The recent release of ZJ Liquid’s Pied Piper Riddim has sparked renewed interest in the return of juggling rhythms to dancehall. During a radio interview on Fame 95FM promoting his latest release, “Jancrow,” recording artiste Demarco and veteran disc jock and broadcaster Collin Hines discussed the issue with co-host Talia Soares.
Hines expressed his support for the format but cautioned against releasing too many tracks. He recommends that producers curate 6 to 8 songs to allow for proper focus and promotion. Demarco, also a producer, echoed a similar sentiment, with both emphasizing the need for manageable projects.
Jamaican music producers have been moving towards a single-driven format in recent years, partly due to the formation of various artist camps. Consequently, many artists refuse to voice on the same rhythms or with producers believed to be associated with their musical rivals. However, since 2022, more producers and entertainers have been advocating for the return of juggling riddims. They believe that this style of music is still in high demand and helps artists elevate their creativity and competitiveness.
Many argue that juggling riddims bring out the best in artists by forcing them to compete with each other and showcase their skills. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether the trend towards single-driven formats will continue or if juggling riddims will make a resurgence on the dancehall scene. However, it is evident there is still a strong demand for this classic format.
