Meaning
Knotty and matted — describing dreadlocks — and, as a name, a Rastafari who wears them. 'Natty dread' is an affectionate term for a locksman, the Rastaman with his crown of locks, made famous the world over by Bob Marley's music. The word turns the 'knotty' texture of uncombed, locked hair into a badge of identity and pride, naming both the hair itself and the man who carries it, and it is bound up with the whole image and dignity of Rastafari.
Examples
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Di natty dread a chant Rastafari.
The locksman is chanting Rastafari.
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Him natty long an strong.
His locks are long and strong.
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Natty nuh comb him hair.
A Rasta doesn't comb his locks.
Origin
From 'knotty' (knotted, matted), describing the locks; taken up in Rastafari and reggae as a name for a locksman.
How it’s used
Warm and respectful within Rastafari. 'Natty dread' and 'natty congo' are common affectionate forms.