Tony Rebel is cited by many as the first Rasta "singjay" in dancehall regga… Read Full Bio ↴Tony Rebel is cited by many as the first Rasta "singjay" in dancehall reggae music, a style which blends singing with traditional deejaying over dancehall riddims (other singjays include Pinchers, Anthony B, and many newer artists).

Tony Rebel's career began in the 1980's, and was often seen performing with Sugar Minott's Youthman Promotion sound system. Rebel is responsible for introducing a young Garnett Silk (then known as Bimbo or Little Bimbo) to the sound. The two were closely linked until Silk's untimely death in 1994.

Tony Rebel's career was at its peak in the early 1990's, with such hit records as "Fresh Vegetable", "Sweet Jamaica" and the duet with Garnett Silk "Christian Soldiers". He remained prominent in the late 90's with the smash hit "If Jah" on the La La Bella riddim.

Tony Rebel still performs occasionally, but has focused most of his energy into the career of protege Queen Ifrica and his immensely popular, annual reggae festival in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica entitled Rebel Salute.

Why Be Afraid
Tony Rebel Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

f Jah
Is by my side
I wont hide
No I wont hide
Boom, boom boom dis yah tune yah
Boom, boom boom dis yah tune yah
Boom, boom boom dis yah tune yah
Boom

If Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
If Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
Your best you try, to harm me and I
Aiming to kill
But I love you still
Cause you are here to make
prophecy fulfill (Its your will)
No weapon that
Form against me
Desire shall not be
Divine protection
Shall set my soul free (Talk to me)
Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
If Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
The gates of hell
Can never prevail
For I know Jah
He never fail
What yuh think I'm gonna do
Give up now?
No no (not gon go)
Mass foes attack
And I just smile
They dont seem to
Understand my style
My confidence is so high
High inna ((Abbaba Joni?))
Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
If Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
Boom, boom, boom dis yah tune yah
Boom, boom, boom dis yah tune yah
Boom, boom, boom dis yah tune a Boom
So talk your talk and laugh your laugh
That wont shiver my heart
His secret tabernacle
Will (guide I, guide I, guide I)
Guess your guess
And test your test
Dat is in your own interest
To find out the power
Of the (most high, most high, most high)
Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid
Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night
If Jah is standing by my side
Then why should I be afraid

Of a pestilence that
Crawleth by night

Overall Meaning

Tony Rebel's "Why Be Afraid" is a reggae anthem that celebrates the power of Jah and proclaims the singer's unwavering faith in his divine protection. The song opens with the assertion that as long as God is by his side, the singer will not hide. The repetitive chorus of "Boom, boom, boom dis yah tune yah" emphasizes the rhythmic power of the song and accentuates the singer's confidence in the face of any danger he may encounter. The lyrics remind the listener that Jah's presence provides a shield against any harm: "If Jah is standing by my side/Then why should I be afraid/Of a pestilence that crawleth by night." The singer acknowledges that others may try to harm him, but his love for them remains, and he recognizes that they are simply fulfilling prophecy. The chorus is repeated twice more, followed by a verse in which the singer asserts that no weapon formed against him shall prosper, thanks to Jah's divine protection. The final verse underscores the singer's unbreakable confidence and culminates with the repeated chorus.

Tony Rebel's "Why Be Afraid" is a classic example of roots reggae, a subgenre of reggae that emphasizes the message of social and political consciousness. The song's lyrics, while deeply religious, also have a political undertone, underscoring the importance of resistance against oppression and injustice. The song's popularity has endured for decades, and its message of resilience and faith continues to inspire listeners around the world.

Line by Line Meaning

If Jah is standing by my side
I have no reason to be afraid if God is with me

Then why should I be afraid
There is no reason for me to be afraid

Of a pestilence that Crawleth by night
Even if a deadly disease comes at night, I need not be afraid

Your best you try, to harm me and I
Even if my enemies try to hurt or kill me

Aiming to kill But I love you still
I will still show love to my enemies

Cause you are here to make prophecy fulfill (Its your will)
I believe that even my enemies are here to fulfill God's plan

No weapon that Form against me Desire shall not be Divine protection Shall set my soul free
God will protect me from harm and nothing can harm me without His permission

The gates of hell Can never prevail
Even the most evil forces cannot overcome God's power

For I know Jah He never fail
I trust that God will never let me down

What yuh think I'm gonna do Give up now? No no (not gon go)
I will never give up or lose hope

Mass foes attack And I just smile
I will endure any challenges with a positive attitude

They dont seem to Understand my style My confidence is so high High inna ((Abbaba Joni?))
My enemies do not understand my faith and confidence in God

So talk your talk and laugh your laugh That wont shiver my heart
The words and actions of my enemies cannot break my spirit

His secret tabernacle Will (guide I, guide I, guide I)
God's divine guidance will lead me on the right path

Guess your guess And test your test Dat is in your own interest To find out the power Of the (most high, most high, most high)
It is up to each individual to find out the power of God and discover their own faith

Boom, boom, boom dis yah tune yah
(Repeats the title of the song)

Contributed by Hailey V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS