Big deal to perform in Jamaica –Jupitar

GHANAIAN Dancehall artiste, Jupitar, has expressed disgust at the recent needless trolling of Ghanaian artistes performing in Jamaica, noting they rather deserved applause for flying high the flag of Ghana in another country.

And that it is unfortunate critics water down the influence of foreign Dancehall artistes performing in the country which is the root of the popular music style.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Saturday, January 18, Jupitar, real name, Michael Okine, said it was the ultimate dream of every Dancehall artiste, including his colleagues from Ghana, to mount the stage in Jamaica.

The Enemies hitmaker who performed at Jamaica’s Sting Festival in 2022, describes it as a major achievement, saying, “every Dancehall artiste's dream is to perform in Jamaica, especially on a prestigious platform such as Sting where many popular Jamaican Dancehall artistes started from.

“For a Ghanaian artiste to earn a place on such a platform is a big deal but unfortunately, when we come back home, people feel it’s nothing.”

“However, I want to state that it reflects the efforts of Ghanaian artistes pushing a positive agenda and putting Ghana on the global music map and so we should be encouraged,” he said.

Since the beginning of this year, there has been a debate about the importance of Ghanaian Dancehall artistes performing in Jamaica.

The debate started following Shatta Wale’s performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Concert in Jamaica on December 31, 2024.

The shared opinions about Shatta’s feature had been sharply divided, particularly on social media but Jupitar blames the media for not educating the masses on the positive impact of such performances.

 “Shatta Wale’s gig in Jamaica will have a positive impact on our music industry. It’s a significant achievement for both the Ghanaian entertainment sector and the country as a whole. Many Ghanaians travel abroad to perform on international platforms which helps promote our music.”

“I have heard and read that his song, On God, which he performed at Vybz Kartel’s concert has really picked up in Jamaica and that is the impact I’m talking about.”

“Just because of selfish interests, we cannot downplay such performances. We need to encourage more of our artistes to establish solid connections to mount such huge platforms in Jamaica,” he said.

Jupitar showered praises on Vybz Kartel, hailing him as a Dancehall icon with a global impact. He also commended the opportunity given to Shatta Wale to perform in Jamaica, calling it a monumental feat for the Ghanaian artiste’s career.

 “Vybz Kartel, as we all know, is a global icon when it comes to Dancehall, and I can confidently say he’s the king of Dancehall worldwide. Therefore, giving Shatta Wale that recognition is a really big thing,” he added.