French Guiana embraces the Jamaican style

by Deans Myers

Located in South America, French Guiana tells the tale of sweet reggae music thrilling the hearts and souls of fans living in this part of the world.

Despite having French as their main language, the atmosphere of reggae and dancehall is highly evident. Singing word for word, line for line to every Bob Marley, I-Three’s, Beres Hammond, Morgan Heritage and Jah Cure tune reggae artists bring an extraordinary energy and vibe to the club scene and major stage show venues.

When one can listen and experience the unbelievable respond given by the french audience, the tale should be told as it is truly an amazing feeling to see what does transpire in such scenery.

Dancehall artistes, such as Beenie Man, Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Charly Black, Konshens, Mr Vegas, Alaine, Chris Martin, Lady Saw, Daville, Elephant Man to name a few and with young and upcoming artiste such as Dwayno, Popcaan, Tommy Lee, Nature,  Chi Ching Ching and Kym, are getting lighters and pull ups when played in the parties. I am sure this display of honest affection would leave most Jamaicans surprised.  Music is the powerful medium through which the language barrier is broken.

Knowing the impact these artistes have on the French population especially the younger ones, there is a need for all artiste to emphasize the true expression of the lyrical content of their music.

The Capital city of French Guiana ‘Cayenne’ is said to have stem a pattern of violence in recent times, most of which is emulated by the force dancehall lyrics have on the persons evolved around the culture. The drive should be evident to encourage patrons and fans that violence is never the way forward but rather mediation and as the singer Nature expressed it ‘World Peace’. It is vital to encourage the youths to get a good education so that they can contribute positively to whatever country they are from.

Dancehall has so much to offer: it brings about a sense of togetherness, a uniting force to spread the love through music and acceptance of whoever we are.

Everyone has a choice to which artiste they listen to and everyone should respect each others choice. Whatever the race, beliefs and subculture of an individual we all must push forward the love for dancehall and reggae and help to spread the music around the world.

Big up: Tuff Vybzz Connection with Patrick and Simone, Dj Tyron, Dj Gifta and Rampanpus