Words by DJ Daneekah
Greetings, Large Up Massive! Dj Daneekah of CooYah Ladeez sound checking in, representin’ fi di gyal dem! Hailing from Australia, I recently moved to LA by way of San Francisco, and I love delivering a global dancehall sound. You can currently find me DJing for Jovi Rockwell, setting the vibes at LA’s coolest yard party, BoomYard LA, and once a month at the legendary Poom Poom Tuesdays session in Hollywood. Here are 10 jams that make me, and hopefully you as well, feel niceeeeee…
Vybz Kartel – Can’t Say No (ft Mon Cherie)
In my opinion, this tune off Kartel’s King of the Dancehall was heavily slept on. I love this tune because it instantly transports me to a tropical island, sipping rum punch with my future husband — it’s just a feelgood song, and I love Kartel in combination with a female artist.
Seanizzle feat. Bugle – Rasta Party
This tune is a DJ’s best friend. Conscious lyrics and Nyabinghi drums with a punchy, dancehall feel. This tune has mass crossover appeal and is a staple at BoomYard.
Vybz Kartel – Fever
This tune was one of the biggest hits of 2016, and who could deny it. The song sticks in my head for days and always gets a forward no matter where you play it. Tick tock, tick tock…
Deewun feat. Marcy Chin – Mek it Bunx Up
Definitely a favorite with the ladies, this tune made great traction in LA, and always turns the heat on the dancefloor up a notch.
Shaggy feat. Jovi Rockwell – I Got You
Undeniable radio appeal with this banger. This tune was stuck in my head from the first time I heard it. Jovi has one of the best voices in the game, and the dancehall veteran Shaggy seals the deal.
Jamie XX feat. Popcaan – (I Know There’s Gonna Be) Good Times
I will never tire of this tune, it has the ability to reset the dance when you are ready to change directions, and the hip-hop crowd loves this remix, a must for my arsenal.
PARTYNEXTDOOR – Not Nice
Unexpected fire from Canada’s PARTYNEXTDOOR, the first artist signed to Drake’s OVO Label. It has a Drake “One Dance” feel to it, and is slowly creeping onto the airwaves. Watch out fi dis!
Popcaan – Nah Idle
Latest from Poppy, and it doesn’t miss. I rate all his slower, uplifting tunes, and this one feels like a follow up to tunes like “Where we come from” and “Everything Nice.”
Alkaline – City
I could do a Top 10 tunes based on Alkaline alone! From “Champion Boy,” “Up,” “Wait Yuh Turn,” “One More Time” and “My side of the Story,” lyrically the man is bad. “City” was a summer anthem, and still locks off the dance!
Ayo Jay – Your Number
My set is never complete without jumping over to Africa real quick. The amount of music and creativity coming from the motherland is next level, and I’m hyped to see it getting more play in the US and Caribbean. This hit from Ayo Jay is catchy and feelgood, the perfect late summer jam.
Catch DJ Daneekah at Boomyard LA, this Sunday, October 9th (alongside DJ Rampage Global, DJ Shacia Payne, DJ Fyness and Samurasta), at Delicious Pizza, 5419 West Adams Blvd in Los Angeles, and every second Sunday of the month.
