‘Dancehall is not dead’ - But producer says genre must return to its roots

Sizzla's producer, Richard 'Breadback' Bramwell, says that although dancehall today is lacking in authenticity, the genre is not dead.

The producer shared the sentiments as he spoke about his upcoming project, 'Here Is Dancehall'.

The rhythm, which will feature top dancehall acts, will see the producer attempt to bring some of the old-school dancehall vibe back into the music, pointing out that today's landscape needs to return to its roots.

"Presently, dancehall lacks the authentic groove that made the genre loved worldwide. People (in the industry today) tend to fabricate it (dancehall) with hip hop and dem ting deh, and das why people always a say dancehall done, but dancehall nuh done," he said. "This riddim is an original, authentic dancehall riddim, and although it nah kick off the buzz weh me did expect a Jamaica, I been getting crazy responses from da beat from people all over the world. It come in like people overseas just long fi hear da original dancehall thing ya."

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He said persons have said it reminds them of past rhythms such as 'Badda Badda' and 'Headache'.

"Dem love the familiar sounds and groove, and a so me know it bad. From people can compare it to sup'mn weh make and hit already way back when, I know it's a good product," he said.

The rhythm will feature acts like Sizzla, Capleton, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and diamond-selling artiste Charly Black, as well as Breadback's two artistes, Mr Murphy and UT Ras.

On the project, the entertainers return to a '90s dancehall vibe that is expected to leave listeners in a state of nostalgia. Breadback said that was his aim.

"People love old-school dancehall. It reminds dem of a time when people go dance and enjoy demself. Not that people nuh enjoy demself a dance today innu, but back then, the groove was different," he said. "We want people to go back to that space when dem listen the songs and just have have a good time."

Breadback said he deliberately waited for the Christmas season and new year to pass before releasing the project.

"Right now, I think people ready to party again, and me have a feeling this is the way dem wah do it, wid some good, old- school dancehall groove," he said.