‘Dancehall is dying’ - Stampede Lammie says genre has become dark

Music chart compiler and promoter Stampede Lammie has sounded a dire warning about the state of dancehall music, pointing to what he calls 'dark' music.

"Dancehall is dying. People who can understand the explicit language, lyrics and messages are not satisfied with what is coming out of Jamaica from Europe to Africa and the US. This is why Afrobeats music is becoming more popular or consumed more and taking precedence on global charts and awards platforms," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Stampede opined that dancehall entertainers are no longer singing about their personal experiences and that it has resulted in a further decline in streaming numbers.

"I find that radio disc jockeys overseas have lost interest in dancehall. People are not interested to waste their money on purchasing music that speaks about chopping, scamming and Molly, and it reflects in the charts - the numbers are falling drastically," he said.

"If I get 10 songs to promote a week, I guarantee eight of them (are) about that. The dancehall acts a get follow-fashion; is not them experience or emotions, is only made-up stories. Dem just see one song about 'dunce' and another about 'Molly' hit and decide fi write about it ... half of dem never even see the substance before," he continued.

Speaking about the support for dancehall, Stampede explained that artistes should be concerned that persons are losing interest because at a time when the majority of the audience is looking for high-energy, happy music, the music has become dark.

"Dancehall has been known to bring the bashment to a place, even when it was dark, or raise awareness about socio-political issues; it wasn't dark," he said.

"To the Jamaicans who are here on the ground, it may appear that people are consuming the music. But looking at the numbers, this is not so. Most of the artistes who have crossed over and are seen collaborating on the international scene have a blend of happy music," Stampede said.

He said that while some dancehall acts who sing hardcore 'choppa' lyrics are garnering worldwide attention, he does not believe the music or the brands promise longevity.

"It is time for more happy songs. Praises to the dancehall acts who stick to their roots and original flavour as it continues to preserve our culture. But it cannot be said enough that dancehall is in need of real help," Stampede continued.