Alka-Vybz capitalises on two top dancehall acts

The pairing of music of two of dancehall trending deejays, Alkaline and Vybz Kartel, has been a way for promoters like Ian Miles (aka Container Boss) to create must-attend events.

Although he is incarcerated, Vybz Kartel has continued to hold court as one of dancehall's prolific entertainers, releasing new music like Any Weather and Dem No Ready, while Alkaline has been able to make the most of hits like Gyalis Pro featuring Sean Paul, City and Formula.

According to Miles, Vybz Kartel and Alkaline are always trending in one way or another.

"When their music is played, persons are always comparing them, and at an event, you can always expect an encore," said the promoter of the Alka-Vybz that is scheduled to be held on May 11.

The event, which has been held locally and in the US, celebrates its fifth staging this year. The success, Miles said, "is owed to the large fan base of each of the dancehall deejays. When you keep an event like Alka-Vybz, you can expect fans of Alkaline, fans of Vybz Kartel and the general supporters or fans of dancehall and music in general."

He continued: "We are capitalising on these deejays by innovating an event that caters to both fan bases, giving them each a space to enjoy themselves in a competitive way rather than violently. It has always been seen a successful staging since the first one in 2016 at Gee Wee Car Park, and the event also keeps the artistes current by giving their music a boost. I don't think as an artiste one has to have the biggest number one song or current song to run dancehall, and for the people to recognise or love you either."

Meanwhile, Miles also noted that the disc jockeys booked for Alka-Vybz are usually expected to play music strictly from the catalogue of the dancehall rivals, but there is now a special one-hour segment where music from other dancehall artistes will be allowed.

Following this weekend's staging, the promoters will head to Florida to host Alka-Vybz for the first time in that state.

"We have selected states where there is a large population of Jamaicans, and it has worked. The promoter we partnered with in New York at the Garage Nightclub in Brooklyn was speechless at the turnout that required barriers being moved to widen the space," Miles said.