Dancehall music has been an integral part of Jamaican culture since the 1970s, and it has gained widespread popularity across the world. The music genre has had a significant influence on Jamaican youths, shaping their speech, fashion style, language, and behavior. In this article, we will discuss how dancehall music has influenced youths and provide examples to support our argument .
Fashion Style
Dancehall music has also influenced the fashion style of Jamaican youths, with many adopting the attire worn by their favorite artists. The fashion style associated with dancehall music is often characterized by bold and colorful clothing, hairstyles, and accessories.
Dancehall music has popularized brands such as Puma, Adidas, and Nike, and many youths wear clothing with these brands to emulate their favorite artists. Additionally, the music genre has influenced the hairstyles of Jamaican youths, with many opting for colorful hair extensions and braids, similar to those worn by dancehall artists.
Hairstyles
Dancehall music has also influenced the hairstyles of Jamaican youths, with many adopting the hairstyles of their favorite artists. The hairstyles associated with dancehall music are often bold and unique, ranging from intricate braids to shaved patterns on the scalp. Dancehall artists such as Vybz Kartel and Popcaan are known for their distinct hairstyles, which have become popular among Jamaican youths.
Speech
Dancehall music has influenced the speech of Jamaican youths, with many adopting the patois dialect used in the songs. The use of patois has become popular in Jamaican society, and it is now considered a part of the country's identity.
Youths who listen to dancehall music have incorporated words and phrases used in the songs into their daily speech. For example, the word "gyal" used in dancehall music to refer to a girl, has become a popular term among Jamaican youths, replacing the word "girl" in some instances.
Language
The language used in dancehall music is often explicit and vulgar, and it has influenced the language used by Jamaican youths. Many Jamaican youths use curse words and explicit language in their conversations, which they have picked up from the songs. Additionally, dancehall music has popularized certain phrases, such as "big up" and "respect," which have become a part of the Jamaican vocabulary.
Comportment
Dancehall music has influenced the behavior and mannerisms of Jamaican youths, with many adopting the attitudes and behaviors of their favorite artists. Dancehall music is often associated with sexual explicitness, violence, and drug use, and many youths emulate these behaviors. The music genre has also popularized certain dances, such as the "daggering" dance, which is characterized by sexually suggestive movements.
Dance
Dancehall music is also known for its high-energy beats and dance moves, which have influenced the way Jamaican youths dance. The music genre has popularized dances such as the "Bogle" and the "Gully Creeper," which have become popular among Jamaican youths. Dancehall music and its associated dances have become an important part of Jamaican social culture, with dance competitions and parties often featuring dancehall music as the primary genre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dancehall music has had a significant influence on Jamaican youths, shaping their speech, fashion style, language, and behavior. The music genre has popularized the use of patois, influenced fashion trends, and shaped the language and behavior of Jamaican youths. While the influence of dancehall music on Jamaican culture is undeniable, it is essential to note that it has both positive and negative effects. As such, it is crucial to ensure that the music genre's influence on youths is channeled towards positive outcomes.