Dancehall music is originated from the Caribbean which now has also been spread throughout the world. Many dancehall artists today come from Germany, Canada, Africa and also China to the surprise of many. The music art form has evolved into something greater than anyone could have predicted. It is part of the society that we live in today and also is the trend setter in the music business today. It leads the way in music throughout the Caribbean and is a force to be reckoned with.

Some of the first Dancehall Reggae Artists to come about were Wayne Smith, Shabba Ranks, and Super Cat to name a few, Shabba Ranks being the first to be premiered on MTV and Super Cat for being the first East-Indian Dancehall artist. These artists made a massive impact on the music scene in American and from them has today come major artists such as Shaggy, Mavado, Sean Paul and Elephant man to name a few. There are also artists from Europe and all over the world like Collie Buddz, Ill Inspecta and Cali P. These new artists are quickly improving and changing the sound of dancehall music keeping it fresh and up to date for the younger generation.

Compared to the 90’s and 80’s the dancehall reggae style has evolved tremendously and is to this day continuing to grow to unexpected levels. The well known producer known as King Jammy was the first to reveal this digital form of dancehall. This new music did not waste any time in claiming its throne becoming the dominant genre of music in the Caribbean. Soon after taking over the Caribbean it quickly began to enter the hearts of other countries as well. It is a genre that not only makes you groove and dance but also gives an insight to the lives and problems of the Caribbean people. If you have ever listened to dancehall reggae then you know that it is from the Caribbean as it totally fits the personality of a typical Caribbean person. This genre simply cannot be compared to any other types of music anywhere in the world. The signature sound of dancehall reggae is its own and is only evolving into something new.

Dancehall music being a worldwide genre is still most popular in the Caribbean at its home where most of the artists and producers come from. It gives the younger generation a chance to fulfill a dream and to make a carrier of it. It is more than just music but a passion and a lifestyle to people. If you have not yet heard dancehall yet then make it a must to do so, it’s captivating and unique and you will surely fall in love with it and would see why it is being so wide spread today.

Passa Passa is a weekly event which has originated from Hagley Park Road, Half-Way-Tree Jamaica and is quickly catching on. It is like a party on the street and is performed with dancehall music. Artists, Selectors, and Dancers who usually attend and have done a great deal to build the dance for what it is today includes; Bogle, Ding Dong, Marvin, Black Blingaz, Timeless Crew, Shelly Belly, Spikes, John Hype, Sample 6, Sherika Future, Jermaine Squad, Sadiki, Swatch, Maestro, Beenie Man, Future Girls, and Many More.

Fresh Fridays shows off the Caribbean culture to the fullest and is being promoted by many across the world today. Many foreigners come from across the globe to take part in these weekly parties, from Japan to American and From Europe to Africa. It is an even which shows off the dance skills of the people with the masterpiece of the dancehall music. This party is known to start from about 1am and sometimes goes straight to 8am and is nonstop music.

It has brought a sense of peace where all people from areas which are known to be violent come and enjoy themselves and have fun without out worry. New artists come in the hopes of getting their music played, established ones come to test new sounds and discover the next big thing. Dancers some of whom were once violent gang members work to attract the attention from the big name entertainers, producers and promoters. These are opportunities to change their circumstances in ways neither the gun nor the politicians can change.

The Fresh Friday is an event which should be checked out for your own curiosity, so if you haven’t already heard and seen this then do so and check out the wacky dance styles with the up-tempo style of dancehall music running throughout the night till the sun rise.

Onstage camera of Mavado and Kartel making peace at West Kingston Jamboree 2009 Live Video.

Adidja Azim Palmer better known for his show name Vybz kartel was born in January 7, 1976 in Kingston Jamaica. Adidja attended Calabar High School in Kingston but was expelled. He completed his studies at Tutorial College, a private school in Kingston, Jamaica and graduated with English, History, Geography, and Literature at CXC levels. The young Adidja was exposed to a wide variety of music fby two uncles who were aspiring musicians themselves. Every weekend he would listen to new musical offerings on his uncle’s old component set, ranging from Sam Cooke to country and western ballads to Ninja Man, who became one of his musical foes. At the age of 10 his favorite artists included Papa San, Charlie Chaplin, Will Smith and KRS-1, all of whose lyrics he would write down and memorise, performing them later for the entertainment of friends. He is also known as “Adidja Di Teacha”.

