Keep It To Yourself
Queen Ifrica
A Call for Moral Integrity and Cultural Preservation
Queen Ifrica's song "Keep It To Yourself" is a powerful commentary on the state of societal values and the importance of preserving cultural and moral integrity. The song opens with a call to action, urging listeners to improve the future for the youth. Queen Ifrica emphasizes that ignoring the issues at hand is not an option, and that it is crucial to speak out and make positive changes. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which delves into specific concerns about cultural degradation and moral decay.
The chorus, "Yu feel like a bad man (Keep it to yu self)," serves as a direct admonition to those who bring negative influences into Jamaican society. Queen Ifrica makes it clear that such behavior is not welcome in Jamaica, a place she refers to as "jamrock." She stresses that the community cannot tolerate any more "slackness," a term often used in Jamaican Patois to describe immoral or irresponsible behavior. This reflects a broader concern about the erosion of traditional values and the impact of external influences on Jamaican culture.
In the verses, Queen Ifrica touches on various issues, including the importance of adhering to divine laws over human laws, the significance of family and procreation, and the need to maintain gender roles as traditionally understood in her culture. She expresses a desire for her son to become a father and for her children to learn and grow in a morally sound environment. The song also highlights the collective frustration felt by people across different parishes, indicating that these concerns are widespread and deeply felt. By advocating for putting God first and adhering to traditional values, Queen Ifrica calls for a return to a more principled way of life, emphasizing that this is essential for the well-being of future generations.