Dancehall Excluded From Jamaica 50 Concert, Artistes Upset

There's a growing uproar within the Dancehall community following confirmation that no artiste representing the popular Jamaican genre will be represented at an upcoming Jamaica 50 concert in England. One of the major events to take place in honour of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of events will be the Respect Jamaica 50th concert series, scheduled to take place concurrently with the 2012 Olympics in London. The series, conceptualized via AEG Live, runs from July 25-August 6 at the O2 Arena in London and features 50 Jamaica artistes, dub poets and bands.

However, one notable absence from the lineup is that of Dancehall as no artistes representing the prominent genre will feature on the Respect Jamaica 50th bill. This was confirmed during a recent interview on TVJ's Entertainment Report by AEG Live president, Rob Hailett, who insisted that Dancehall music doesn't necessarily work in every environment. 

"I'm very pleased to see Reggae coming back with the reaffirmation of Morgan Heritage, young bands like Raging Fyah. I think it's a good thing for the music globally because Dancehall doesn't really work everywhere. I, personally, love it, but it's not the kind of music that is consumer-friendly as a Raging Fyah who, to me, follow in the footsteps of Bob Marley," Hailett said.

However, several Dancehall artistes are angered by the decision not to feature the genre on the Jamaica 50 event, including superstar deejay, Konshens, who believes its the ultimate slap in the face to an important part of the island's culture.

"I think that's a slap in the face to all Dancehall artistes. Whoever a organize dat nuh appreciate wah Dancehall do over the years. Dem nuh respect Dancehall artistes fi wah dem do over the 50 years since Jamaica got Independence," Konshens explained.

Legendary Dancehall superstar, Bounty Killer echoed Konshens' sentiment while fellow, prominent Jamaican entertainer, Mr. Vegas believes that while Reggae music will forever hold its place as the island's most identifiable genre, Dancehall still plays a very important role within the island's culture.

"God go wid dem. Jamaica land we love same way, big disrespect that still," Bounty Killer said.

Additionally, Mr. Vegas intimated that, "Reggae music is the umbrella. Sean Paul, Beenie Man and others go out in the world and promote dancehall artistes worldwide, it is ridiculous not to have dancehall artistes on the show. It is ok for the organiser to have a preference, but for him to do that is just ridiculous. Dancehall is a part of Jamaica's culture,"

However, acclaimed Dancehall diva, Spice points to an even bigger problem: That Jamaicans aren't fully supporting their own genre, which negatively resonates locally and creates a similar effect overseas.

"It's a depressing feeling. This country does not support dancehall music, so when other countries don't support it, what is left for me to say? We don't celebrate or support dancehall music and it is a part of our culture."

Jamaica entertainers who are slated to perform during the Respect Jamaica 50th series include Shaggy, Damian 'Jr. Gong' Marley, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, John Holt, Jimmy Cliff, Yellow Man and Mutaburaka, amongst several others.