Youngsters dictate what's trending - Bobby Konders

Bobby 'Massive B' Konders, radio host on New York's Hot 97 FM and founder of Massive B Sound System/Record Label, is adamant that the youth play an important role in the longevity of music.

"The music does not have to be anything particularly new to the scene", says Konders, "But have some meaning to an event or, for instance, a popular occurrence in their community or on social media."

He continued: "The younger generations dictate what's trending."

Konders also said that most of the older music fans tend to have their favourites and stick to it.

This is one of the principal reasons the radio host/selector has released a compilation of some of his past productions with popular reggae and dancehall artistes in Jamaica, titled Bobby Konders presents Massive B Legacy Volume One. The 10-track album features Youths So Cold by Richie Spice, Badder Den Dem by Burro Banton, and Suicide or Murder by Bounty Killer.

He noted that the 2007 release Call Pon Dem by Chezidek, another one of his productions, regained its popularity after its feature on the fictional radio station in Grand Theft Auto IV a video game which has a reputation for attracting teenagers.

"The records had such great success globally, being on the charts and in the stores. Back then, the 45 vinyl records would basically promote itself," Konders said. "In that particular time, it was also about the sound system culture, and you would hear the older stuff on the radio. Now, it's on specific shows or just the current hits."

Massive B Legacy Volume One is the first release in a series of compilations of greatest hits. It also marks the beginning of a celebration of Massive B's rich musical catalogue over the last 25 years.

He has also introduced a new production that was released last September, titled What U Sellin. That single features Vybz Kartel.

Konders said that even though some of the dancehall deejays like Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer have redefined Jamaican music for generations to come, the culture is constantly changing because of the trends. He also said that every opportunity to promote and garner the interest of young people should be given as much consideration as possible.

"One common denominator that may have also changed the way youths think about music is that over the past five to 10 years, younger generations are embracing their own culture, which means embracing their own music," Konders said.