For a change of pace, here's some definitions of terms from dancehall Reggae: Dancehall: Most modern reggae (since 1980), emphasizing stronger beats and more toasting (i.e., rapping) than older roots styles. Dancehall is to roots reggae as hip-hop is to soul and funk. Dub: A sub-genre of reggae that features instrumental remixes of songs, often layered with sound effects. Started as a method for saving money by creating entirely new-sounding tracks out of old music. Rastafarianism: A Jamaican religion based on a combination of biblical texts and the writings and teachings of Marcus Garvey, an early 20th-century Jamaican philosopher. Sound system: Originally a traveling party that would set up speakers in the back of a truck and provide dances for the locals. Due to competition, each sound system developed particular styles and personalities. This competition often comes to a head in a Clash, which pits two rival sound systems against each other; the audience determines -snip- These definitions are the entire content of 'A Brief Glossary of Reggae' at http://www.thirstyearfestival.com/features/reggae_glossary.html **** Visit Jamaican Patois Rasta Dictionary for many more terms used in Reggae music. One of the Jamaican terms that I like the best, "Feelin irie", comes from the Rastafarian religion. I have seen "Feelin irie {EYE-ree"} defined elsewhere as "feeling good". The online glossary that I'm using as a source in this post seems to suggest that the origin of the word "irie" is from the Egyptian goddess of Life "Isis". Quoting that passage: IRIE: A Greeting. excellent, cool, highest, adj. powerful and pleasing.ISES/IZES/ISIS: Praises to the almighty given by Rasta, when calling on the name of Jah for strength and assistance for achieving progress in life. -snip- "Jah" is a referent for God {or for Emperor Haile Selassie}. "Rasta" is a referent for a male or female follower of the Rastafarian religion or some of its cultural practices. Rastafarian is pronounced "rahs-tah-FAH-ree-ahn" "Rastafari" is another referent that I have seen for a follower of the Rastafarian religion or a person who adopts some of its customs {such as wearing their hair in the dreadloc ["natty dread"] style. "Rastafari" is pronounced "rahs-tah-FAHR-eye". The ending of this word lends itself to multiple meanings {"I" and "eye"}. "Ras" is Amharic for the royalty term 'lord' {but it is usually defined now as 'prince'}. "Tafari" [tah -FAHR-ee] was a personal name for Haile Selassie before he became emperor of Ethiopia. Positive vibrations! Azizi
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