Marie Sano, popularly known as Bad Gyal Marie, returns to the ‘Big Chune’ stage after seven years.

The Japanese-born dancehall selector became infatuated with Jamaican culture during her first visit to the island as a teenager. Since then, she continues to defy the odds in the male-dominated field, becoming the first female selector to win the ‘Reggae Sumfest Global Clash’ in 2024. Her comeback takes place on the Guinness-sponsored Big Chune stage, a platform that has long championed dancehall talent and cultural expression.

Her love affair with Jamaican music began one night in a club while she was still living in Japan, when she heard Everyone Falls In Love Sometimes by Tanto Metro and Devonte. Though she did not yet understand the lyrics, the rhythm and melodies resonated deeply. Intrigued, she approached the DJ to learn more about the song, sparking a journey that would soon reshape her life. 

The next day, Marie eagerly sought out more of these captivating sounds, researching Jamaican music, exploring its origins, and diving into the fundamentals of the genre. “I went CD and record shopping, searching for every reggae and dancehall song,” Marie recalled, adding that she was so engrossed in her learning that she even ended up working in a record shop, a testament to her determination to deepen her understanding of the genres as they gained global popularity.

Guided by conviction and ambition, Marie took a twelve-thousand-kilometre leap across the Pacific to pursue her dream and later become a household name in the entertainment space. 

“I felt like I wanted to play in Jamaica, for the Jamaican people,” Marie expressed. The transition came with cultural adjustments and challenges, but her passion left little room for hesitation. Determined to become one of Jamaica’s leading female selectors, she pressed on. With time, the warmth of local fans and industry peers helped her build a second home in Kingston. In her early days of settling into life in Jamaica, she recalled being embraced with warmth and compassion. “I love Jamaican people; everybody treats me like we’re family or longtime friends. I like that vibe,” she explained.

Sixteen years later, she stands as one of the most versatile and respected selectors in the dancehall space. Since her debut in 2018, Marie has managed to build an international reputation for her unique mix and stage presence. Over the years, she has performed on some of the biggest reggae and dancehall platforms across Japan, Jamaica, and Europe, earning respect for her craft. Her journey from Tokyo to the global dancehall circuit reflects a career powered by her unwavering love for Jamaican culture.

Now, Marie is eager to deliver pure energy this Saturday. “I’m unique. My sound is different. My MC is different, I just follow the vibes and play ‘big chune’, that’s what I do,” she chuckled. “It’s amazing to see how much the event has grown, and I’m proud to be part of it.” 

Her appearance doubles as her birthday celebration, and she plans to enjoy every moment of it. “Even though I’ll be working, I’m celebrating with everyone. It’s my birthday, so I’ll be playing and partying with the Libra gang,” she said with a laugh.