KissKiss enjoys slice of Jamaica - Japanese dancehall queen has passion for dancehall culture

Japanese national KissKiss has been passionate about dancehall long before her first visit to Jamaica in 2008. Upon returning to Japan after that trip, she found herself in tears at the airport, realising that Jamaica had captured her heart and she wanted to make it her home.

"In Japan, we have dancehall same way, but it's kind of hard to find dancehall just anywhere. Dancehall culture and reggae culture come from Jamaica. I was tired of watching the phone to find which one is new dance or what's trending, so I said, 'Oh my God, I have to come back to Jamaica as soon as possible,'" KissKiss said.

The Japanese, whose given name is Soonhee Kwon, said she enjoyed her subsequent visits to the island, but always found them to be too short. "Whenever I was going home, mi cry and mi start think about when me can come back here."

KissKiss has called Jamaica home since 2011. A talented dancer, her moves could convince anyone that she has been living on the island all her life. Her dance journey began at age 17, having been inspired by a music video showcasing sexy women dancing in ways she was not accustomed to seeing in Japan.

"I didn't know if it was reggae or dancehall, but it was so shocking," she recalled. Despite her passion, she kept her dancehall aspirations a secret from her parents.

"I didn't want my parents to take it different or take it in the wrong way. So I didn't feel like I was doing wrong things, but I didn't want my parents to worry. So I just go out and give them different excuses. I just say I'm going to meet my friend," she said.

"When I come to Jamaica for the first time, I told my parents I was coming to learn English. I came here on a student visa because I actually went to language school here. Daytime I go to school, and night-time I go to party and learn dancing," she said with a chuckle.

Since relocating to Jamaica, she has become an integral part of Jamaica's dancehall scene, participating in multiple competitions and thriving in a culture that resonates with her.

"I love Japan, but I love Jamaica more than Japan because Jamaica fits me more. Jamaican people have more vibes, attitude and love to talk to people. I get more positivity here and that fits me more, that is why I feel comfortable when I'm in Jamaica," she said.

Initially, she faced language barriers and cultural differences. "Japanese people are kind of a little shy, so, you know, every time the MC call me, I would be afraid," she said, adding that she has since grown accustomed to the vibe and fun.

She recalled an experience where she didn't understand the MC's call to the dance floor, motivating her to take Jamaican culture more seriously. "The MC said, 'She never understand,' and I felt embarrassed. So I decided I had to understand the culture and everything about Jamaica. That's when I got serious about learning," she said.

When the pandemic hit, KissKiss discovered she was pregnant. She returned to Japan to give birth, but after her daughter turned two they moved back to Jamaica.

"I came back to Jamaica because she's half-Jamaican, so she need to know the Jamaican culture and she needs to speak English," she said proudly, adding that her daughter already speaks English better than she does.

Looking ahead, KissKiss remains committed to dancehall.

"I'm not sure what's going to happen next, but I know that I'm not going to stop dancing. Dancing a mi life," she declared, eager to explore new collaborations and deepen her connection with the Jamaican culture. Through her tour guide business, Full A Vibes 876, she encourages others to embrace the spirit of dancehall.

"Try to learn the culture and respect the culture; once you do that you can't go wrong. We don't understand fully, but we need to try to understand, so we should always ask. Respect the people and respect dancehall icons, and hear what them have to say," she advised.