MORNING REFLECTIONS ON DANCEHALL EVOLUTION: HAS STING RESORTED TO STAGING ACTS OF VIOLENCE TO ATTRACT ATTENTION?

Contemplating the contemporary state of the Dancehall genre, I find myself yearning for a narrative that echoes the original essence of the artistry witnessed on the Sting stage. Back in the '80s, my pride swelled as we, (Michael Tomlinson and Lois Grant) through Innercity Promotions, contributed to the development of Dancehall without foreseeing the current trajectory. The vision was never one of discord or the explicit vulgarity that now permeates the scene.

Our intention, in those days, was to elevate the music to new heights, countering the narratives some radio stations had in mind. Witnessing the hurriedly orchestrated Boxing Day Dancehall street parade leaves me questioning the genesis of such an idea. It's disheartening to see a deviation from our initial plans.

More disconcerting is the realization that there are more misguided individuals in influential positions than we could have ever imagined. Regrettably, these are the leaders we have elected, continuing to cast our votes for them each election cycle. The shame lies not just with those we've chosen to lead but with ourselves as well.

Decent, educated individuals find it challenging to align with these poor excuses for leaders. The stark truth remains that the direction Dancehall has taken deviates far from the path we initially envisioned, and the leadership landscape reflects a disheartening reality.

Copeland Forbes and Lois

Members of the young Innercity team - Lois Grant 2nd right.

Lois and Lloyd Parks.

Fidel Castro - Former President of Cuba.

Writer, Lois Grant

Lois Grant

Ms Lois Grant - JP, MA, BA.(Hons) Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London. Lois Grant's involvement in the communications and creative industry began in the newsroom at the now-defunct Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). She then went on to head the Public Relations unit, at the now-defunct Grimax Advertising. From there, Grant went into partnership with the creation of the Promotions/Production agency.. Innercity Promotions. Innercity was responsible for the creation of the live dance hall series of concerts at the Harbour View and New Kingston Drive-in cinemas... the firsts in the history of entertainment in Jamaica. At the start of the '90s, Grant formed her own agency under the banner, Corporate Image Communications and Productions. She stood out as a trailblazer in developing several innovative events as well as programmes for corporate brands such as Tastee Limited, Jamaica National Building Society, City of Kingston Cooperative Credit Union, and various government agencies. Looking back Grant notes that she has played her role in changing the political landscape of three Caribbean islands, including Jamaica. Her last assignment before taking early retirement saw her as the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica from 2007 - early 2013.

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