Words by LargeUp Crew—
The role of women in dancehall is extensive and varied. Most famously, there are the dancehall queens who have turned the seductive movements inspired by the music into a distinctive and worldwide artform of its own. Deejaying has always been a male-dominated sport but that’s not to say there haven’t been many worthy ladies in the ranks, too. We decided it was about time to spotlight women’s contributions to dancehall by highlighting all of the genre’s most crucial female voices, from relative newcomer Tifa to pioneers like Sister Nancy. Turns out we aren’t the only ones thinking this: this Saturday, May 24, Club Amazura in Queens, NYC is hosting a concert dubbed the Invasion of the Queens, featuring an all-female cast of dancehall greats, including a number of the lady deejays on this list.