Dancehall has become ‘TOO DARK’ – Wayne Wonder
But expresses confidence in genre’s global potential
International recording artiste Wayne Wonder believes that dancehall music has the potential to grow in popularity overseas, despite certain negative trends that have evolved in the genre in recent times.
“Dancehall music has always been a hardcore genre of music, but it has become a bit too dark and excessively aggressive. Some of the current generation of dancehall artistes have the potential to take the genre to a higher level. However, they need to be mindful of the messages they’re sending out into the world with their music,” he said.
The singer continued, “Dancehall music is loved and respected internationally. Anywhere you go around the world, you will hear it. But most of what is being played overseas is from the 90s and early 2000s because a lot of the songs that are coming out now don’t have that international appeal.”
Wayne Wonder also expressed concern about what he called “the disunity and infighting in our music industry”.
“At first, it used to be the males fighting against each other lyrically. Now the females are doing it too, and it has taken on a new twist with this social media thing. They need to stop it man, it nuh look good,” he said.
The Billboard charting singer is gearing up to drop a new single titled Jah Lift Me Up, on the Sponge Music label within days. The song, which was produced by Charles Williston, aka Sponge.
“Sponge shared a story with me one day that gave me the vibes to write this song. The whole thing is just a natural energy because when he sent me the rhythm, the song fit perfectly on it. I believe it will resonate with a wide audience including the younger dancehall fans because it’s on a modern dancehall rhythm and it has a powerful message,” said Wayne Wonder.
The veteran performer, given name Von Wayne Charles, is a multitalented singer and songwriter who’s known worldwide for hits such as his gold selling song No Letting Go, Bounce Along, Joyride with Cham, Bonafide Love with Buju Banton and Watching You.