Keep Reggae and Dancehall in separate categories- Hezron to event organisers

Jamaican Reggae artiste, Hezron is calling on music event organisers to stop putting Dancehall and Reggae music into the same category.

According to him, the two genres have distinct styles and should be recognised and respected as separate entities.

“Dancehall and Reggae are two different genres with different energies and vibes,” Hezron told Graphic Showbiz on the sidelines of a press launch of “Man on a Mission Africa Tour” in Accra on Saturday, December 14.

Hezron’s sentiments are echoed by many fans and Ghanaian industry players of the two music styles, who argue that lumping Dancehall and Reggae together does a disservice to the unique qualities of each genre.

Reggae artiste, Togbe Ghana has been vocal about this, urging Charterhouse, organisers of Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) to separate the two genres since they aren’t the same.

He argued that Reggae and Dancehall aren’t identical so event organisers do great disservice to the artistes, producers, and fans of each genre.

 Reggae, with its roots in traditional Jamaican music and socially conscious lyrics, is often associated with artistes like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Damian Marley. 

On the other hand, Dancehall, with its fast-paced rhythms and often provocative lyrics, is characterised by artistes like Vybz Kartel, Spice, and Alkaline. 

Hezron told Graphic Showbiz that by separating the two genres, event organisers can create more authentic and enjoyable experiences for fans. This has been the practice in Jamaica where these two genres originate. 

“It’s time for event orgnisers outside Jamaica to respect the differences between Dancehall and Reggae. There’s no way Dancehall and Reggae music are the same. I do Reggae music and believe that we should celebrate our unique musical heritage and give fans the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds,” he stated.

Last year, Hezron, real name Hezron Clarke held his “Man On A Mission Home Coming Tour” in Ghana and this year, he intends to stretch his influence in Africa with his upcoming tour starting in Lagos, Nigeria on Friday, December 20.

Artistes billed to perform are Ghana’s Bobo Ranking and Nigeria’s Humble Dann, B Clean, Alen B, Emtyo Da Positive and Empress Candy.

Source: Gifty Owusu-Amoah