A few months ago, one of my British friends shared the video below with me. I thought it was hilarious!
This video will probably be most entertaining to Jamaicans, and those who have a good understanding of West Indian culture. You might also find it interesting if you’re British or Irish, and know who Terry Wogan is.
The friend who shared this with me explained that Terry Wogan was a famous DJ in Ireland. The skit parodies Wogan by transplanting him in Jamaica, and changing his name to Waagwan.
His new name literally translates to what’s going on in Jamaican Patois. But a more accurate translation would be what’s up, or what’s happening? I hope you guys find this at least half as entertaining as I did.
If the video doesn’t load automaticcally, you can watch it here.
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While this is a relatively accurate depiction of Jamaica and Jamaicans, the actors are not local Jamaicans. I can tell by their grammar and syntax that they are either second-generation Jamaicans living in the UK, or they have been away from the country for decades. I also suspect a few are from other Caribbean countries.
This is also more representative of 80s and 90s Jamaica, as opposed to the current 2000s. Still entertaining, though!
If there are words or sections you did not understand, feel free to leave your questions in the comments. If you’ve been keeping up with my Jamaican posts, you might recognise words like mantel, sketel, pickney, whine, and zeen.
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