“Rollercoaster” is one of the most successful tracks Burna Boy has ever released. Listening to the song “Rollercoaster,” you may have came across the intriguing statement, “My brain, my belle. Many listeners may perceive this phrase as an unusual combination of words. However, in the dynamic world of Nigerian Pidgin, these words acquire a distinct meaning that lends richness to the song’s lyrics.
Who is Burna Boy?
Burna Boy (Grammy Boy) , real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion performer who combines Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, and pop. He rose to international prominence with songs like Ye and Last Last, and in 2021 he won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album.
He was born on July 2, 1991 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Burna Boy’s music is distinguished by its unique combination of African rhythms, reggae, dancehall, and current sounds.
He gained popularity with his 2012 debut album “L.I.F.E. (Leaving an Impact for Eternity)” and has since released other successful albums, including “African Giant” (2019) and “Twice as Tall” (2020), which won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.
Burna Boy’s music frequently addresses significant themes, such as social challenges, identity, and self-discovery. His distinct sound and thought-provoking lyrics have gained him a devoted global following and cemented his position as one of Africa’s most prominent musical talents.
Rollercoaster is a track from Burna Boy’s critically praised album, released in 2022. The song combines elements of Afro-fusion, reggae, and dancehall to highlight Burna Boy’s particular style and lyrical depth.
In “Rollercoaster,” Burna Boy delves into the concept of life’s unpredictable path. He highlights the value of remaining true to oneself, achieving balance, and accepting both the highs and lows of life. The inclusion of lines like “my head, my belle” provides a distinct flavor to the song, prompting listeners to consider their own experiences.
The Meaning of “My Belle” in Nigerian Pidgin.
To comprehend the statement “My head is my belle,” you must first learn the meaning of the word “belle” in Nigerian Pidgin. In this case, “belle” means “stomach” in standard English.
However, Nigerian Pidgin is noted for its versatility in conveying emotions and thoughts through language. When someone is termed “bad belle” in Nigerian Pidgin, it suggests that they are a “bad person” or have terrible intents.
Breaking Down the Lyrics:
Now, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of “Rollercoaster” by Burna Boy:
I don’t want you to waste my time.
I don’t want to wait ’til it’s all over.
This life is a gift from the Most High, Jah.
That is why I’m thankful for all I have.
‘Cause the fast life really ain’t all that
So now I try to be pure.
No, be like, say, I no dey shey normal.
I just get better in Jah.
Wetin I see for this life plenty
I keep my eyes on my belly (rollercoaster).
People be like any rollercoaster.
My life now is a rollercoaster.
Leggo
Gbe wan rin, gbe wan ra
My head is off (sankuki ke gbe).
My belly o (shupepe)
My head (Balencia)
My belly (ke ke)
My head is
Como todo sube, también baja
Pero la vida me protege de la’ mala’
A vece’ creo que yo soy la hierba mala
Porque no muero aunque me tiren muchas bala’
Y que me duela pa’ recordar que estoy vivo
Que me la gozo, pero también la he sufrido
Que ni la fama ni la lana me calman el fro
Y la sonrisa de mi hijo me quita el escalofro
De mis emociones
Muchas palabras, pero pocas las acciones
Ya no vivo pendiente a las opinies
Ya me resbala, solo quiero hacer cancione’ (oh)
De mis emociones
Muchas palabras, pero pocas las acciones
Ya no vivo pendiente a las opinies
Ya me resbala, solo quiero hacer canciones.
(De Medelln pa’ Nigeria)
Dmelo si sientes que te ofend
No siempre puedo estar feliz (as es la cosa).
La gente está encima de me (rollercoaster).
Si arriba estás, rollercoaster
My belly
My head oo
My belly
My head ooo
I don’t want to wait ’til it’s all over.
This life is a gift from the Most High, Jah.
That is why I’m thankful for all I have.
In these lyrics, Burna Boy beautifully blends Nigerian Pidgin with English and Spanish, creating a unique and multilingual musical experience. The phrase “My head o, my belly o” is repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing its importance.
The Meaning of “My Head, My Belle”:
In the context of Burna Boy’s Rollercoaster, “My head, my belle” translates to “My head, my stomach,” or even more simply, “My thoughts, my feelings. This phrase is a reflection of Burna Boy’s introspection and gratitude for life’s experiences.
It encapsulates the idea that everything he has witnessed and felt in life, whether good or bad, is kept within him, in his “belly.
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