Once the opening notes of Bitty McLean’s “Walk Away From Love” fully registered, no one in SOB’s was looking at the lyrics adorning the venue’s various TV screens. The crowd, immediately and almost instinctively, erupted in cheers and in song, echoing the words: “It’s not that I don’t love you…”
That moment was one of many highlights from Uncle Delroy’s Dancehall Karaoke in Manhattan in late October – the event’s first-ever staging outside of Toronto. For hours, audience members took turns stepping on stage, armed with a dancehall anthem and a bit of courage. And one by one, the amateur performers jolted the venue to life, leading the crowd in sing-along performances of classic tunes by everyone from Gaza Slim to Beres Hammond and Skeng.
Rhea Prendergast was one of the main organizers of the event, which was done in partnership with her own No Long Talk party series, and through sponsorship by Wray & Nephew. It was a night full of nostalgia and joy for NYC’s Caribbean community and dancehall fans, fueled not only by several rounds of karaoke, but also by a choreographed dance intermission; music from DJ Giovanni, DJ Skin, and DJ Khalil; and the involvement of MC Quacey Don and Host Jae.
Speaking on the importance of the event, Rhea said, “I think events like this really help to bridge the gap between Jamaican culture and the wider world. Since karaoke is a globally understood concept, an event like Dancehall Karaoke provides us with an opportunity to reach a wider audience while still pushing our sound, our dance and our energy to the world.”
“One of my main missions with No Long Talk is to make Caribbean culture more packageable, appreciated and understandable globally: I want the whole world to be able to feel what we, Caribbean people, feel when we listen to Dancehall, Reggae, Soca etc. An event like this allows for a look into Jamaican culture that might not be as intense as a full-length party/’dance’, but still represents us authentically. With that said, events like these are meaningful as they can connect with a) someone who loves Dancehall to their heart and wants to actively celebrate Jamaican culture and b) someone who is outside of the culture, interested in learning more.”
Uncle Delroy added, “Having Dancehall Karaoke in New York just seemed so natural. It almost didn’t feel like I was away from home (Toronto.) The energy was perfect, and it truly felt like the event belonged there. The culture is worldwide – Dancehall culture is worldwide. So, I’m excited to give the nieces and nephews an opportunity to nuh watch nuh face and enjoy dem life.”