Words by Blacka Di Danca—
I’ve been really busy over the past two months. I landed back home from my third European tour for the year on December 12th, taught a class in Brooklyn on the 15th, then flew to Jamaica the next day—on my birthday. I spent the past week in Jamaica through several parishes working 12 hours a day, choreographing Major Lazer’s newest music video! I teamed up with the amazingly talented Mela Murder, one of Major Lazer’s dancers, to choreograph their next hit “Lose Themselves” with Moska and RDX.
It was our first time choreographing together, and certainly won’t be our last. We had a great team of dancers to work with, too: There’s Mystic, Lafayette Bless (Major Lazer’s other full-time dancer) and Tiffy. All four ladies including Mela are so talented; their presence will have you glued to the video.
I had the time of my life working with the entire crew for the week: Diplo, Walshy Fire and Jillionaire are very welcoming and super creative. The entire production team had great energy and high spirits despite our long-working hours. I think everyone can agree that this was one of the best projects we’ve ever worked on.
After a few days of shooting and jerk chicken, we had a show at Mas Camp with Skrillex. The night of the show was intense with anticipation of a great night. Shaggy, Sean Paul, Wayne Marshall, Tessanne Chin, Toots, Leftside and more were all around at the hotel where we stayed, and the staff were all asking us about the show. The fans all around and warm weather made it that much sweeter.
Arriving at the show, the place was packed to the brim. Skrillex went on first, and killed the crowd. He’s such a talented DJ—I loved his set. He’s so humble yet full of tons of energy and creativity. I even got him to come out of his shell and try my new dance I’d just choreographed called Born Bad. Check him out:
Major Lazer’s set was crazy as usual, from Walshy Fire and Jillionaire’s explosive personalities to Diplo’s crazy mixes and bubble ball, and Mela and Lafayette’s crazy dance moves, to special appearances by RDX, Ezra Koenig (of Vampire Weekend) and Major Lazer himself. I teamed up with the girls on stage for the dancehall segment of the show, and even a short solo. I think a lot of people in Jamaica will agree that the Mas Camp show was the show of the year.
It was bittersweet leaving the island but hey, I had the time of my life! This was the first music video that I’ve choreographed, and I’m excited to see the outcome, and itching to choreograph my next one. It’s been amazing working with Major Lazer since touring with them in Sweden and Norway last month. Mela Murder and Lafayette Bless and the whole crew are so much fun to be around, and work hard at what they do. They’re idea and push to have me choreograph this video was a great decision, and I’ll always be thankful for the faith that was placed in my hands.
Life is so crazy and unpredictable. Who would have thought when LargeUp’s DJ Gravy made the initial link to the Major Lazer crew (via Addy of Eccentrix Sound) that a month later I’d be choreographing their video in Jamaica and performing with them and Skrillex. Gravy has been a huge supporter in my career and a great dude! One show in Sweden led to a show in Norway and now this… But when something is meant to be, it will be, and now, it’s happened. Big up Gravy and LargeUp every time and much respect to Addy and Major Lazer!
If you’re in NYC, make sure you’re at Major Lazer’s show at Pier 94 on Dec. 30 with Boys Noize and GTA.
Click through for more photos from Blacka’s JA journey with Major Lazer and crew.