By Shaun Cain
Prominent Jamaican record producer, Akiem 'Quanboss' Bingham, has argued that the dancehall needs to adapt its output to suit a wider international audience. In an interview on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show on YouTube, the Quanboss', Chief Executive Officer of Quantanium Records, has urged Jamaican artistes and producers to modify the language and lyrics, expeditiously.
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| Akiem 'Quanboss' Bingham |
The Quanboss, who founded Quantanium Records in Spanish Town, St Catherine, Jamaica more than 10 years ago, has produced records for Govana, Vitch, Chronic Law, Nvasion, Siva Hotbox, Nervz, Laa Lee, Navaz, Charly Black and Jahmiel.
The Quanboss is the genius behind Jahmiel's breakout songs, "Gain the World" and "Great Man", Laa Lee's "Quack Quack" and Govana's "Bake Bean" and "Dozen".
He has told the show's host, Shaun Cain, that the music will become more appealing and accessible if a greater number of people outside of Jamaica can understand the language in which the songs are recorded.
He was responding to a question prompted by the recent furore among dancehall acts, who believe that they are being overlooked for Grammy nominations/awards (Best Reggae Album).
Language barrier
The Quanboss contends that language barrier could be a major issue for potential consumers that do not speak Jamaican. He has proposed that the artistes use more English on the records that are being marketed internationally. He has pointed out, "although our language is a significant part of our heritage, we have to decide if we are going to export a standard product (dancehall music) to a market that cannot access it, or adapt it to suit their needs." In terms of the lyrics, the Quanboss maintains that, just as there are clean versions and uncensored options, a similar strategy could be pursued for the export market. According to him, this makes commercial and cultural sense, as the needs of the main constituents of the music are being satisfied simultaneously.
Limited lyrical themes
The Quanboss, whose latest releases include "Chappa Fi True", a collaboration between Navaz and Nervz and Jahmiel's "Unbroken", has observed that the recurring themes that seem to define dancehall music are too narrow and predictable. He says he thinks this myopia is restricting the ability of the genre to fly freely, break through new frontiers and gain more fans. "To me, I think it's the content. A lot of us don't study the songs [album's] that get Grammy and go number one. If we did, we would ensure the issues addressed are broader," the Quantanium Records CEO argued.
You can watch the Quanboss' full interview by clicking the image below.
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Shaun Cain is a journalist, author, voiceover talent and the producer/presenter of the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Interview Show on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain YouTube channel. Check out the content on the channel today.
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