Let’s examine this music culture presently in Jamaica. We have had the resurgence of the “juggling riddim”. The very essence of what made us great is slowly coming back to the forefront. Now we here at Urbanvine Media have been looking at the women in the industry. Not just from an artistic point but noticing there’s not a lot of female songs being played in these spaces. Their roles, their voices and the type of impact they have made and are making is not readily heard in Dances, local radio and various events.
So should there be a category of the type of exotic and beautiful women in the music scene. (The reason we ask it seems that the world of content and looks have overshadowed music). If we speak on raw music and the energy and vibes it brings, we have to agree that we need to hear more women. So here are some awkward questions. Is there enough female voices in the entertainment scene? And are they being heard? That’s the question at hand.
The last 3 decades have brought us names like Tanya Stephens, Cecile Charlton, Lady Saw, Diana King, Macka Diamond who stuck with it from her teenage days in the 1980s. There is way more to be added to the list as the new school or the last 20yrs gave us names like Jah9, Timberlee, Jada Kingdom, QueenIfrica, Tifa, Kellisa, Lisa Hyper, Shaneil Muir, Sevanna and again the list goes on. Let’s make it clear with Spice running with the title of Dancehall Queen. A heavy crown to wear. Her popularity out weighs the hits. And yes she makes hit songs and most are waiting on the album to reflect that.
This is just an objective view after going to a few Dances, events and spaces that cater to the Jamaican diaspora and culture (globally). The lack of female rotation on all levels is quite interesting. Again we have heard great tracks and some of the names above have classic albums. Are the producers actively seeking quality female vocals?
Jada Kingdom who is one of the better writers in Dancehall, Shensea (who seems to be the female face of Dancehall) and couple odd names seem to be the reoccurring names. Jah9 after the release of her last project is in promo mode. Queen Ifrica is working on her next album. She released couple solid singles, worthy of airplay. Again the names are scattered across various stages and never really lends to who is doing great music.
As a lover of great music and the culture. We are looking and patiently waiting on these projects. Whether it’s Reggae or Dancehall. We the people, fans and the everyday Jamaican is waiting on the breakout where our women will be valued in talent as they are in beauty. There is too may talented women in the industry to not exploit that.
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