Image from Butch Diva (not associated with this story)
DISCLAIMER:
If you’re not a dancehall fanatic, this is not for you.
If you don’t know what a fete is, this is not for you.
If your only reference to Caribbean music is what’s on the top 20 list or the music you hear on your resort vacation, this is not for you.
I’m talking to the Dancehall lovers who are engrossed in the culture, whether it’s listening to the music daily, attending a party and love to put dung some serious bubbling.
As you can tell, I’m one of those fans. Let’s be clear, I can hang at an upscale party or an outta road bashment, so this isn’t about class. I may not be in the video light or surrounded by a crew, but am I a self professed bubbling queen (in my head). I’m not even offended at slack lyrics, I mean all hail Queen Lady Saw. Even though the lyrics have noticeably been more raunchy and explicit over the years as opposed to using metaphors, I’ve been able to bare the clean versions.
I’m an adult who grew up with 80’s Dancehall playing in my mom’s speaker boxes, to claiming my own affinity for Dancehall of my favorite era the 90’s and learning every move from the late 90’s to early 2000’s. I distinctly remember watching music videos and dance videos to learn from the best and replicate those dance moves for the next bashment.
I have often laughed off the Dancehall acrobatics I’ve seen in recent years, but I have never been more disgusted as some of the antics I’ve seen in the the last few weeks.
Brace yourself I’m about to get real honest…
From the atrocity of a young lady setting her pum pum on fire, to the next one putting cement block on her front for someone to jump on her. At least these women voluntarily committed these acts…I wasn’t impressed in fact I cringed, but thought to myself. “It’s their prerogative and they are participating at their own will.” In fact fire crotches went on to win her dancehall her title and the backlash reached TMZ, not that that is a claim to fame.
The latest dance offender that drew the line and crossed it multiple times was the video circulating with dancer Marvin. Marvin is a well-known dancer and has been engulfed in the Dancehall scene for years, but it’s only recently that I’ve seen his antics go overboard.
I will not post the video, but he and fellow cohorts thought it was good idea to tek on (dance with) his latest prey. Without being too graphic; not only are they jumping on her inappropriately, but she is down to her under garments and is noticeably uncomfortable asking them to stop on multiple occasions. In fact, she’s basically running away from them as they all attempt to keep “dancing” with her. As they took turns holding her, thrusting and jumping on her she clearly was not “ok” with it. The reality of it is, THIS IS NOT DANCING…it’s pretty much assault. She may have willingly started off in fun, but the moment she said stop and felt uncomfortable, they should have respected her wishes.
As a lover of the culture; the music, the juggling, the clashing, the dancing and the vibes, I can’t help but wonder, is this the tipping point?
I’m all for freedom of expression, but the violation of personal space to the point where you no longer feel safe on a platform where the whole world can watch at their finger tips is where I personally draw the line and feel disgust with how far these antics have gone.
While I’m all about self responsibility and I don’t think this particular video damaged the culture completely, how many more videos are there that I haven’t seen or how many more do we have to see to say enough is enough? Am I just a ol’ woman who can no longer stand the slackness or has it just gone way overboard?
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.
Follow Me:
You’re not the only one. Ever since daggering came in the scene I knew there was a problem. I too wondered am I just getting old and outta touch? But I don’t think so. There is a viciousness and raw violence to the scene now that I think is an expression of what’s happening in the culture over all. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, is so common place in the Caribbean. This is just another expression of it. Until the women and sympathetic men in the scene start speaking up and pushing back against this it will only get worse.
Agreed! It just seems to get worse.
Interesting because I share very similar sentiments. Am I getting old? I started holding a corner to catch the vibes when I go to a party now. I still enjoy “good” dancing and the music, but trying to figure out if the other stuff, as mentioned in your post, is even dancing anymore has left me puzzled.
Dancehall is a love of mine, but this “dancing” is NOT cute.
Listen, hold ah wall, rent a tile and a likkle bubbling is my thing now. Agree, I enjoy “good” dancing as well. I’m ok with not being into the new dances, I’m ok with letting the young ones do their thing. But this and other videos I’ve seen have just been too much! Thanks for sharing your opinion! I appreciate it!!!
Dancehall IS getting out of order. I can’t trust these people out here in these clubs. Somebody might tek me an fling me into a wall. I
Yeah I’m not into the flinging business either! “Le sigh” Thanks for commenting.
@Alysiasimone I knew there was a problem when ‘Tek Buddy’ came out. I’ve been very careful since then. I hope they stop this because I feel like someone will get injured badly.
I totally agree – I saw said video you’re referring to and that was definitely assault! Clearly what started off as fun for this young woman extended beyond what she expected – it’s was disheartening to watch as she many attempts to stop the madness. I silently asked myself the same question “am I getting old” but the fact is, that isn’t dancing – it’s clearly abuse and I believe it will get worst, that is if it hasn’t already.
How many videos haven’t we seen. It scary for our young women and as a parent of a young woman this is certainly upsetting. I’m grateful club/party going isn’t her thing right now however as a mother I definitely worry about these things. Same reason I started going to lounges because the clubs/parties were getting out of control at times – now it worst.
Thank you for Addressing this – it needed to be addressed.
TOTALLY AGREE WITH THIS ARTICLE!! I love old school dancehall music. I remember growing up my father had a dj set and would play everything from Bob Marley to Alton Ellis to Shabba to Pinchers to Yellowman to Barrington Levy and the list goes on so, that’s why the music holds fond memories for me. Eventhough I’m a professed born again Christian I still love listening to fun and “vibesy” dancehall and reggae music. The dancehall “music” coming out of Jamaica since Vybz Kartel hit the scene is like listening to a porno! It’s so distasteful and disgraceful! I thought well maybe because I’m more serious about my faith now is the reason I’m so sensitive to vulgarity of the music and “dancehall” scene now but, it appears I’m far from alone! Great article Miki!!
As a Mom of little one myself, I’m fearful as well. I want her to enjoy her youth and culture, but not at this kind of expense. Because in reality that could be any one of our daughters (or sons for that matter). The men must also take pride in their behavior, this is just not how you treat women. This in not fun! Thank you so much for sharing your opinion with me!
You are definitely not alone! It’s just gotten out of hand. We all want to enjoy the vibes and the music but it doesn’t have to be like this. Thanks for sharing! I’m hoping it won’t fall on def ears since I’m still a fan and want to continue to embrace our culture, but not like this.