Robert Cooper Photographs What Real Dancehall Looks Like Right Now
“I started listening to dancehall during the late ’80s,” recalls photographer and videographer Robert Cooper, who’s covered the Hartford, CT dancehall scene for some time. “I began photographing dancehall parties and concerts 8 years ago, and began writing about dancehall also, so being able to finally go to Jamaica was a blessing. It took me only about two days photographing at the dances before people started recognizing me and I was a part of the scene.” With plans for an exhibit and a book in the works, Cooper shared some visuals from his first trip exclusively with Boomshots. This selection focuses on Jamaica’s thriving street dance culture, highlighting all the stars on the scene—not just the recording artists. Dancers, selectors, and other colorful personalities all help create the vibe that continues to entertain and inspire the world. Dancehall 2016: This is what it looks like. Photos After The Jump…
Gully Bop touches the mic at Mojito Mondays, alongside Tony Matterhorn.
Dancehall Queen Latesha at Weddy Weddy.
Joyful Noise: If you’ve ever listened to a dancehall mix and heard an annoying sound like two kitchen pans clanking together, blame the brother on the left, Pan-a-knock. On the right is Sadiki Snowman, who blows a horn when a big tune buss the dance.
Pritty Di General with Sizzla Kalonji.
Real Rich! Tanto Blacks is one of the new artists making waves in Jamaica.
The warlord Bounty Killer with his artists (twin sisters) the K Queens.
Don Andre, an artist from England whose massive hit “Tom Cruise” has a dance to go along with it.
Macka Diamond must have taken her tune “Dutty Weave,” to heart, because she’s gone natural.
Beenie Man and Killer had a legendary rivalry but these days you can find Moses chilling at Bounty Sundays.
New sensation Dexta Daps gets Bounty Sundays hot like Shabba Madda Pot.
Smokin’ hot styles at Uptown Mondays.
Mad plaid at Uptown Mondays.
Bling Dawg and Latonya Styles of Dance Ja.
The K Queens again, at Uptown Mondays.
Original stylee at Mojito Mondays.
Dancehall Queens Now Come In All Shades.
Swaggin’ at Mojito Mondays.
Inna Di Zone.
“Excuse me while I light my spliff.”
Buy Out The Bar.
More fire at Magnum Wednesdays.
Dancer/Artist Crazy Hype with his new dance move “MVP.”
Dancers Paul “Energy” Thompson and Shakespeare.
Showing off her flexibility at Uptown Mondays.
Dancer Shelly Belly and Sanjay, an artist and TVJ producer.
Selassie I Salute at Uptown Mondays.
Dancers take the stage at Uptown Mondays.
Boss Bout Yah.
Video Deh Pon U.
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