Dancehall icon Lady Saw has exited stage left for the righteous path of Christian ministry. I’m not going to present Lady Saw’s musical biography (that’s what Google and Wikepedia are for). Simply put, Lady Saw is the queen, a beacon for pum pum pattin’, matey snatching, self motivating and sexual prowess. While she gained her popularity with slack (raunchy) lyrics, deemed sexually liberating by fans, she had the versatility to deliver sensual and socially relevant songs (Heels On, No Less Than a Woman) directly related to women.
If you’ve been paying attention for the last few years, in many interviews, she has talked about leaving Dancehall when God called her. The untimely passing of upcoming Dancehall sinjay J.Capri prompted Lady Saw’s somewhat abrupt exit, as she never did get the send off fit for the Queen of Dancehall opting for a more important baptism instead. While her transition to Minister Marion Hall is sudden, her musical imprint will forever reign in Dancehall, even if she’s not there to perform them. Now that she’s no longer taking on Dancehall related stage shows/event and changed her Instagram name change to Minister Marion Hall it’s clear that she’s leaving us for good. While I respect her decision, she leaves us with the opening of who’s next? While many have their favorites , it remains to be seen who will lead the female artist pack in Dancehall as the genre continues to evolve (I’m biasly rooting for Tifa.)
What’s commendable about Lady Saw’s career was she was always willing to face the double standards of being a leading DJ in Dancehall. Her talent and tenacity garnered much respect and a catalog of hits regionally and internationally. Lady Saw did not hold back musically, unfazed by critics as her fans and ability hold her own in a male dominated industry.
Minister Marion Hall may no longer be about that life, but as a Dancehall enthusiast I’ll forever have a Lady Saw chune in my repertoire. No matter how classy you think you are play a top Lady Saw song in a Dancehall and watch every gal bruk out!
As an ode to Lady Saw here are my top 10 favorite songs:
Sycamore Tree
Hardcore
Man is the Least
I’ve Got Your Man
Woman Wi Name
https://youtu.be/m7R7nq2eIVg
Good Wuk
Healing
https://youtu.be/rVgMG4jmzoo
No Long Talking
Fling it Up
Walk Out
https://youtu.be/m2zvcM7O6Gg
What’s your favorite Lady Saw song?
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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Thanks for the Music of Lady Saw. She will always be known to us yardies.
So true! Thanks for reading 🙂