Jamaican culture strong on Diddy danceathon

United States rapper and businessman, Diddy, on Sunday hosted one of the biggest live-streaming shows the globe has seen since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Diddy's Danceathon, as it was dubbed, was held to raise funds for healthcare workers across the US. It was supported by countless celebrities, including Drake, Megan Thee Stallion , JLo, Ciara, DJ Khaled and Lebron James. With approximately 120,000 eyes watching worldwide, the Jamaican culture was not to be left out of the mix as the celebrities danced to all genres of music, including dancehall.

Dancehall music got a huge endorsement when Jamaican/Canadian supermodel Winnie Harlow took to the dancefloor to Vybz Kartel's mega-hit song, Clarks. As the song came on, Diddy's son, Justin, showed just how familiar he was with the track when he perfected the intro, dialect and all as he blurted out 'Wah gwaan, Popcaan' followed by a series of blank gun salutes commonplace in dancehall. While the track played in the background, Justin and his brother Christian joined Harlow in dance. The trio perfected the 'heel and toe' move.

A snippet of Harlow's appearance on the danceathon was posted to Vybz Kartel's original Instagram page. The account manager was clearly proud of the artiste's international reach. "If your music don't pass Norman Manley airport, STFU peasant," the caption under the video read.

Foundation members

But Vybz Kartel wasn't the only Jamaican artiste to be highlighted during the live stream. Music from foundation members, including Super Cat and Chaka Demus and Pliers, was also endorsed. In her appearance, internationally renowned choreographer, Parris Goebel, danced to Chaka Demus and Pliers' classic, Murder She Wrote. Diddy himself joined in showing off a few moves of his own. The host then continued the dancehall vibe when he played Super Cat's Dolly My Baby, a track he was featured on from 1993 alongside Mary J. Blige and the late Notorious B.I.G.

Diddy's danceathon pulled in US$3.7 million. The funds will be used to purchase much-needed personal protective equipment for health-care workers. Jamaica had a similar telethon yesterday that was also supported by local and international artistes alike.