Fusion artistes seek strength at local street dances

Standing in the middle of Mojito Mondays, amongst seasoned recording artistes, wannabe and professional dancers, selectors and a few eccentric characters, it was hard to miss the faces of emerging female artistes Kim Nain and Yeza. Both share the similarity demeanour of having a composed stature, observing the gathering that is already on a high from music being played by selector duo Flabba Dabba and Ikel Marvlus (Team Shella).

In response to the question, 'Are you bored?' Yeza says to THE WEEKEND STAR, "No, I am just taking it all in."

She continues, "My manager suggested that we come out to this event and catch a vibe, it is actually my first time here."

The Rebel On The Run singer said that she never expected to hear her music playing in the session, especially in the early morning hours, when the hardcore juggling usually begins for most events of its kind.

"I am more of a roots-reggae artiste, the music is not as hardcore and does not necessarily fit into certain playlists and there are no plans to change, because I am about conscious music of that tone," she said. "But these events are good to network with other entertainers and industry players."

Reggae-dancehall entertainers, often labelled as 'in-the-streets artistes' like the 'Five-star general' Bounty Killer, Gyptian and Quada were present at the event, which is held at the Terrace Bar and Grill every Monday.

"The streets love music, as long as it is good and the beat can dance, to any hardcore street dance will gravitate to it," Gyptian said.

He said that consistent promotion is an essential element of being an artiste.

"If consistency means being present at the weekly events to get the song played, then do that; from there, they will see the results."

The selectors of Team Shella shared the same sentiments, offering the advice: "Keep trying; a song might not connect yet, but sometimes it takes time for the people to catch on."

PROMOTION NEEDED

Meanwhile, Kim Nain, in relating her experience, said, "It can be difficult if the music is outside of the typical direction of a street dance juggling. To get your music played on the streets, you really have to have a really good street team to promote it, especially if it isn't already going viral online or being played on the radio.

"For me, a reggae-fusion artiste, it's a work in progress ... if I am to be completely honest, I am still learning," she continued.

The singer, whose recent collaboration, Deal With It, features the raunchy Destiny Sparta, says her promotion depends heavily on which market she is targeting.

"I was never a street artiste to begin with, but now in effort to tap into the street market, I am exploring these dances that are frequently talked about. But if I am doing hardcore reggae, while the street promo is valuable, I usually would direct my focus on major reggae markets such as Europe and the Latin Americas."

Veteran singer/producer Richie Stephens said that entertainers like Kim Nain and Yeza should use events like Mojito Mondays and Uptown Mojito Mondays to their advantage.

"A revolution is happening in the way people consume music, and a lot of Jamaican female artistes are going in the direction of making fusion music that includes Afrobeat and pop sounds.

"I can't guarantee a song will get played unless the artiste tries to make a catchy song that once it is heard, people will move to it. Uptown Mondays is one of those sessions where every type of music is played. "