly expressed views on organised religion, women's rights, war, and child abuse.
In addition to her ten solo albums her work includes many singles, songs for films, collaborations with many other artists and appearances at charity fundraising concerts.
Since converting to Islam in 2018 she has changed her name to Shuhada Sadaqat.
In December 2019 she gave her first UK concert in five years at the Shepherd's Bush Empire, London.
On 26 July 2023, O'Connor's family issued a statement that she had died at the age of 56, without indicating the date or cause.
In the statement, the singer’s family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The acclaimed Dublin performer released 10 studio albums, while her song “Nothing Compares 2 U” was named the number one world single in 1990 by the Billboard Music Awards. Her version of the ballad, written by musician Prince, topped the charts around the globe and earned her three Grammy nominations.
Jah Nuh Dead
Sinéad O'Connor Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By telling them that jah jah dead
And they tried to fool the black population
By telling them that jah jah dead
I & I knows jah, jah no dead, jah no dead
Jah no dead
Oh no, jah no dead
My knowledge increase
My memory reflect
Marcus garvey did say
A rumour rumour rumour rumour rumour
Aah marcus say
A rumour rumour rumour rumour rumour
Aah marcus say jah no dead
Jah no dead
It was I, man who say
Green and gold, it's the rainbow
The lion the lion decrowned the king
The lion the lion decrowned the king
Inna in adis abeba africa
Jah no dead, jah no dead no dead jah no dead
Meet me at the bank of the beautiful river
When your journey has end
I & I will discuss about this matter
Jah no dead, jah no dead, jah no dead
The lyrics to Sinéad O'Connor's song "Jah Nuh Dead" emphasize the importance of resisting efforts by those in power to suppress black culture and spirituality. The song refers to a rumor that was spread in Jamaica in the 1960s that the Rastafarian deity Jah had died. The line "They tried to fool the black population" repeated in the song, suggest that there were attempts to spread misinformation and manipulate people's beliefs. The song then counters this message with the affirmation that "I & I knows jah, jah no dead, jah no dead", indicating that the knowledge of the black community should not be underestimated, and that Jah is still present, despite what people may hear.
The song pays tribute to Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader who advocated for black nationalism and Pan-Africanism, and who also questioned establishment power structures. The line "My knowledge increase, my memory reflect, Marcus Garvey did say" acknowledges his voice and perspective as an influence on the song's lyrics. The repeated refrain "Jah no dead" is a mantra to remind listeners to face adversity with strength and to never forget their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Overall, "Jah Nuh Dead" delivers a message of resilience and self-affirmation amidst systemic oppression, encouraging listeners to value their knowledge and stand up against attempts to erase their culture and beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
They tried to fool the black population
Those in power attempted to deceive people of color
By telling them that jah jah dead
By spreading false rumors of Jah's demise
And they tried to fool the black population
Again, those in power attempted to deceive people of color
By telling them that jah jah dead
Once more by spreading false rumors of Jah's demise
I & I knows jah, jah no dead, jah no dead
I and all of humanity know that Jah is alive
Jah no dead
Jah is not dead
Oh no, jah no dead
Jah is most certainly not dead
My knowledge increase
I have gained knowledge over time
My memory reflect
I recall past teachings and wisdom
Marcus Garvey did say
A well-known figure, Marcus Garvey, once stated
A rumour rumour rumour rumour rumour
False rumors were being spread
Aah Marcus say
As Marcus mentioned
A rumour rumour rumour rumour rumour
Again, false rumors were being spread
Aah Marcus say jah no dead
Marcus stated that Jah was not dead
Jah no dead
Jah is not dead
It was I, man who say
I, a person, specifically stated
Green and gold, it's the rainbow
Green and gold, together, make up the colors of the rainbow
The lion the lion decrowned the king
The lion overthrew the king and became the new ruler
The lion the lion decrowned the king
Again, the lion overthrew the previous leader
Inna in adis abeba africa
Specifically, this occurred in Adis Abeba, Africa
Jah no dead, jah no dead no dead jah no dead
Throughout the world, it is known Jah is not dead
Meet me at the bank of the beautiful river
Let's meet at the serene shore of a lovely river
When your journey has end
Once your journey has come to a close
I & I will discuss about this matter
We will talk about this particular topic
Jah no dead, jah no dead, jah no dead
Again, it is well-known that Jah is not dead
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: WINSTON GODFROY RODNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@amypike818
The human soul is eternal and Jah No Dead. Rest In Power.
@moonkraab
Rest In Power dear Sinead
Jah No Dead
❤❤❤
@SPRAYPSALM777
Got this one on disc. Love this album. Peace and RIP Sinead!
@spencerpennington07
Farewell, Sinéad… ❤️
@daveplunkett4273
Peace out Sister ❤
@alexandrehbrt3783
Merci, j'avais à peine 10 ans quand je vous ai découvert avec ce titre.
Thank you Sinead O'Connor, Rest in Peace ❤️
@israelbhooshi3718
Sad
Fly away home
Sinead o'connor
@moonkraab
Meet me at the banks of the beautiful river
When our journey has ended
I and I will discuss about this matter
Jah Nah Dead.
Prayer and love and we will meet by the beautiful river.
RIP GODDESS SINEAD.
The sky shines bright with a new star this evening. ❤❤❤
@josebarla7928
For ever SINEAD❤
@shuuuuut_4217
rest easy starchild 🙌💕✨✨✨✨✨