Last Saturday (May 28) marked a very important moment in dancehall history as some of the island’s top choreographers were commemorated for their continuous contribution to the much-loved musical genre as they shared the stage with Elephant Man as he performed his hit songs at  ‘Strictly 2K – Throwback Music Festival’.

The legendary dancers included Shelly Belly, Dancehall Queen Mad Michelle, Dyema, Keiva Di Diva, Collo Collo, John Hype, and more, who were seen assembled on the stage performing hit dance moves they created from as far back as the early 2000s.

With their own unique artistry, each dancer has contributed enormously to the dancehall culture of today and has been consistent with creating innovative dance moves.

John Hype, who is a former dancer for Beenie Man, cultivated cultural dance moves such as Crazy Hype, Pan Di River, Signal the plane, and more.

Mad Michelle, the 2003 Dancehall Queen, created the dance Gully Creepa, while the internationally acclaimed dance Dutty Whine was created by Dyema. Keiva Di Diva created the popular dance move Online and dancer Shelly Belly created the popular dance Shelly Belly.

Marc Hines, who is the director of promotions for ‘Strictly 2K’, told Our Today that it was a significant way to showcase and promote local talent and pioneers in the dancehall community.

“The very real significance that it plays not only in the importance of commemorating the dancehall as a musical powerhouse but also recognising the people who were at the forefront who helped to shape the dance moves that we love so much today,” Hines said.

In an emotional social media post that has elicited more than 13,000 views, Keiva said it had been years since her last performance on any stage and she was grateful to be recognised among her fellow stars.

“Tears of joy. Crying while typing. I have not performed on a stage since I gave birth to my daughter! It felt so good to be able to do what I love. I don’t think you guys understand the way I am feeling to be amongst so many legends last night. The unity, the love, the joy, the fun. I know Bogle in Heaven smiling down on us, to have my sisters, Mad Michelle and Dyema beside me last night, oh God, leave me let me cry in peace,” a teary Keiva said in her Instagram post. 

“Big thank you to Gabrielle Curling. Thank you, thank you for just the thought of us makes me want to cry. We had no problem at the gate. We were treated very nicely and respectfully. Thanks to the lady who gave us the bands, think her name was Candy, once she realized it was us, she welcomed us with love,” she continued.