What a year it has been! 2022 provided a slew of trends in dancehall and we are here to relive all the moments.
- Burna Boy in Jamaica
A momentous occasion in Jamaica. The Nigerian legend came and performed in front of scores of Jamaicans. The Last Last singer gave an exceptional performance, leaving patrons in awe. The Afrobeats hitmaker whose given name is Damini Ogulu expressed his love for the Jamaican culture and its people.
- Spice Hospitalized
The dancehall fraternity was sent into a frenzy as news emerged that the queen of dancehall was hospitalised in the Dominican Republic. Rumours started circulating that the artiste was in a coma following post-surgery complications. A few days after, Spice took to social media to address the rumours and update her fans about her health condition.
The dancehall queen began her message by thanking Jesus for saving her life.
Hey besties, I’m in a better space today to properly update you on my current health situation. I suffered a damage hernia a few days ago that sent my body into sepsis, as a result I was rushed to the hospital.”
The artiste highlighted that she has been off social media for a while to rest mentally and had no idea it was being said she had a heart attack, was in a coma and that she died and proceeded to set the record straight.
“None of that is true. However, I’m still recovering from what really happened so thanks so much for all the prayers and concerns, please take great care of yourself, eat, live, love, laugh, like its your last day, I love you all so much.
- Amari and Queenie Clash at Sting
One of the memorable moments of Sting 2022 was the highly anticipated clash between A’mari DJ Mona Lisa and Queen Ladi Gangsta. The clash started out with a bit of excitement as A’mari DJ Mona Lisa pounced at Queen Ladi Gangsta as soon as she set foot on the Sting stage.
A’mari was the first one on stage and she was generating excitement with the crowd in preparation for a clash. She could be heard shouting her signature phrase of “dutty bungle” Making an entrance suited for a queen, Queenie emerged in an all-white wedding dress accompanied by a veil and a flower headpiece.
The Neko entertainer seemed to have taken things too far as they had to erect a physical barrier of people between the female artistes to keep them from starting a brawl. She was even momentarily taken from the stage after her wig was dragged from her head after pulling off Queenie’s headpiece.
Queenie was allowed to perform first and started out with her hit single One Man To Mi Goodie. When it came for A’mari to give her response, she started tracing Queenie about being married to herself, which got boos from the crowd.
Queenie was crowned the winner of the clash.
- Cardi B and Offset in Jamaica
American rapper Offset and his wife Cardi B visited Jamaica to celebrate the rapper’s 31st birthday. In a series of posts shared on Instagram, the two were seen having an enjoyable time as they enjoyed their down time on the tropical island.
The couple made a series of stops on the island and partied at Club Mecca and Romeich Entertainment in Kingston.
- Shenseea’s controversial ‘Lick’ with Meg Thee Stallion
Jamaican dancehall artiste, Shenseea secured major international features in 2022. The ‘Trending Gyal’ paired up with Megan Thee Stallion, the leader of the’ Hotties’ on the controversial single Lick. Fans had high expectations when the announcement was made that Shenseea will be working with Meg. The single was labelled a ‘flop’ by a number of listeners who believed the song offered little to no lyrical substance. The track, a raunchy instruction filled track put oral sex, a topic largely considered taboo in Jamaica, back into the spotlight.
- Skeng Collaborates with Nicki Minaj
Jamaican dancehall artiste Skeng had quite an impressive year. Fairly new on the dancehall scene, the young artiste has been making waves in the industry and landed himself an international collaboration with rap queen, Nicki Minaj.
Nicki’s love for dancehall is no secret as she has collaborations with the likes of Gyptian, Mavado, Beenie Man and Skillibeng. Minaj remix of Skeng’s hit single Likkle Miss was a massive boost to Skeng’s career. The official music video amassed close to 5.5 million views on YouTube since its release in September.
- Yush – The Mega Edition
2022 provided a number of international acts to grace the stage of Jamaica. When American superstars Ja Rule and Ashanti performed at Mega Yush, they came and dominated the stage, which left many patrons in awe. Known globally for songs like Always on Time, Mesmerize, What’s Luv and Down 4 U the pair performed all their major hits for patrons.
When Grammy Award-winning singer Ashanti, stepped on stage in her sexy one-piece black, green and gold outfit with fishnet stockings, thigh-high boots, and a ponytail, the crowd went wild.
The audience sang every tune word-for-word along with them. As Ashanti and Ja Rule alternated time on the stage, they gave the crowd a full package. Ja Rule, who was quite happy to be back performing in Jamaica after having been banned for ten years for profanity while performing his tune I’m Real. His unique voice filled the venue as he rapped the lyrics to hit songs Where Would I Be, New York, Baby Say Yeah and Between Me and You.
- DJ Cassidy brings BET Pass the Mic to Jamaica
DJ Cassidy’s Pass the Mic session in Jamaica was undoubtedly a 2022 entertainment highlight. Calling on some of Jamaica’s most legendary music icons, the show aired during a special broadcast at Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records in February and highlighted everything good about Jamaica’s music and culture. The show featured acts including Sister Nancy, Patra, Tanto Metro and Devonte, Nadine Sutherland, and Terror Fabulous.
