FUTURE OF DANCEHALL

Brandy Mohalland (center) with aspiring dancehall artistes Snida, Painkilla, Professa, Shamdon, and Kremlin of Calabar High School.

Introduction

In 2024, I began my personal A&R journey. I literally started walking around Bus Park (located in Half Way Tree) everyday after work, traveling from Jamaican high school to high school & politely asking students who are their favorite artists and producers right now. Here's what I found out:

THE FUTURE OF DANCEHALL

PRODII

Prodii

Meet “Prodii”, also known as “Baby Mexican”. Prodii is a student of Meadowbrook High & his fans are called “Mexicans”/“Mexican Dem”. I was so impressed when I asked multiple students, from over 15 schools including Meadowbrook, Merl Grove & JC, their favourite artiste currently and each student mentioned “Prodii”. Immediately I realized that he literally has a fanbase, & he is only 15 years old. Prodii is very talented & has a very unique flow. His breakout single is called “Zombie” which was well received & his “Mexicans” are die-hard fans. He has such a loyal fanbase that you cannot speak ill of him. Trust me, they will flood your comment section with a bunch of Mexican flags the moment you do. It really reminds me of Kartel with his “Gaza” fanbase and Alkaline with his “Vendetta fanbase. With such a die-hard supporters & undeniable star power, he's definitely my top pick for the future of dancehall. I did an interview with him via my “DAT MHAD” podcast. Feel free to watch here: https://youtu.be/kwg9ihEHvh0?si=AUs7QKcFASm6cjL2

DJ KOVERT

DJ Kovert

Meet “DJ Kovert”. He’s 18 years old & attends Ardenne High School. I found out about him when I attended Ardenne High’s Student Choice Awards. Upon, attending the event, I was thoroughly impressed by what I witnessed. Ardenne is literally the hub for talent. They had student actors, dancers, singers, etc. When I asked the students who their favorite DJ is currently, they all mentioned DJ Kovert. And I quote the words a grade 9 student said to me, “Miss, he's already considered an international DJ!”. So DJ Kovert is definitely one of my picks for the future of dancehall. I can also see his career expanding even further if he decides to tap into production, so look out for him & book him from now too. I’ve personally listened to a few of his mixes, and at such a young age, he’s already a master at his craft. Feel free to check out his instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/djkovert_?igsh=Nnl6Mmx6dWJhdnZ4

FUTURE OF DANCEHALL:

Influences

In terms of influences, I realize that majority of the Jamaican high school students really look up to Skippa, Ai Milly, Alkaline, and Kartel. So don’t be shocked to  expect to hear the next generation of Dancehall artistes say, “I was really influenced by Skippa & Ai Milly growing up” because it’s the truth! They have a very strong fan-base within Jamaican High Schools.

My Predictions:

My predictions for the Future of Dancehall is the  NextGen Mega Artiste definitely being “Prodii”. As it relates to our NextGen DJ? It’s DJ Kovert for sure & if he taps into producing, I can see him dominating in that field as well as one of our NextGen Producers.

I’m still on a quest to find the NextGen female dancehall stars as I continue my A&R journey. I’m thinking of making this a series, so you all can stay up to date & know that you heard it all here first. Feel free to tell me what you think & more importantly - stay tuned!

Watch RECESS: DANCEHALL EDITION | Episode 1: Calabar High School here: https://youtu.be/kUjlloBNCFA?si=-HQs3Qdssg9YhE02

luv,

Br4ndyM