The culture that called “mother of Hip-hop”
And so they dance… “For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health.”
Back in 18th century, during the process of colonization, British brought their traditional folk music and musical instruments to Jamaica, where soon after slaves were introduced to western culture by slaveholders. That was the time when slaves were allowed to adapt and creolized European folk music in their own manner. It was the time when Dancehall was born and it had tremendous value not only for colonizers but also for slaves. Colonizers encouraged development of Jamaican music because it could keep people pacified and relatively “happy”. In turn, slaves have got opportunity to socialize in their community. Over time they could shape the boundaries between them and their masters; people in captivity created form of resistance through dance moves.
When Jamaica got its independence in 1962, dancehall gained nationally ideological coloring spreading around all Caribbean islands, and its further progress was not possible to stop.
From sixties and till nowadays this movement underwent changes, therefore, it is right to mention that it never stops modifying and developing. It experiences influence of another musical styles. Nevertheless, there are a few specificities that distinguish contemporary dancehall from reggae, ska or Hip- hop culture. One of the features is musical riddim that means rhythm in Jamaican patois. Contrasting with regular musical (let’s say Hip-hop) album where all songs written over different beats, it is very common for dancehall album to have just ten to fifteen various DJ’s songs with different lyrics over the same beat.
Contemporary dancehall doesn’t depend on live bands’ music like it used to be back in 18th century; it is produced with sound system that is appeared to be the cheapest way to play riddims. On top of that, sound system is the only piece of equipment lower classes in getto of Kingston could afford. But it is not only way of entertainment, it had more value to it; it considered to be a cultural and political instrument to influence and constantly modify society of Jamaica.
The other significant difference between of dancehall and its forerunner (reggae music) is the subject matter. Indeed, there is unavoidable influence of Rastafarian culture which doctrines are peace, love and anti-corruption. However, dancehall lyrics tend toward to violence, protest, misogyny and hatred of transgendered community. Dancehall lyrics are pretty straight to the point with lack or total absence of symbolism. It encourages people to participate, to act instead of guessing a riddle.
The countless number of songs are provocative and banned; that is why many of them have to be refined for public media. Due to this fact many songs are created in two formats: raw version and clean version. Raw version keeps original lyrics meanwhile clean version has some level of censorship.
Even though, there were brutality and harshness of way this culture created and maintained, the only reason, it all was made for, is freedom. People are united by the idea of independence and victory. This unity was brought up by dancehall primary concept – social dance. And despite of deteriorated economy, social variances, hell and high water Jamaicans continue to perform. Do they have a secret? Probably not; but they definitely have got a power of the ritual, bursting natural energy and arising pride to be.
