Deon P. Green, Freelance Writer
In years gone by, sound system clashes promoted Jamaican musical artistry worldwide. Then came an intensification of clashes among artistes. The stage was set and the explosion was massive. In recent times, that combination of excitement and entertainment has been eroded by dirty lyrics and violence in the dancehall, leading to the demise of many artistes and sound systems.
However, the sound system movement, once dominated by men, is being moved into a new dimension with ladies leading the way and reorganising the entire music landscape, particularly here in Britain.
One group which is making its presence felt is Reggae Girls Promotion, based in Nottingham, primarily because the ladies want to enjoy the vibes associated with the dancehall, which were being eroded by many factors, particularly violence.
In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Gleaner, leader of the group Valrie Rocket from Spanish Town, St. Catherine, said that the group came to prominence with the success of the Reggae Boyz, when they qualified for the World Cup Finals in France in 1998.
From a sound system family, Valrie told The Sunday Gleaner that her group began targeting the dancehall market some ten years ago by putting on shows at Nottingham Market. However, that scaled down due to the negative vibes which began to emerge as a result of violence. However, with the reggae vibes embedded in her blood and the prediction that the Reggae Boyz would make it to the World Cup in France, Valrie sought to book Stone Love for a performance in support of the Jamaican football team at the World Cup Finals.
"They qualified as predicted and our promotional staff of two ladies at the top and three men intensified the promotional aspect, hence the name and organisation Reggae Girls Promotion," she said.
The promotional team has moved from strength to strength by putting on various shows across Britain. On April 6, one of their shows in Nottingham was hailed as a success. Valrie said: "At the show I lost count of people. The police were present and it was a marvellous occasion, which shows that people can enjoy themselves without the guns, drugs and violence."
She added that the transformation has been primarily a woman's initiative. "We have to set the pace, shown the guys that we can do it properly, April 6 was a pace setter," she said. The Sunday Gleaner was told that among the dignitaries of the sound system world in attendance were David Roddigan and Mikey Crown from Japan.
A major ambition of Reggae Girls Promotion is the revival of sound clashes. Valrie said that "many sound systems have been locked up in garages and with the police and the community an integral part of the revival, a return of sound clash is imminent, as there is a sound clash market that is in waiting".
A number of this year's Independence celebrations are a part of Reggae Girls Promotion's plans. Some 30 artistes, including Admiral Bailey, Super Cat, Bush Man, Frisco Kid, Ken Boothe, Marcia Griffiths and the Mighty Diamonds, along with sound systems, are being lined up for a weekend of entertainment in Hackney, London, during the first weekend of August, Valrie told The Sunday Gleaner.
Significantly, the promotion team boss said each event is monitored by cameras, while the close association with the police encourages wrongdoers to either change their ways or stay away from the events.
Reggae Top 10
For the latest on the BBC's reggae chart in England, here is the top 10:
1. Bombing - Elephant Man
2. Bad Man A Bad Man - Elephant Man
3. Karate - Sizzla
4. Pretty Please - Shabba Ranks
5. Overcome - Wayne Marshall
6. Sufferer - Bounty Killer
7. Living In Hell - Elephant Man & Ricky Rudie
8. Come Down Father - Beres Hammond
9. John Pop - TOK
10. Sucker - DYCR
For your reactions, as well as happenings in the UK's dancehalls, contact Deon at greenyranks@yahoo.com
