Is The Reggae/Dancehall Industry Turning Away Female Talents?‏

On August 30th 2010, BET (Black Entertainment Television) did a documentary about the dwindling presence of women in hip-hop. The documentary featured approximately 10 women who have worked, or is working in the industry in some aspect. One of the women made a comment that sparked a debate within the hip-hop community, and that was, “when it comes to hip-hop, it’s a man’s world”.

After meeting and working with several women in the Reggae/Dancehall industry and getting a first hand account of some of their experiences, I would like us, (the Reggae/Dancehall community) to have a discussion about how we see the women within this genre.

The woman that has most recently stirred my interest in this topic is reggae-soul singer, LeAnn who has always had a love and appreciation for reggae music. Most Jamaicans may be familiar with her as Keisha Wright, which is the name she used a few years ago when she was enjoying a fair amount of success as an emerging artist. Back then she was working the industry circuit, getting herself on both reggae and jazz shows nationwide and also releasing music with well established artists.

As she points out, her progress as an artist has been stymied by the way the men dominating the business viewed her. She recounts that several producers would offer to work with her but more often than not their work had to be seasoned with other things not pertaining to music. Her reluctance to submit to their terms would result in their loss of interest. LeAnn also recounted experiences such as being questioned about her involvement with a partner and being exposed to producers who feared working because of possible jealousy from a boyfriend.

After turning away from the music industry for a couple of years, LeAnn is re-entering with a better understanding of how to position herself as a woman in this business. She believes that at the end of the day it boils down to how talented and determined you are.

Armed with a God given talent to sing, and her own support team (consisting of PR, management and booking agents) LeAnn is now ready to give it another go. She is re-releasing a single she did with Beenie Man entitled “stan” (this song was released in Japan some time ago and was quite successful there) as well as a brand new single called “free”. Persons can download both singles absolutely free at http://www.mediafire.com/?z1mclbaqb5jyala.

LeAnn is also currently in discussion with Russcuttaz Music Production, a Jamaican based record label, regarding the possibility of the two joining forces in a three years recording deal.

For more information about LeAnn: www.reverbnation.com/leann