Meaning
A young person growing up in the ghetto — the poor inner-city communities — facing hardship, few chances, and the pull of the streets, but often striving to rise above it. 'Ghetto youth' is a central figure of reggae and dancehall, sung about with sympathy, pride, and a call to hold strong and make something of oneself against the odds. It names both the harsh reality and the resilience and talent that come out of those communities.
Examples
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Di ghetto youth dem talented but nuh get no chance.
The ghetto youths are talented but get no chance.
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Him a ghetto youth weh rise up outta poverty.
He's a ghetto youth who rose up out of poverty.
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Di song a encourage di ghetto youth.
The song encourages the ghetto youth.
Origin
From 'ghetto' + 'youth'; a young person of the poor inner city — a reggae/dancehall figure. See [[sufferer]], [[downpression]].
How it’s used
A young person from the poor inner city; a reggae/dancehall figure. See [[sufferer]], [[downpression]].