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Words by Gabriel Heatwave
Over the last few months, Cockney & Yardie has kept you up to date with what’s going on in today’s UK dancehall scene, charting the recent resurgence in the interest and popularity of Jamaican-influenced music in Britain. This month we’re taking a step back and illuminating the ways in which Jamaica has influenced the UK rave scene over the last 30 years. Before dubstep and before jungle, the blueprint for UK dance music came directly from Jamaican soundsystems.
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Words by Gabriel Heatwave
Mr. Williamz
It’s been a bumper few weeks for UK dancehall. In last month’s update, I mentioned that there are many reasons to be optimistic about the current state of the music over here. Here are some of those reasons:
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First up this month is the tragic news that Smiley Culture, UK dancehall icon and a key inspiration for this column, has died, aged 48. In fact, we’re dedicating the whole of this month’s update to his memory and legacy. The circumstances surrounding his death are somewhat mysterious, with some debate over how his fatal stab wound was inflicted during a police raid on his home just outside London. An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission is underway and there have been calls for a full public inquiry into his death.
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In the UK as elsewhere, the hottest topic in dancehall this month has been Vybz Kartel’s complexion, even among people who don’t normally follow the culture. It’s a shame that it takes off-the-field antics like this for people to take notice. I’m much happier to report that Kartel’s music — specifically the Federation remix of Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” — is getting played on BBC Radio 1.
