Dancing is a ‘Breeze’ for Energy Kidd

Jamfit cheerleading and the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's performing arts and dance competitions were the windows into a whole new world for Kimali Jeffrey.

A former student of the Norman Manley High School, he said that as an active member of the cheerleading and dance teams, he was often representing the school and saw himself as "nothing less than a superstar".

Jeffrey, who goes by the stage name Energy Kidd, told THE WEEKEND STAR that he was raised by dance groups from school and the streets.

"Hailing from the Kingston 13 area, I was exposed to dancehall and I was always surrounded by dancers like John Hype, Shelly Belly, Shankle Dip and Boysie. I basically grew up around them and the music - every day of my life - different from school, they were my teachers. I wanted to be around dancers because it was my dream to be like them," he said.

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Energy Kidd created several dance moves, including 'Make-A-Step', 'Squella Skwella' and 'Chip Chop'. He is the brother of well-known dancer Bermuda Kidd, and was active on the Bermuda Squad, which further exposed him to the business side of dancehall and dance.

This year will make 15 years that he has been dancing professionally, appearing in both music videos and commercials.

The art of dancing comes naturally, said Energy Kidd, who has also adopted the name Mr Breeze.

"I eat, drink, think, sleep dance. Issa breeze for me, and that's why I been pursuing this career."

In fact, he has a dance called Breeze, which he said has been gaining a lot of likes in the dancehall space. He said that the dance was created three years ago, and he is convinced that that the time is right for its take off.

"I had reached out to a lot of artistes about doing a song around the dance move, many tried but didn't get a good connection, and that for me is important, especially as a dancer who feels and expresses the art naturally. Over the years, each time a song was done with the word 'breeze', the dance move would rise again and that's why I invest so much into it."

Recently, Energy Kidd linked up with former RDX member, Delomar, and he recorded a song dedicated to the dance move, which has been getting a lot of airplay and support in the streets, the dancer said. The official music video is being released on the recording artiste's VEVO channel today.

"This one definitely connect... and now when the world and Jamaica short of good energy and the music not as fun, Breeze is relevant, dancing is relevant. I'm grateful for Delomar's acceptance, as part of RDX and as a solo artiste. I have respected the way they supported dance," he said.

"I am already achieving my goals because I wanted to make my family and my fans and those fans of dancehall happy. I also want to be the next dancer to provide a dance move that goes commercial and brings the dancehall to the forefront in those spaces," Energy Kidd continued.