EDM origin sparks online debate

Local promoter Kamal Bankay recently received backlash on social media from fellow promoters and DJs who felt he was out of line after he stated that he paved the way for electronic dance music (EDM) events in Jamaica.

After being called out for his comments by Adam Gomes, promoter of Appleton EDX, and veteran EDM DJ Boyd James of the duo Alrick and Boyd, Bankay later apologised and even made an attempt to refute claims that EDM was started in Jamaica. In the same breath, he also claimed that his words were taken out of context by the STAR.

Boyd James, who took to Facebook to express his opinion on the matter, stated that he felt that his promotion of EDM in Jamaica over the years went unnoticed.

"Well, Adam Gomes, now you know how I feel when people choose not to give credit where it's due. I say, as usual, substance over hype. You have your work to show for what you have done, and enhanced the EDM dance music scene in Jamaica, and so have I. The work speaks for itself. you don't have to blast or answer people who doesn't do but take credit for it," he posted.

The veteran DJ also said Bankay did not have the rEsumE to make his claims or to even position himself as the man behind EDM in Jamaica.

"He (Bankay) doesn't do what you have done by himself because he simply can't. He might get there one day, but for now, he really has no leg to stand on. He only embellishes. That doesn't hurt me one bit and shouldn't hurt you either. Don't stop doing it, same as I won't stop. The positive is that we all, in our own way, are bringing recognition to Jamaica where EDM is concerned. That's the big picture," Boyd posted.

Bankay, who took note of the Facebook conversation regarding his comments, decided to apologise to Adam and Boyd James in a lengthy post. He also claimed his comments were not meant to be negative.

Upon reading Bankay's lengthy post on his Facebook wall, Adam Gomes later responded, stating that he held no grudges.

"Thank you, Kamal, for clearing the air. I would like to add that Kamal and myself have no beef and have always worked together with respect to bring the movement forward," Gomes posted under Bankay's apology.

Bankay also made comments questioning if EDM really had its roots in Jamaica. However, when contacted by The STAR, he declined to comment. Instead, he sent THE STAR an email with a link to a blog called medium.com. The blog asserted that foreigners had created the genre and gave no credit to Jamaica nor legends King Tubby and King Jammy, unlike Billboard Magazine, which traced the roots of the genre to Jamaica.

Veteran author, lecturer and event manager Dr Dennis Howard told The STAR in a recent interview that EDM was a direct offshoot of the Jamaican dub and also borrowed elements of digital dancehall.

Meanwhile, King Jammy, who will be playing at Paradise Lost EDM Festival next year, told The STAR in a recent interview that Jamaicans did not know the history of their music due to poor documentation.