Dancehall is a genre of music that originated in the Caribbean country of Jamaica in the late 1970’s. Dancehall gets its name from large halls or street spaces where DJs would set up their sound systems and play music for the dancing crowds. The music involves a DJ rapping over a riddim- an instrumental version of a song that features heavy drum and bass lines. Many of the best DJs became household names in Jamaica and after some time, their popularity grew to the whole world. Some of the early DJs included Shabba Ranks and Yellowman.
Over the past couple of years, Dancehall music has grown to great heights, putting Jamaica on the world map. Many artistes have been accepted into the mainstream with musicians worldwide jostling for a chance to collaborate with them. The dancehall beat coupled with the innovative dancing styles that the musicians utilise in their music videos have fascinated the world. Jamaican artists are enjoying massive airplay, sold-out concerts and tours all over the world.
One of the more successful names from the genre includes Sean Paul. He came into the industry in 1996 and was relatively unknown outside Jamaican circles until 2002, when he released his album Dutty Rock.
Elephant Man is a household name worldwide whenever Dancehall is mentioned. He has been the face of the genre internationally for a long time and has only recently been overtaken by newer artists.
Another successful one is Mavado, previously an underground artist. He has been in the music industry since 2002 but only recently has he moved into the mainstream with hits such as So Special.
Vybz Kartel is another artist enjoying success. He became famous through his feud between him and Mavado, and the violence that followed whenever fans of the two interacted. He is currently imprisoned on drug and murder charges.
Dancehall music has been criticised by international organisations as well as individuals due to violent and homophobic lyrical content. In spite of this, it continues to attract a significant following. Maybe this is because the majority of fans barely understand the Jamaican pidgin language or the heavily accented English used. Music is truly a universal language.