- FileYoung selectors at work at a dancehall session.
Leighton Williams, Staff Reporter
REGGAE in its original form is enjoyed by people all over the world. While it is also enjoyed in Jamaica, its appeal to young persons has seemingly reduced over the years.
The genre which gave birth to dancehall has seemingly been replaced by its 'child' among the current generation of Jamaican young persons. The music, while enjoying respect, has failed to attract young persons on a large scale.
Reggae, as opposed to dancehall, generally uses live instruments, or simulations of live instruments. Dancehall, on the other hand, uses mostly computerised equipment to make its music. Dancehall songs are generally done at a faster pace than in reggae, where the songs are usually slower.
"I enjoy the music since it allows me to hold a meditation. The problem is I might not know the name of the song or the person who sings it, but I know the song since it allows me to think," said 20 year-old Robert Bailey.
Robert is not the only one who is in that position. Twenty-one year-old Otis Danvers also thinks the same way. He said while he listens to traditional reggae, he does not know the name of the songs or singers. In addition, the youngster points out that not many of the persons in his age group listen to traditional reggae, be it the conscious form or lovers' rock.
"Some young persons want the hype. They want something they can dance to and that type of music does not allows them to dance," Otis said.
Both youngsters listen to reggae, since it allows them to meditate and the music is clearer than its derivative form dancehall.
"The songs are better written, so you get the chance hear what they are saying and think more because of the clarity of the music," Robert said.
Natural Black, who sings traditional reggae music, agrees with the young men that roots reggae allows listeners to meditate. He points out that the power of reggae allows people to think during periods of difficulty, since it is geared towards soothing the mind.
Still the young artiste, who is known for songs such as Never Leave You Lonely and Songs with Meaning, believes that the reason dancehall is so popular among the youths is because of the exposure it gets.
"I don't think the music is losing its appeal among the young. It is what is pushed to them so they accept it. Still, they will accept the music when they are in a situation and need to think," said Natural Black.
University of the West Indies (UWI) student Marsha James concurs with Natural Black. She believes that the focus has shifted from the traditional form of reggae to dancehall music and also points out that more young persons are getting in tune with other genres of music, such as hip-hop and R&B.
"I guess the deejays are playing more dancehall and hip-hop at clubs and at parties, so you will eventually accept it. Some of the promoters don't use conscious artistes when they are putting on shows for young people since they feel it won't draw a crowd," she said.
Marsha points out that she listens to both dancehall and reggae. However, when it comes to reggae, she leans towards lovers' rock.
The young lady's arguments are enhanced when we look at the Weekend Star's charts, where seven out of the top 20 songs are of the traditional reggae genre. What is even more interesting is that these traditional reggae songs are hardly played at clubs and in dances.
While Marsha points out that the reason the younger generation prefers dancehall is due to the amount of it they are exposed to, veteran reggae singer Freddie McGregor sees things a bit differently.
"No I don't think it's because of exposure. I think there is a balance in terms of the music they hear. The young persons are coming out to the concerts and events where the veteran artistes are performing, because they want to know about the music of a previous era. I think people will always gravitate to the music of the era they are in, so young people will gravitate towards dancehall," Mr. McGregor said.
In all of this, the young persons are at a loss as to why roots reggae is not popular among their generation. Danvers points out that it is certainly not the fault of radio disc jocks since a balance is provided. He adds that the choice is up to the listeners and theorised that since dancehall carries a 'hype' young persons will gravitate towards it.
Robert adds that it is Americanisation which has contributed to the decline in reggae listenership among young persons.
"Hip-hop has captured the minds of many of our generation, so they will forget their own music. If you look at it too, youngsters still prefer the buses that have loud music or hip-hop," he said.
