Title: Dancehall Unity: Why There’s Room for More Than One King or Queen Written by Kenniesha Burrell July 06, 2025

 Dancehall is more than entertainment—it's our voice, our resistance, our history, and our hope.

Born from the heart of the Jamaican struggle, Dancehall has always been a reflection of our truth. It has chronicled poverty, heartbreak, injustice, resilience, and celebration. It has shaped our language, influenced fashion, and inspired generations across borders.


And at the root of it all? Power. Vibes. Culture.


But today, we’re at a crossroads.



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History Reminds Us: Clashes Were Never Meant to Destroy


Let’s be real—lyrical battles have always existed in Dancehall. They sharpened skill. They separated the bold from the brave. Sting. Killamanjaro. Stone Love. These clashes birthed legends, not enemies. Artists came prepared to prove lyrical might, then dapped fists backstage. It was a sport. It was art.


But somewhere along the line, the lines blurred.

Feuds spilled from riddims into real-life resentment. Social media threw gas on flames that once flickered harmlessly. And now, fans—yes, some of you—have started to orchestrate wars between artists for entertainment, forgetting the foundation.


Dancehall is not a battleground. It’s a birthplace—of unity, identity, and community.



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The Power and Responsibility of Artists


Artists are more than performers. You are the heartbeat of the culture. And whether you like it or not, the youth are watching you. You are the role models in their eyes. Some children may not know their father, may never meet their teacher—but they know your lyrics word for word.


They see your online rants.

They mirror your attitudes.

They emulate your energy.


So let’s ask ourselves: What are we teaching them?


If we, as adults, glorify conflict and division in the music, they will too. If we normalize tearing each other down for clout, we’re raising a generation that believes competition must be cruel. But if we show them unity, peace, love, and hard work—they’ll mirror that too.


I’m not saying the entire weight of the world rests on your shoulders.

But you are a piece of the puzzle.

A slice of the pie.

A key to the lock.


Your voice is influence. And that influence can either build nations or burn bridges.



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What Dancehall Could Be If We Unite


Imagine if the energy we spend tearing each other down was used to build each other up.

Imagine Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Masicka, Shenseea, Spice, Jada Kingdom, Dexta Daps, and others coming together—not just for collaborations—but for movements.


Imagine concerts that donate to schools.

Riddims that promote peace and progress.

Festivals that unite warring communities.

Youth programs sponsored by our biggest names.


It’s possible. We’ve done it before in moments of tragedy or crisis. But unity shouldn’t only come when disaster knocks—it should be our default.



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A Call to Artists: Know That There’s Enough for Everyone


There is room for more than one king.

More than one queen.

Because Dancehall isn’t a crown—it’s a kingdom.


Your lane is your lane. If someone else is rising, it doesn’t mean you’re falling. It just means Dancehall is growing. Your blessings are yours. And what is for you will never pass you.


Let’s retire the mindset that success must be singular. Let’s celebrate each other. Let’s return to a time when lyrics uplifted, riddims healed, and performances inspired—not incited.



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To the Fans: Be Better, Do Better


Support your favorite artist, yes. Love them. Defend them.

But stop dragging others just to uplift one. That’s not real love—that’s toxicity. And if you truly love the culture, then love all who represent it. Let go of the comparisons. Let go of the camps. Support collaboration over conflict.


Because when our artists unite, the world pays attention.



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Final Word: This is Bigger Than Music


At the end of the day, this is not just about Dancehall.

It’s about our children, our communities, and our future.

If we keep feeding them division, that’s all they’ll know.

But if we show them peace, discipline, creativity, and love—they’ll carry that forward.


Artists, fans, DJs, producers, media personalities—we’re all part of this legacy.


Dancehall has already changed the world.

Let’s now use it to heal the world.


Let’s show them that together, we’re unstoppable.



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Written by Kenniesha Burrell

A proud daughter of Jamaican soil. A voice for unity. A believer in the power of culture to transform lives.

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