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THIS IS WHY WE NEED MORE RAGGAE AND DANCEHALL ARTIST IN KENYA

I’ve written about Reggae and Dancehall before but I feel compelled to shed more light on the matter.

If you are a lover of music as a whole without a strong allegiance to specific genres, you can’t help but notice how Jamaican songs are favorites among deejays, radio producers and 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 the sea of opportunity that is Reggae and Dancehall. Most musicians are trying hard to fit in genres that are already packed and as a result, the industry ends up looking like an overcrowded matatu.
Here’s why we need more Dancehall and Reggae artistes in Kenya.

1. Unlike other genres, the Reggae and Dancehall 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. Why not try a different field where you won’t have so much competition? Think about it.
bob marley gif
Image: makeagif.com

2. 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.
kenyan night club
Image: travelstart

3. 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 all Rastafarians was an African. Listen to Reggae shows on local radio stations and you’ll realize that most of the requests still center around Lucky Dube. Can someone fill in the shoes please?
lucky dube
Image: tuckmagazine.com

4. 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.”
zj-heno
Image: hbr.co.ke

5. 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. 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.
wyre
Image: Nairobi wire

6. 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 deadlocked people. Some 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 proudly have dreads nowadays.
Wanlov art music culture dreadlocks kids

 7. Legends can only live if new artistes 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.
wyre-redsan
Image: capitalfm.co.ke

You might also want to read about struggles that are too real for people with dreadlocks and also game-changing fashion ideas that will make you say ‘Irie’ if you love reggae.

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