Dancehall is poised to take centre stage this weekend during the ongoing Reggae Month celebrations, with the unveiling of four major events set to captivate enthusiasts.
Kicking off with a steady and seamless introduction to the inaugural Dancehall Week 2024, excitement mounts for the culmination of the week-long celebration of the Dancehall Genre. Key highlights include “I Love Dancehall” at the National Stadium on Friday night (February 16), the “Dancehall Sound Battle” at the Mas Camp on Saturday night, and the official “Dancehall Street Parade” followed by the “Itz A Wrap” after-party on Sunday.
Notably, two of the five designs for the Dancehall Wear outfits, curated by fashion designer Kadian Nicely, have already sold out, with the remaining styles quickly diminishing. This ensures that the Dancehall Street Parade will exude an authentic aesthetic, with participants donning attire reflective of the genre’s distinctive style.
Five trucks have been curated for the parade, promising a vibrant spectacle on the streets of Kingston this Sunday. Departing from the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre at 2 pm, the convoy will traverse Hope Road, Waterloo, Constant Spring Road, and Oxford Road before arriving at the Mas Camp Village by 6 pm for the grand finale Itz A Wrap after-party. Participating trucks include Wray and Nephew, JCDC, Boom Energy Drink, Hitz 92fm, and more.
“We are pleased to see representation from both corporate entities and government bodies at the Street Parade, demonstrating their support for Dancehall. It’s a testament to unity and collective celebration of our genre, and we eagerly anticipate seeing everyone this Sunday afternoon,” expressed Dave Goldson, Executive Director for Dancehall Week.
All Jamaicans are encouraged to join in and participate, regardless of whether they have purchased tickets for the official parade. “Simply being on the road and dressing in your interpretation of dancehall attire is a meaningful form of support. Whether cheering on the Street Parade or following along, there are numerous ways to engage with the day’s festivities,” added Roxelle Mckenzie, Coordinator of Dancehall Week.
The After-Party at the Mas Camp from 6 pm to midnight will feature renowned disc jock Tony Mattahorn and members of Stone Love as the official selectors, with multiple artist appearances anticipated.
