Rastafari Resurgence in Reggae's Roots Revival Generation: Two Reggae Songs by Chronixx in Jamaican Patwa

Abstract

The study of Chronixx’s songs introduces English readers to Jamaica’s Patwa writing system, language, and culture of song in order to share information about them and to encourage more research in this vibrant area. The Patwa text and footnotes provide a synchronic snapshot of Jamaican Patwa, while this essay studies the lexical and ideological aspects of the songs.

Few reggae songs have received serious orthographic treatment, analysis of their lexical content, or close readings of their meanings in relation to the sources of Rastafari. The task is worthwhile because reggae songs provide a widely celebrated peoples’ critique of colonial legacies.