Since the 1990s, when Lady Saw & Patra became prominent Dancehall acts, females have been fighting to gain respect & in a male-dominated genre. In 2011, fresh Female talent is emerging to help strengthen their battle for recognition.
Tifa, Timberlee & D’Angel, amongst others have elevated the bar for female deejays in Dancehall. Each of the aforementioned artistes have displayed the winning combination of unique style, lyrical ingenuity & curvaceous looks; making them Dancehall mainstays.
Over the last year, a few young talents are emerging as prospective future superstars within the genre. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these young artistes is Makeida “Keida” Beckford, who burst onto the scene with her soulful 2009 single “Jamaican Boy.” However, last year she became Dancehall’s breakthrough diva; releasing a plethora of hit singles such as “Bubble Up,” “We Ready,” & “Care Not.”
Keida’s versatility as a singjay, paired with her attractiveness has her labeled by many as Dancehall’s next female sensation. Last month she collaborated with Reggae up-and-comer, Protoje on the single “All Again,” released on the Summer Scheme Riddim (Don Corleon Records).
Alliance leader, Bounty Killer created the Alliance Next Generation last year in an effort to recruit young talent to carry on the group’s legacy. One of their starlets, Ishawna has elevated her ranking within the Dancehall fraternity with her 2010 hit single “Legendary.” 2011 has unveiled singles including the “Do It” remix with Alliance & Dancehall superstar, Busy Signal. Ishawna’s sultry voice has made her a reputable artiste with a great upside; building a strong early resume.
Fellow ANG member and “First Lady” of the Alliance, Bridgez is another artiste looking to make her mark in Dancehall. Since teaming with Killer for the hit song “Rollout” in 2010, her five year mainstream career has been re-energized. Her recent singles, “I Said It” & “No Way” alongside Timberlee have shown Bridgez’s edge & passion as she aims to become a future superstar in the industry.
Other young female artistes looking to make a lasting impression in Dancehall include Pretti Kitti, most known for collaborating with Beenie Man on the single “Sugar Plum Plum,” Beenie Man signed the 21 yr. old starlet in February. Also, Calibur Entertainment artiste, Toi has displayed her singjay capabilities; joining forces with Timberlee last November for the song “Whine N Stop,” & featured in a mesmerizing duet with Chevaughn entitled “You’re My Baby” in February.
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