Reading Religion and Spirituality in Jamaican Reggae Dancehall Dance: Spirit Bodies Moving

This book explores the genealogy of Jamaican dancehall, questioning if it has a spiritual underpinning, emphasizing dance, and cultural expression. It identifies performance and performative behaviors that represent spiritual ritual practices within the reggae/dancehall dance phenomenon, comparing it to Jamaican African/neo-African spiritual practices, Christianity, and post-modern holistic spiritual approaches. It will be of interest to students and scholars in performance studies, popular culture, music, theology, cultural studies, Jamaican/Caribbean culture, and dance specialists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate genealogy of Jamaican dancehall, posing profound questions about its spiritual essence, foregrounding dance, and serving as a vibrant cultural expression. It embarks on a fascinating exploration, uncovering the performance and performative behaviors that can be regarded as embodying spiritual ritual practices within the reggae/dancehall dance phenomenon. By juxtaposing reggae/dancehall against diverse spiritual traditions such as Jonkonnu masquerade, Revivalism, and Kumina, as well as Christianity and post-modern holistic spiritual approaches, this study offers a comprehensive analysis. This insightful work will captivate students and scholars alike, spanning fields such as performance studies, popular culture, music, theology, cultural studies, Jamaican/Caribbean culture, and dance specialists. It provides a rich tapestry of knowledge and insights, shedding light on the profound spiritual dimensions of Jamaican dancehall and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of the Caribbean and beyond.

Introduction:
Jamaican dancehall, a vibrant and dynamic cultural phenomenon, has captured the world's attention for its infectious rhythms, powerful lyrics, and unique style. While its origins can be traced back to the 1960s, dancehall has evolved into a multifaceted art form that encompasses music, dance, and cultural expression. In this book, we embark on a journey to explore the genealogy of Jamaican dancehall, examining its spiritual underpinnings, its role in foregrounding dance, and its significance as a cultural expression.
The Spiritual Underpinnings of Jamaican Dancehall:
One of the central themes of this book is the exploration of the spiritual dimension of Jamaican dancehall. While dancehall is often associated with hedonistic and materialistic themes, there is a growing belief that dancehall has a spiritual underpinning that goes beyond its surface-level appeal. This spiritual dimension is evident in the lyrics, rhythms, and performances of dancehall artists, who often express their faith, spirituality, and personal experiences through their music.
Foregrounding Dance in Jamaican Dancehall:
Dancehall is known for its energetic and dynamic dance styles, which are often characterized by intricate footwork, body movements, and rhythmic patterns. Dancehall has played a significant role in promoting dance as a form of cultural expression and social empowerment. Through its music and dance, dancehall has provided a platform for marginalized communities to express themselves, challenge social norms, and advocate for change.
Cultural Expression in Jamaican Dancehall:
Jamaican dancehall is not just a musical genre; it is a cultural movement that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the Jamaican people. Dancehall has become a powerful tool for expressing the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of the Jamaican community, particularly those living in poverty and marginalized areas. Through its music and dance, dancehall has contributed to the promotion of Jamaican culture and identity, both locally and internationally.
The Comparison with Other Spiritual Practices:
In order to deepen our understanding of the spiritual dimension of Jamaican dancehall, this book compares it with other spiritual practices such as Jonkonnu masquerade, Revivalism, and Kumina. These spiritual practices are deeply rooted in Jamaican culture and have played a significant role in shaping the spiritual landscape of the country. By juxtaposing dancehall with these other spiritual practices, we gain a broader perspective on the spiritual influences that have shaped Jamaican dancehall.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of the genealogy of Jamaican dancehall, examining its spiritual underpinnings, its role in foregrounding dance, and its significance as a cultural expression. Through its comparative analysis with other spiritual practices, this book provides a rich tapestry of knowledge and insights into the spiritual dimensions of Jamaican dancehall. This work will be of great interest to students and scholars in performance studies, popular culture, music, theology, cultural studies, Jamaican/Caribbean culture, and dance specialists.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367539719