Twin of Twins form "Leadership For Empowerment of Artistes and Dancehall" (LEAD).

by DRW
(Jamaica)

Twin of Twins

Dancehall deejays Twin of Twins are aiming to bring dancehall artistes together as one unit, to defend itself against oppositions to dancehall culture.

The brothers have decided to form a dancehall body, called Leadership For Empowerment of Artistes and Dancehall (LEAD).

According to Twin of Twins, reggae music has the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) which acts as its voice, however, dancehall remains voiceless.

"This body is very necessary. A lot of people are unaware that the culture of dancehall is going through a disruptive phase, and we need a unit, or a body, to counteract this disruption," Curley Locks said.

The artistes said the body is long overdue, claiming dancehall has always got a raw deal without much defence.

"I have been thinking about it for years, because every time somebody say something against dancehall, we have no power because we are so divided, but now that has to stop," he pointed out.

"We are open to collaborate with JARIA, as long as the objectives are the same, which is to preserve our authentic dancehall culture and to be a voice for the voiceless," he said.

According to Curly Locks, the intention is to get other members of the dancehall community involved.

"We are presently putting a committee together. We gave the idea to a handful of people and they think it is a good idea and a breath of fresh air. As time goes on we will formulate all the persons who will be on board.

"All dancehall artistes and producers can be a part of the body. It's very significant that we get those well-influential people in the dancehall arena to be a part of it," Curly Locks said.

Twin of Twins also expressed that they are open to new idea and queries from persons interested in preserving the culture of dancehall and being a part of the body.

"We are a very welcoming body, and if persons have queries they can always speak to us," the artiste said.

At least one dancehall artiste Ms Thing, already believes a dancehall body is necessary.

"I think it is a good idea. At the end of the day, dancehall is global and it will make people understand what dancehall is about to a greater level. Some positive things can definitely come from this," Ms Thing said.

The Twins are also gearing up to release Stir It Up volume 10 next month.

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