I Love Dancehall is positioned as a high-end party dedicated to the celebration of Jamaica’s infectious, globally appealing dancehall music and culture. This year, it was part of the country’s inaugural Dancehall Week, which is an official Reggae Month-endorsed event organised and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sports. From its first staging at Constant Spring Golf Club in 2019 to the most recent one at the National Stadium, I Love Dancehall has never once wavered in its ability to deliver great music and vibes.
The latest edition, titled Rep Yuh City on February 16, featured disc jockeys and sound systems from around the island playing a bit of everything, from old school hits to 90s classics and the polarising ‘choppa’ tunes of the new age. Classic dance moves like Bogle and Skip To My Lou were on full display alongside the complex 12-plus-step routines of the more recent Ding Dong and TikTok dance era. Stylish outfits, lighters in the air, crowd choruses, and finger-gun salutes added to the energy, pairing nicely with the venue and ambience for a solid production. Here’s the Writes and Kulcha team review:
Venue and Atmosphere
We loved the location at the National Stadium. Accessibility was good, and the venue was perfectly suited for the type of event. It was spacious, yet the setup made it feel intimate, unlike other parties held in vast venues that make it hard to build a connection with the audience. The set-up was just right with not too many bright lights, making it comfortable to dance if patrons felt inspired. However, the low lighting wasn’t great for photography.
The bathrooms were decent and felt completely separate although they were nearby, so we liked that. Security was top-notch, with police and armed guards all around, making us feel very safe. Plus the bar was easy to navigate, with quick service for purchases.
Organisation
The logistics were well handled, with no issues related to queueing, ticketing, bar service, parking, entry, security searches, or the partying area. The crowd was well-managed, everything was mainly on schedule, and the event ran smoothly, kudos to STT!
Party Experience
While the music was a highlight, there were some enhancements they could consider. For instance, DJs could interact more effectively, encouraging people to dance to certain songs or calling up professional/popular dancers to show patrons the dance moves. This would help refresh memories for old moves and introduce the new ones, given that the event is now part of Dancehall Week, dedicated to attract foreigners and spotlight its role in the culture overall.
The concept of “Rep Yuh City” while intriguing could have been reinforced throughout the night, like engaging partygoers to rate the music through screams and applause after each segment. This would have added an interactive element and tied it all together. Their ‘Jugglings’ team (musical line-up) included World Boom, DJ Ashile, Coppershot, Di Unit, and DJ Mario. Mario excelled at mixing and song selections but tended to cut the songs too quickly, just as the vibe was building. World Boom’s set had a great start, but faltered with poor mixing before picking up the vibe again for a nice finish. There was also a bit of audio conflict with the Dancehall Week street promotion truck parked just outside, but not enough of a sound-clash to taint the entire listening experience.
Overall, the music and camaraderie was enjoyable, though these additions have the potential to further elevate the experience in the future.
Final Thoughts
I Love Dancehall: Rep Yuh City had a premium feel in terms of security, organisation, and setup, without the gritty, grassroots feel, so if you’re used to an in-the-streets dance, this isn’t the same vibe. What it does deliver is a similar experience in a more curated environment. It would be especially fun if you’re attending with a partner or group. We rated this staging of the event a strong 7.8/10. We had a good time, loved how STT Entertainment put it together, and are excited to watch how it evolves with subsequent stagings given the new government alliance.
Writes and Kulcha remains committed to celebrating and reporting on Jamaican, Caribbean, and Indigenous experiences, and I Love Dancehall continues to be a shining example of why dancehall music and culture hold such a special place in our hearts, and continues to influence cultures around the world.
For a glimpse peek at the night’s highlights, check out this clip on our YouTube channel here:
Editor