Vershon does tribute song to Bogle

Dancehall singjay Vershon has released a tribute song to late dancer Bogle called Zip It Up.

He explained that he came up with the concept by chance after realising that many contemporary rhythms were being produced that have an old school touch to them that invoke dancing. He explained that the process of creating the single started when Cashflow Records sent him the rhythm.

"When I went into the studio, it wasn't my style as this was a different flow and style for me. A dancer by the name of Barber Rich was there and he began doing the dance moves as I was recording, which gave me inspiration, as well as Ping from Abroad Records told me it sounded good. I finished the track and sent it over. I am definitely in love with the final outcome," he said.

"They were creating so many old riddims and renaming them as well as dance moves, so I wanted to be creative to make dancehall be fun again for everyone of all age groups," he added. Vershon noted that he didn't know Bogle personally but grew up watching him on TV.

"I could see the love and respect so many individuals had for him. His energy shaped the dancehall scene with his moves and style." he said. He admitted that he was inspired by Bogle and his ability to command attention in the dancehall space. From watching videos, he saw how Bogle, given name Gerald Levy, could sway the crowd, and that helped him build the lyrics " Everybody can dance but ah nuh every body a dancer" which were words Bogle said a lot.

"By that saying alone he challenged everyone to step it up or just be a bystander and watch," Vershon reasoned. He said he hopes that his track will serve as a teaching moment for younger listeners who may not have known Bogle.

"We always need to know our history so we don't get lost in anything we are doing. In addition, the younger generation can now look into who Bogle was locally and abroad and see how he was well respected and continue to honour what he brought to dancehall in terms of his style and dances," he explained.

- S.W.