The whole vibes nuh deh deh again, says Overmars

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

A few years ago, there were countless dance moves getting immense popularity, but now it would appear as if very few dance moves are being created or gaining the recognition.

In 2008's Beijing Olympics, Usain Bolt did dance moves like Gully Creepa and Nuh Linga that have been some of the biggest dance moves in recent years. But in the past few years, only a few dance moves have been getting recognition.

Known for dance moves like Raging Bull and Nuh Behavia, Ovamars says there are many things taking place in the dancehall and the industry lacks unity.

"The whole vibes weh did deh deh nuh deh deh again. The whole unity not there and a pay fi play now," he said.

In the past, he says, dancers would make dance moves that artistes sing about. After the song is made, selectors would play them and even try to highlight the dancers at events. Now, he says, there is a lot of confusion and animosity among the three groups.

But although there is a lull locally, Ovamars says, "Is like the European countries waan learn the authentic dances, that's why we have a lot of workshops."

And with his recent dance move, Best Pon Two Foot, he says he hopes to help revive the industry.

"Mi woulda love fi tek dancing and bring it back to that life deh weh everybody can party and enjoy themselves. But it tek unity fi dweet," he told THE STAR.

Meanwhile, Elephant Man paints a rosier picture.

"They (dancers) are still creating a lot of creative dances. Dancing can never die," he said.

enemy against each

In recent times, he says there have been dance moves like Ding Dong's Crocodile, John Hype's Dweet Again, Sample Six's Wap Dem and Shelly Belly's Clean.

But Elephant Man says dancers also need to unite.

"Now everybody a unite. The problem was that everybody was enemy against each other and never waan do anybody dance. All they have to do is keep up the unity. When di whole a dem unite and do everybody style, yuh can't go wrong," he said.

For RDX's Renigade, it is not just about dancers not doing each other's moves, but he believes many have become "promoters, modellers or dem just stop dance."

And having done several dance songs, including Dance andDancers Anthem, Renigade says he no longer does dance songs.

"Jamaican dancers too ungrateful. They don't show appreciation for the people who make their dances popular. You raise a dancer from zero and they give you no credit. Once you stop call dancers' name they are not going to come to prominence," Renigade said.

However, dancer Keiva says it is two fold.

"Some dancers believe they are not being treated fairly with artistes not bringing them on tours or carrying them onstage," she said.

She also notes that there are fewer artistes doing dance songs. In addition, Keiva says the dances are also helping to destroy the industry for undercharging for their services.

"But no need to worry 'cause it's going to come right back around. Dances are still being created. You have young dancers coming up and dem saucy, but people just don't know bout dem," she said.