Jamaica: The Roots of Dancehall
Written byJanine Mendes-Franco
Always wanted to find out more about dancehall music? Geoffrey Philp interviews Jamaican music journalist Trevor “Boots” Harris.
Written byJanine Mendes-Franco
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Hi Geoffrey,
Dancehall music in Jamaica is collectively just as powerful as any politician. In fact its the politician who is forced to rely on popular dancehall hit songs to garner grass-roots support and political acceptance, within the widespread Cathedrals that are referred to as Dancehalls.
In Jamaica administratively Parliment is where politicians gather to pass legilations, present non -functional sulimentary budgets, and in most instancies impose draconian taxes even on Casket that is used to bury dirt poor Jamaicans.
Its the dancehall D.J’s, singers and selectors who over the years have always echoed the grouses and gut feelings of the ghetto poor. Through the music and through their own inimitable style they have become the voice of the people, who demand from both politicians and Government the basic oppetunities to provide for themslves and their families.
At this point in time the Dancehall can be percived as being the un-official ‘Peoples Parliment,’ a powerful fraternity that can make or brake any politician and can topple any Government with just one song.
impliment surpressive tax