10 Reasons Why We Need More Reggae And Dancehall Artistes In Kenya

In light of the recent commercial resurgence of Naija and Bongo music in Kenya, we’ve heard a few voices proclaiming that the once strong Dancehall and Reggae and culture is no more. But that’s hardly the case. To the contrary, Dancehall is better and healthier than it has been in quite a few years. The Jamaican-ness is still there.

Caribbean songs are favorites among deejays as well as revelers. The only problem is that apart from the few names we know, we don’t have local artistes seizing the market and sailing in those genres. Most guys are trying so hard to fit in the already crowded genres and as a result, the industry ends up looks like an overcrowded matatu.

Here’s why we need more Dancehall and Reggae artistes in Kenya

The field isn’t crowded

Apart from Wyre and Redsan of course, no other artiste has managed to create an impact. New guys rush to genres which they don’t fit in. These artistes, are doing something that borderlines on obsession. They’re tirelessly working their way to the bone to create something important and meaningful. They’re spending more time on their craft than they ever will be rewarded for. Why not try a different field where you won’t have so much competition? Think about it. I am talking to you upcoming artistes.

There are plenty of industry players that can facilitate its growth

Picture Homeboyz Radio presenters ZJ Heno and G-money for example. Those two guys are friends with almost every Jamaican producer and singer. They have the likes of Konshens and Don Corleone on speed dial and they even call them live on air just to chat them up. Zj Henno has produced a few Riddims himself. G-money facilitated the first major collabo between a Kenyan artiste and a Jamaican artiste when Wyre collaborated with Cecile.

Such guys would really be of help to new Reggae and Dancehall artistes in the country and I am pretty sure they are more than willing to facilitate growth. The only problem is that there is no one to help. It’s a ghost town in these streets. Or as Dr. Dre says, “It’s like a jungle in this habitat.” There are no artistes. Were they all eaten by zombies or something?

Reggae is a great avenue for delivering change

Apart from promoting weed consumption, Reggae is a great facilitator for change. Remember the song ‘Wacha kuniita Mungiki?’. If you are a teenager, you probably have no idea what I am saying. Well, it was a Kenyan reggae song that fought for the rights of dreadlocked people. A few years ago, if you had dreads, the police would automatically label you Mungiki. This freedom song literally changed the view that anyone who had dreadlocks was a crook and as a result, anyone can be proudly rasta nowadays.

Babylon systems have taken over (haha)

Since the gospel industry is strong in the country, righteous and conscious reggae artistes who believe they can save the world, should also come up to fight di Babylon systems dat are ruining di nation mi seh. Tings ah tough. Then we wont have to listen to Willy Paul anymore

The Reggae and Dancehall culture is strong

Kenyans love Reggae and Dancehall. Wonder why venues have to be large stadiums whenever legendary reggae artistes such as Burning Spear perform in the country? Wonder why dancehall concerts are always overcrowded? It’s simply because the culture is alive and strong. With such a huge fanbase, demand outweighs supply.

Ever since the trendsetter Vybz Kartel was locked up there has been a dip in quality. Fans even prefer listening to old Riddims instead of noisy new music from the likes of Alkaline. No wonder Dohty Family are still making huge bucks by playing old school reggae music only. If only we’d see the emergence of new Dancehall and Reggae cats to provide quality supply for the massive demand, everyone would gain

Africa hasn’t had a key reggae singer since Lucky Dube

Ever since South African musical icon Lucky Dube passed away, Africa hasn’t seen any other serious Reggae artistes. Pretty sad given that the father of Rastafarians was an African. Listen to Reggae shows on popular radio stations and you’ll realize that most of the requests still center around Lucky Dube.can someone fill in the shoes please.

The passa passa culture might pop up

Team Mafisi and all those people who hate spending money in clubs will love this one. The passa passa is a dirty dancing party that happens on the streets of Jamaica. Imagine if Moi Avenue was to be closed every once a month just for people to dance and have fun. Kinda like the Carnival festival that happens in Trinidad and Tobago. Such a culture would definitely draw perverted tourists from all over the globe. From an economic perspective, our country will be better off. As for the moral perspective, uliza kiatu.

Kenya needs a definitive sound and Dancehall/Reggae could provide it

Nigerian and Bongo singers have pinned us to the ground because we lack a definitive dominant sound. Perhaps the answer is right before us – Reggae and Dancehall. Why not give it a try

Legends can only live if new cats continue the trend

Kenyan reggae artistes such as the late Poxy Presha can only be remembered if new acts continue what they started. We need to honor the legends and for that to happen, new guys need to keep carrying on the flag. Twenty years from now, we won’t really remember Wyre if no one else will be singing Dancehall at that time. Cathc my drift?

There is proof of success

Wyre has been super successful doing what he does. He can boast of international accolades and collaborations with some of the world’s finest superstars. When he retires, he’ll be proud of himself. Same for Redsan I guess. He walks around with too many bodyguards you’d think the CIA is planning to eliminate him. Ugandan Dancehall artistes like Radio, Weasel, Bebe Cool and Peter Miles are all too successful. l There is proof that those who focus on Dancehall and Reggae end up being courted by eternal success. Why aren’t new artistes seeing this? Only Jah knows

Stay blessed.