Dancehall artist Spice has defended her genre against criticism that it is hyper-sexualized, instead saying that it is a form of cultural expression.
Speaking with ABC’s Good Morning America for Black Music Month, celebrated in June, the Jamaican vocalist said that every country has its own culture and way of expressing itself and that Dancehall should be viewed in this context. She also distinguished the differences between Dancehall and traditional Reggae music, explaining that Dancehall is a high-energy, high-tempo sound identified by its use of patois and focus on dancing and gyrating the waistline.
The “So Mi Like It” deejay, recently awarded the Keys to the Region in Florida, talked about her passion for Reggae music. She credited her father, a Rasta who frequently played Bob Marley and Professor Nuts songs, for introducing her to the genre and encouraging her to sing from a young age. Her love for music eventually propelled her to stardom, producing hits like “Go Down Deh.”
While some may criticize the genre for being too sexualized, it is important to remember that it is a form of artistic expression that reflects the values and traditions of a particular community. By understanding these cultural nuances, we can appreciate Dancehall for what it is: a vibrant and dynamic art form that has captivated audiences around the world.
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