On weekends Adidja would practice on neighbourhood sound systems Soul Signal and Electric Force. In 1993, Adidja, now in his mid teens, recorded his first single Love Fat Woman for Alvin Reid’s One Heart Label under the name Adi Banton. a name he chose in tribute to Buju Banton who was one of his role models. He recorded several more tracks for local producers until 1996 when he and two friends, Mr Lee and a singer called Escobar, decided to form a group. One night, after watching a movie about Pablo Escabar and his infamous cartel, Adidja came up with a name for his trio: Vibes Cartel. Unfortunately some time after, the group broke up due to internal frictions leaving Adidja again to continue alone. Adidja chose to keep the name of the group changing the C to K in Kartel and adopting the moniker VYBZ KARTEL.In 2008, Kartel launched Vybz rum and the Daggerin’ line of condoms. ‘Vybz Rum’ will be Kartel’s first major endorsement with a beverage company. These products are made after songs like Rampin Shop and Virginity The rum is yet to be officially distributed, but is planned to be done by Vybz Distillers Limited, a subsidiary of the company that created Pimp Juice. Vybz Kartel’s rum has hit the shelves in Jamaica, also we see another liquor known as Street Vybz.

Vybz Kartel as shown that he has the lyrics and talent to make a big impact on the music scene in general, he is one of the leading dancehall artist today and surely has big plans in the future for all his fans including myself.

The Dancehall Queen title returned to Jamaica when Montegonian,Tavia Morris, a 25-year-old nail technician, was crowned champion at the Pier One Complex on the Waterfront last Saturday, It was the 14th staging of the world’s largest dancehall dancing competition. In previous years the title was taken by Michelle Young from America and before that Maude Francato from Canada.Tavia Morris had previously made the top ten last year with her captivating moves and nimble foot due to her loosing point by spending too much time on a metal lighting rig. This year however was hers she left the venue with the Red Label Wine International Dancehall Queen title and $350,000 richer, had the crowd going wild with provocative gyrating, balancing on her feet as well as on her head. She also took home the title for the Best Outfit.

The second spot was taken by Ursula Fyce a polish dancer who took over the large crowd with her scorching moves, she also took the trophy for the Best Dance Routine. Third position went to a fellow Jamaican, Kingstonian Tiffany Hewitt collecting $100,000 for her efforts in the competition. All other women had done well and were acknowledge for their efforts but sadly they failed to surpass the raw and provocative talent of the top three women.

“The Angel Edition” was the theme given to this year’s Red Label Wine International Dancehall Queen competition Over the last five years, 15 inner-city students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels have received scholarships from proceeds of the event to achieve their academic goals. In recognition of his contribution towards education, Brian Martin also called Big Head, CEO of Bighead Promotions was honored by Montegonians for his contribution towards education. He was crowned Angel with a Heart by production director Jackie Norman just before the crowning of the winners of the female dance contest.

Check out the Portmore Empire and Mercilous at Hype 2009

Hot Mondays Lime Light Club Half Way, Blazing the Sounds are Razz n Biggy, and Imortal Firesound, all dancers roll out, Ding Dong, TNT Squad, Ravers Clavers, Omars, …

Beenie Man is one of the greatest dancehall artists of all times. Originally Anthony Moses Davis, he was born in the district of Waterhouse, JamHe was involved in the music industry from a young age, starting toasting at the age of five, and was encouraged by his uncle Sydney Wolf, who played drums for Jimmy Cliff.

He won the Tastee Talent contest in 1981, and Radio DJ Barry G introduced him to local sound system operators, who helped to establish the popularity of the young deejay, who became known as Beenie Man. He recorded his debut single, “Too Fancy”, with record producer Henry ‘’Junjo’’ Lawes in 1981, with Lawes also including him on the 1983 album Junjo Presents Two Big Sounds alongside established stars such as Dillinger, Fathead, and Ringo. His debut album, The Invincible Beenie Man: The Ten Year Old DJ Wonder was produced by Bunny Lee and released in 1983, his first hit single following the same year with the Winston Holness -produced “Over the Sea”. In 1984 Beenie Man recorded some material with Barrington Levy (released ten years later), but his music career was put on hold while he finished school, and spent time travelling to the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.

In 1998, Beenie Man headlined Reggae Sunsplash and signed to Virgin Records to release albums in the America. His first American offering was The Doctor (1998). During the late 1990s, Beenie Man began his conquest of America with the hits, “Romie”, “Who Am I”, and “Girls Dem Sugar”, which featured American singer, Mya.

During this time he received an impressive number of international music awards including a MOBO Award for Best International Reggae Act in 1998, while remaining at the top of the local charts. In 2000, Beenie Man released Art & Life, which featured Arturo Sandoval and Wyclef Jean for which received a Grammy for Best Reggae Album. In the same year he co-produced (with Wyclef Jean) the debut album by actor Steven Seagal. Beenie Man, like many dancehall artists is outspoken on a number of social issues, as exemplified by songs such as “Steve Biko” and “Murderer”.

All through the years since his start Beenie Man has had hit after hit and doesn’t seem to be going to stop anytime soon. He is one of the few dancehall artists to reach that high international status and he has secured his place in dancehall history an he is look upon as a guideline for the up coming artists.

Check out this dancehall video similar to Passa Passa. This video appears to be in the country in Jamaica instead of the city like Passa Passa. Let me know what you think about this dancehall reggae dancing.