A Walk Down Memory Lane; Tribute to the Legends of Reggae

BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH 

Ragga, Dub, regardless of what you want to call it; Dancehall music is considered Jamaica’s most popular style of music that has its genesis during the political turbulence of the late 1970s. Dancehall has changed the face of music, and is one of the most versatile genres out there; this has been seen with the many artists all over the world who have collaborated on tracks that feature Dancehall riddims, or have tried to replicate its uniqueness. It became Jamaica’s dominant music in the 1980s and 1990s and began to become very popular in the African diaspora. The music took on a different tone when the deejay became central to this musical style. The seductive chant of the dancehall deejay – part talking, part-singing – came to prominence in the late 1970s but was first noticed in 1969, when U-Roy experimented with talking over a “riddim.” From here, its presence could not be ignored and this multimodal African style became evident in hip-hop music of North America.

Dancehall music has produced some of the most charismatic and energetic artists with different styles and sounds; humor and storytelling become a key component of the sound’s history. Poetry historians like Louise Bennett Coverley, dancehall skankin, and talking from artists like King Stitch became arguably infused into the international music culture and has become part of Dancehall’s beautiful history. While Dancehall can be violent and sexual in tone, the humor of the storytelling continues the African spiritual and folk tradition of storytelling. From February 16^th – 17^th, Tribute to The Legends of Reggae – Into the Dancehall will be featuring live concerts and school presentations in two cities: Brampton at the Rose Theatre on February 16^th, and in Montreal on February 17^th.

So, what can you expect from the Tribute to The Legends of Reggae? It will definitely be a walk down memory lane, which will include tributes to some of reggaes late and greats. It will honor former schoolteacher turned Dj, Lieutenant Stitchie who roared on to the scene in the ’80s with tracks like, “Young Girl Wear You Size,” and “Natty Dread.” To honor DJ’s, one of Toronto’s hottest DJ’s Joshia Lucas will spin between sets and will be accompanied by Master T who will be hosting the tribute.

Some of the artists include Tiger, an artist small in stature, but who was known for his growling style. In 1989, he became one of the first artists to cross over into the US hip-hop scene when he did a collaboration with the Fat Boys on “T’ings Nah Go So.” His success continued in the 1990s when he was signed
by Columbia Records. Another esteemed singer that will be recognized is Pinchers, a veteran in the game for over 15 years. He began his career singing with the local sound systems in Kingston, Jamaica where he came to the attention of one of the top producers in Reggae, the legendary King Jammy. His most popular and most recognized hit, “Agony” which appeared on his landmark dancehall album, “Got To Be Me,” featured his unique singing style, and this elevated him to his sex symbol status.

A special tribute will be performed for the great Garnett Silk by our very own five-time Juno winner Exco Levi. Encouraged by family and friends, Garnett Silk first took the stage at the Soul Remembrance sound system at the tender age of 12, under the moniker Little Bimbo. Throughout Silk’s career, he performed collaborations with greats including Sugar Minott, Tony Rebel and Chevelle Franklin. The world was left with Silk’s rich legacy of songs, and his influence remains as strong now as when he was alive.

In addition to the live shows, Tribute to the Legends of Reggae – Enter The Dancehall, is developing 75-minute panel presentations that will be presented in schools and hosted by Canadian musicologist on the history and context of Dancehall in the African Diaspora. Tickets for Tribute To The Legends Of Reggae – Into The Dancehall start at $25 and are available from ROSETHEATRE.COM. For more information, you can contact Jones & Jones directly at 905-452-1911.