Ricky Famous remembers Bogle’s advice

Years after his passing, Oneil from Voicemail still gets props from dancer Ricky Famous, who says he will always be grateful to him for the interest he showed in helping his career to get off the ground. However, it is the sage advice from the 'people's dancer', Bogle, that echoes in his ears whenever he is on stage.

"I've been at this for a while. I never fly out yet, but I have been to all the major shows and events from the days of Passa Passa, where I met the great Bogle. He told me one thing which I will never forget. 'Yuh have style and yuh have passion. Look pon the people dem when yuh a dance, smile with them and mek dem love yuh.' I have been doing that and it works," Ricky Famous told THE STAR.

The dancer, who hails from Montego Bay, admits that it has not been an easy ride for him, but he is emphatic that he will stay the course, especially since his fans are extremely encouraging.

"All these years I've been out here by myself doing a lot of free shows, and because of my kindness, when people call upon me, I don't say no. If it's something to help the school or the community, I'm there. Mi have God inna mi, so things always work out. Nuff people love me," he said.

A popular figure in St James, who frequents all the entertainment hotspots along with annual events such as Reggae Sumfest, he is disheartened that the festival will not be happening this year, but he agrees that health and safety come first.

"The three biggest events that people from MoBay and overseas look forward to - BritJam, Dream Weekend and Reggae Sumfest - get knock this year. I know a lot of people are disappointed. But next year will be bigger and better, 'cause we all know how Joe [Bogdanovich, Sumfest's principal] ting stay. It nuh normal," he said.

However, the creator of the Step Along, Shake the Money Tree and Elvis Presley dance moves still laments that there is nowhere to dance anymore, and he explained that this started even before the coronavirus prompted a lockdown.

"Ever since the state of emergency, we don't have anywhere to go. We obey the orders, so that means being inside, and then this virus come and it look like there's no end; but we cannot give up. Me love dance and me love sweat. Right now, I can't wait for things to get moving again," he said.