Think of artists like Sugar Minott, Barrington Levy, Junior Reid, Don Carlos, Roots Radics, Ranking Joe, Josey Wales, Charley Chaplain, General Echo, Frankie Paul or Yellowman and what comes to your mind is Reggae Dancehall. While pure Reggae was characterized by its underlying political and religious connotations; after almost a decade of its existence, Reggae Dancehall emerged as much lighter version of the original form. Just like a new kid on the block, initially it was met with much resistance but over the years the reggae dancehall genre has managed to carve its own niche and stands out as one of the popular forms today.

The slow and rather geometrical beats of reggae were replaced by much faster beats. The creators experimented with digital instruments in order to cater to the changing taste of the reggae fans. After a decade of hardcore thumping, they were now looking forward to something that could enliven their parties. The Jamaican music scenario revolutionized as the musicians, artists and sound technicians joined hands to redefine the traditional reggae. The dancehall genre got popular only when it was played out to the public at large. It also owes its popularity to the sound systems who did not hesitate to air the tunes and the supporters who readily consumed it. Taking it to a much broader public platforms were producers like Junjo Lawes, Linval Thompson, Gussie Clack, and Jah Thomas.

After Yellowman was signed by a popular music label, there was no looking back. A number of artists followed suit. Adding versatility and charm to the dancehall were Female DJs like Lady Saw, Shelly Thunder and Sister Nancy, who ruled the roost at the time. The new style of music gave way to emergence of a whole new breed of reggae artists.

Well, every new dimension comes with its own set of conflicts. While meaningful lyrics, which were an intrinsic aspect of the traditional reggae, took a back seat; Reggae was at times flecked with vulgar and violent lyrics. In a bid to sensationalize their creations, artists like Buju Banton , Shaba Ranks, Capleton, Buccaneer, Beanie Man, Bounty Killer, Cobra and Ninjaman, did not mind compromising with the ethnicity of the traditional reggae. However, the more sincere and dedicated artists, who believed in the revolution and wanted to take it to a new high kept the momentum going. And the result was its massive popularity, as can be witnessed even today.

There are new songs, new artists and new producers, who are constantly taking the Reggae Dancehall to a new high. Today, it is not limited to the Jamaican soil alone and has its own individual standing as a powerful genre. Be it Mighty Crown in Japan , Sentinel from Germany or Onelove out of Africa ; all the sound systems are airing the Dancehall Reggae music. Today it stands as a global genre and rules most airwaves. A huge amount of fan following is the testimonial of its mass popularity and its impact.